How to Custom Paint a Tennis Racket

Customizing your tennis racket can give your on-court appearance a fresh new look. Once you have spray painted your racket with your own, individual choice of colors, you are left with a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of equipment that really makes a statement. A custom-painted tennis racket can boost your confidence on the court.

Lay down some old sheets of newspaper on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Remember that the area where you spray paint your racket might get covered in paint stripper, primer or paint.

Remove every part of the racket that you can separate from the main body, including the strings, grommets, rubber grip band, grips, bumper guards and weights. Sideline these parts of the racket in a plastic tub for safekeeping.

Cover areas of the racket you don't want to spray paint with masking tape, such as the racket handle.

Put on the rubber gloves and coat your racket with paint stripper, following the instructions on the stripper's container. Wait the designated length of time and remove any remaining paint with sandpaper. Wipe down the now paint-free racket frame with a wet towel or rag and let the racket dry.

Apply the first coat of primer after reading the instructions on the spray can. Coat the racket evenly from the same distance, such as 12 inches away, and use the same spraying angle. This allows the primer to form a neat, even coverage. Let the primer dry for at least two hours before taking wet sandpaper and buffing out any bumps and lumps. Add a second coat of primer in the same color and in the same fashion as you did the first coat and let the primer dry. Continue adding coats of primer and using the sandpaper until you have a perfect, even finish. This is the key to a good custom paint job.

Spray paint your racket all over with your color of choice. If you are using two or more colors, however, make sure there is masking tape on the parts of the racket you want to protect. Repeat the spraying process you used when applying the primer. Spray at least three coats of paint, leaving the racket to dry and sanding away imperfections in between the application of coats.

Tips

Patience is the key to a good customized paint job. Make sure you apply several coats of primer and paint and scrape away any imperfections with sandpaper to get the best, even finish.

Warnings

Paint strippers and, to a lesser extent, spray paints are almost always highly toxic, so you should read and follow the instructions on the can before using this type of product.