Bocce ball is a classic backyard game that has been enjoyed by many generations. The game is easy to play and requires minimal setup, making it a popular choice for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and barbeques.
While bocce sets come in a variety of colors, sometimes, you may want to customize your set to match your style. That’s where painting comes in. Or perhaps your balls have taken a beating over the years from rough surfaces and they need a good refresh – but can you paint bocce balls yourself?

Can You Paint Bocce Balls
So can you paint bocce balls? Yes, technically you can paint bocce balls. But should you? Is it worth the time and effort? Let’s look at the steps and effort involved.
Most bocce sets are made of durable resin, which makes it possible to paint (or repaint) and customize them.
That said, while it is definitely possible to paint bocce balls yourself, I find that most people underestimate the amount of work it requires. Painting bocce balls is not a hard task, but it takes a lot of time and patience to get a good result. Not only that, but you have to repeat the exact same process 8 times for each of your 8 bocce balls.
Currently you can get a brand new, high quality bocce set for under $100. So unless your current bocce set is extremely sentimental to you, or you really want an excuse to do a project, I’d recommend springing for a new bocce set with a style you like vs. trying to paint (or repaint) them on your own.
Identify Your Bocce Ball Type
If at all possible, you’ll first want to identify the material of your bocce ball. This will help you to determine the type of paint required for the job. The majority of bocce sets are made of resin, but some may be plastic or wood. Make sure to choose the appropriate type of paint for the material that you are working with. A local paint shop might be willing to give advice if you aren’t sure, and you ask nicely for some quick advice.

If you have wooden balls (which is fairly rare as modern bocce balls are usually heavier than wood), ideally you should first remove any remaining existing paint by gently sanding it off.
If you have metal balls and there is any metal exposed, ideally you’ll want to first remove any existing paint and use metal primer and metal paint to ensure good adherence and protection for the metal.

If you have resin balls (which is most common), resin typically doesn’t accept paint as easily as wood. The key here is to rough up the surface with some fine sand paper to create more tiny grooves for the primer and paint to adhere to. It’s also critical to use multiple coats of paint, I’d recommend at least three.
If you have hard plastic balls, I recommend following the same steps as for resin balls.
Step 1: Clean Your Balls
To begin, wash the balls with soap and water and dry them thoroughly so you can get a clear idea of the surface you are working with.
Step 2: Prepare Your Balls
Next, use a fine grade of sandpaper to create a rough surface to help the primer and paint adhere better. Once you’ve thoroughly sanded the surface, use a damp cloth to remove any residue.
Step 3: Pick Your Bocce Ball Design and Paint Color
Next, decide on the design you want to paint. You can opt for solid colors or more intricate patterns. If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with a solid color, as it will be easier to achieve a consistent finish. You can choose your own desired color paint, but the traditional colors for bocce are red and green.
If you are aiming to paint a pattern, to make sure the paint looks clean and neat, apply painter’s tape around the areas you don’t want to paint. This is very tricky so I strongly recommend going for a solid color for best results.
Step 4: Setting Up For Painting
When you’re ready to paint, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside on a comfortable day without too much wind.
Step 5: Applying the Paint, Then Paint Again…
Apply the paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying another. Keep in mind that you may need to apply several coats to achieve your desired color or design, I usually recommend at least 3 coats.
Step 6: Applying a Protective Finish
Lastly, after you have finished painting, add a protective coating on top of your design. This will help ensure that your design doesn’t get scratched off easily and will help make your bocce set last for many fun outdoor games to come.
Step 7: Dry Your Balls
It’s critical to leave enough time for the bocce set to fully dry before playing a round.
Painting Homemade Bocce Balls vs. Buying New Bocce Balls
Painting bocce balls is a doable DIY project for those looking to customize their set or add some personality to their outdoor games. With the right materials and techniques, anyone can paint bocce balls (provided you’re willing to put in enough time and elbow grease).
The crucial thing is to prep the surfaces properly, choose the correct paint, and apply it in thin, even coats. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a set of custom painted bocce balls that will be the envy of your friends and family at your next bbq.