Repairing the exterior of a football

[tom1315]

Today I picked a UNC Tar Heel college game used Wilson football at our flea market. It has "North Carolina" laser engraved and is in good shape lace wise though the bladder is missing. It still has enough air to display well.

The exterior is beat to death...really tough in spots. Any suggestions re using say mink oil to improve or another topical agent? Any services to send the football to to recondition the leather exterior?

Thank you!

Tom

Go Pack! NC State 1981 graduate

[RaiderNationPDX]

If you're looking for a service, try Hammer Sports Relics; a quick forum search should bring up some past work of theirs. Reasonably priced, and will also replace the bladder and re-lace the ball if you want.

As far as conditioning it yourself, I personally wouldn't use mink oil. Lexol is my favorite; rather than imparting a greasy, dead sheen to the ball, it restores the leather in a subtle, natural way. Just about any hardware store should carry it (Ace for certain).

[tom1315]

Thank you re the recommendation of Lexol. I will try that 1st.

Thanks! Tom