Making a leather football tacky is not as hard as it may seem. In fact, with the right tools and tips, you can have your football looking and feeling great in no time! In this guide, we will answer common questions about how to make a leather football tacky. We will provide useful tips on choosing the right materials and methods for your needs. So whether you are a beginner or experienced tackifier, this guide has something for everyone!
Why Leather Footballs Need to Be Tacky
The game of football is a physical one. From the gridiron to the turf, players are constantly in contact with each other and the ground. This repeated contact can cause wear and tear on even the best footballs. A good way to help prolong the life of your ball is to make sure it is tacky.
A leather football that isn’t tacky can be very slippery and hard to grip, which can lead to fumbles or dropped passes. In addition, a tacky football gives quarterbacks a better grip on the ball when throwing, which can result in more accurate passes. You wouldn’t want to lose a game just because of the slippery ball! Overall, having a tacky leather football just makes the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
So now that we know why it’s important to have a tacky football, let’s talk about how to make one!
Prepping a Leather Football
There are a few different ways that you can make your leather football tacky. We will overgo through the complete process of it, starting from cleaning.
Brush the whole ball
Get a soft-bristled brush, and brush the entire surface of the ball. This will help remove any dirt or grime that may be on the ball. You don’t want to use a harsh brush because it can damage the leather.
Use multi-dimensional strokes when brushing the ball. This means that you brush in a circular motion, but also up and down, and side to side.
After you have brushed the ball, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe it down. This will remove any leftover debris from brushing. Make sure that you wring out the cloth well so that it is only slightly damp. You don’t want to soak the ball in water because it can damage the leather.
To make prepping more effective, you may also deflate your ball a little. [1], [2]
Mix leather conditioner with tack spray
In a bowl, mix together 2 parts of leather conditioner and 1 part of tack spray. You can find both of these items at a sporting goods store. Stir the mixture well until it is combined.
Leather conditioner will help to keep the ball from drying out and cracking. And the tack spray will help to make the ball sticky so that it is easier to grip as well as will help the conditioner to adhere better. [1]
Apply Leather Conditioner and Tack Spray Mixture
Let the mixture sit on the ball for at least 5 minutes so that it can soak in. After that, take a look whether or not the coverage is even. If it looks good, then you can move on to the next step. If not, then apply more of the mixture to the ball until it is evenly coated.
Once the ball is evenly coated, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess mixture. You don’t want there to be too much tack spray on the ball because it can make it difficult to grip. [1], [2]
Go Over the Ball With a Blowdryer
Set your blow dryer to the medium setting and hold it about 5 inches away from the ball. Go over the entire surface of the ball with the blow dryer. This will help to set the mixture so that it lasts longer.
Use continuous motion and avoid staying in one spot for too long, as this can cause the leather to dry out and crack. [1]
Apply Another Layer of Conditioner
To help football leather absorb more moisture and to make it more pliable, you can apply another layer of conditioner. This will also help to keep the ball from drying out and cracking.
Grab a clean cloth to apply a thin layer of conditioner to the ball. Make sure that you evenly coat the entire ball. You don’t want to miss any spots and panels or else the ball won’t be as tacky.
Let the conditioner sit on the ball for at least a day so that it can soak in. After that, take a look whether or not the coverage is even. [1]
Cover the Ball with Football Mud
After the ball has been conditioned, it’s time to cover it with silt-based football mud.
Football mud is a sticky, tacky substance that helps players get a better grip on the ball. It’s made from a variety of ingredients, including waxes, oils, and other chemicals. Some people believe that football mud also helps to protect the leather of the ball from wear and tear.
To apply, mix together the football mud and water in a bowl. The consistency should be that of a slightly runny goo. If it’s too thin, then add more football mud. If it’s too thick, then add more water.
Once the mixture is the right consistency, use your hand to apply a thin level of mud to the ball. Make sure that you evenly coat the entire ball but avoid getting mud on lace. You can also use a brush to apply the mud if you prefer.
Let the ball dry for at least an hour so that the football mud can set. It’s vital to let the football dry completely before you use it; otherwise, the ball will be too sticky. [1], [2]
Brush the mud into the ball
After the ball has dried, it’s time to brush the mud into the ball. Use a soft-bristled brush to evenly brush the mud into the ball. You want to make sure that you get into all of the creases and panels.
Keep in mind that ball mud can make brushes unusable, so make sure that you use an old one. [1], [2]
Condition and brush the ball again
After you’ve brushed the mud into the ball, it’s time to condition and brush it once again. This will help to remove the dusty appearance left behind by the mud and will also help to make the ball more tacky. If you deflated your ball prior, you can now inflate it back to its usual shape.
Use Wax Bar Method as an Alternative
If you can’t get your hands on tack spray or football mud, there are alternative methods that you can try.
One is to use a leather lax bar after applying football mud. A leather lax bar is a tool that lacrosse players use to remove excess mud from their lacrosse sticks. It’s essentially a piece of leather with bristles on one side.
Care Tips
Here are a few tips to help you care for your leather football and ensure it stays tacky for longer.
- Brush it after every game;
- Apply tack spray every week;
- Store the ball away from the direct sunlight;
- Condition the ball on the monthly basis; [1], [3]
FAQ
How do you revive a leather football?
If your leather football is starting to look dry, there are a few things you can do to revive it. First, try using a leather conditioner. This will help to replenish the natural oils in the leather and make it more supple. You can also try using a damp cloth with soap to clean the ball. Be sure to wipe the ball thoroughly after cleaning it so that no soap residue is left behind.
How do I make my football less slick?
There are a few things you can do to make your football less slick. First, you can try using a tack bar or a brush. This will help to rough up the surface of the ball and give it more grip. You can also try using talcum powder or sandpaper to roughen up the ball. Finally, you can try treating the ball with a leather conditioner or beeswax.
How do you soften a leather football?
There are a few ways that you can soften a leather football. One way is to soak the ball in warm water for a while. Another way is to rub the ball with Vaseline or another type of petroleum jelly. You can also use football mud to soften the ball.
Once you’ve softened the ball, you’ll need to condition it. You can use a variety of conditioners, but we recommend using one that’s specifically designed for leather footballs.
Useful Video: Quarterbacks – Learn How to Get Your Balls Smooth, Supple and Tacky!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make your football tacky, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice! Grab a friend and head outside for an afternoon of fun. The next time you have a game scheduled, be sure to prep your ball with tack spray ahead of time so you can enjoy the game without worrying about the ball slipping out of your hands. And don’t forget – condition your ball regularly to keep it in good shape. Thanks for reading and we hope you have a great season!
References:
- https://www.wilson.com/en-us/blog/football/how-tos/how-prep-football-pros
- https://ballbreakersinc.com/blogs/educational/how-to-break-in-a-leather-football
- https://www.sherrin.com.au/care-maintenance
