Painting a graphite shaft

[binga7]

I have been looking at Rickie Fowlers clubs and notice he likes everything to be Oklahoma State colours.

What would be the effects of me painting my driver shaft.
Would it make the club heavier based on what type of paint i used?
Would it effect the flex?

Has anyone tried this?

[Danattherock]

I have been looking at Rickie Fowlers clubs and notice he likes everything to be Oklahoma State colours.

It will if you use lead based paint Seriously, I don't know. I personally wouldn't paint a shaft. -Dan

[TaylorMadeTaylor]

A coat of paint would have negligable effects on weight and stiffness I think. I don't see a problem with it.

[wrx_junki]

Definitely don't suggest painting it. One coat of paint will be a crap job and anymore will definitely change the weight and stiffness.

I believe they sell very light material that adheres to the shaft for different colors and designs. I'd like to suggest not doing either and just leave the shaft alone. You don't want to second guess your equipment by messing with it. Confidence is one of the most important items when it comes to golf.

[Gioguy21]

I'd have to vote no for painting as well...two reasons, since the club is flexing constantly i could forsee it cracking often (the paint), leavin it lookin like crap anyway. Aside from the possibility of it adding weight...give it 5 or 6 times comin in and outa the bag and it's gonna wear off almost immediately.

[SouthernILGolfer]

If you want to change the look, put some decals on it, couldnt imagine trying to paint a shaft. Im sure rickie fowler had his shafts made that color, not painted to match oklahoma state colors. Or get a head cover of your favorite team.

[SavvySwede]

Reviving this old thread to see if anyone out there has had any success painting their shafts. I have a few older clubs I don't use anymore so I figure I could do some tests on them. What kind of products should I try first? I am more interested in graphite because I'm figuring steel should be a much simpler process.

[rdsandy]

Reviving this old thread to see if anyone out there has had any success painting their shafts. I have a few older clubs I don't use anymore so I figure I could do some tests on them. What kind of products should I try first? I am more interested in graphite because I'm figuring steel should be a much simpler process.

Not sure why everyone suggested to not paint. Most/all graphite shafts are fiber blanks with a blah gray color that are painted for the final design.

[trickyputt]

The ink jet decal systems are probably ideal, since the ink is usually latex based anyway, but a clear top layer should be applied to protect the ink and seal it. Polyureathane paints would stick like crazy and be tough as nails. I would make a trip to a proper art supply store, as they often carry a wide variety of colors of paint blends you will never find in a hardware store. Be aware of the professional ink decals they float on water and "dip" the parts into like guns or moterbike fairings versus the home based inkjet products.

[joekelly]

Painting a graphite shaft is OK, but baking the paint requires a big oven.  Try the local pizzeria for 2 hours of off time.

[trickyputt]

Painting a graphite shaft is OK, but baking the paint requires a big oven.  Try the local pizzeria for 2 hours of off time.

The heat would melt the resin, so no binary paint systems..automotive paint has that heat issue.. or infrared lamps. UV cure would work though. Like the wide format printers use. Very permanent stuff AND you can check for pet pee spots.

[joekelly]

Someone's letting his dog pee on the golf clubs?  No dog is getting near my sticks.

[trickyputt]

Someone's letting his dog pee on the golf clubs?  No dog is getting near my sticks.

While there is enough acidity in urine to have a degreasing function, silicone and other potential adhesion problems are better solved by alchohol as a final prep. A silk optic lense cleaning wipe would leave little lint.