A method of surface treating a golf ball by applying a thin coat of a lubricant having a hydrophilic/hydrophobic character, such as oleic acid. Prior to the stamping of indicia onto the surface of a ball having been prepped with a water-based primer coat, a lubricant is required to aid the ball in a spinning action which is necessary for properly orienting the equator of the ball in a holding mold. After the stamping of indicia, the ball is then painted with a solvent-based clear finishing coat. A thin chemical interface is created wherein the hydrophilic nature of the oleic acid attaches to the primer coat and the hydrophobic nature attaches to the solvent-based finishing topcoat, thereby avoiding compatibility issues between the water and solvent based paints.
1. A method for surface treating a pre-painted golf ball, the method comprising:
providing the pre-painted golf ball;
applying a lubricant that has a hydrophilic segment at one end of the molecule and a hydrophobic segment at the other end of the molecule;
orienting the ball in a mold wherein the equator of the ball is situated in a predetermined position;
applying indicia onto the surface of the golf ball; and
applying a clear topcoat to the surface of the ball.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lubricant comprises oleic acid.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the golf ball has a water-based primer coat applied prior to the applying of the lubricant.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lubricant is applied to the golf ball by a metered spraying onto buffing wheels wherein a thin coat is therein applied as the golf ball is buffed.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the lubricant is metered to the buffing wheels by a low pressure low volume spray applicator.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the application of indicia onto the surface of the ball is by stamping.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the topcoat comprises a solvent-based paint.