How to Paint Fill Golf Clubs (Stamps, Loft Numbers and Logos)

Paint fill is what makes a stamp readable at address. It is also the quickest way to freshen up a set of clubs: faded loft numbers, a chipped logo or a worn cavity badge all come back with ten minutes and a paint pen.

The method is the same whether you are filling a fresh stamp or a factory engraving.

What you need

• Golf club paint fill pens in your colours
• Acetone or isopropyl alcohol wipes
• Masking tape if the engraving sits close to an area you want to keep clean

Step 1: Clean the groove

Paint will not grip over dirt, grass or old grease. Wipe the area with acetone or alcohol and make sure the groove is completely dry. On a fresh stamp, peel the placement tape off first.

Step 2: Fill it

Run the paint pen slowly along the engraving so the paint pools in the groove. Do not worry about staying perfectly inside the lines. Slightly over the edges is fine, the wipe takes care of it.

Step 3: Leave it ten minutes

This is where most people go wrong. Wipe too early and you drag the paint out of the groove. Leave it untouched for about ten minutes so the surface skins over. A quick pass with a lighter or heat gun can speed this up, but it is optional.

Step 4: One swipe

Take an acetone or alcohol wipe that is almost dry. One smooth swipe across the surface, flat and even. It lifts the excess sitting on top and leaves the paint down in the engraving.

Never use a dry towel or cloth. It smears the paint across the face instead of lifting it off.

Fixing a mistake

If the fill comes out patchy or you pulled paint out of the groove, wipe the whole thing out with acetone and start again. Paint fill is not permanent, which is the point. The stamp stays, the colour can change as often as you like.

Stripping old paint fill

To change colours on a club that is already filled, soak a wipe in acetone and work it into the groove until the old paint lifts. A wooden toothpick helps with stubborn corners. Clean, dry, then fill as normal.

Picking colours

High contrast reads best from address: white, black or a bright on a chrome or satin head. On a dark or black finish, go white, gold or a neon. A lot of players colour-code by loft, one colour per wedge, so they can grab the right club out of the bag without looking twice.

The paint fill pen set covers the classics, or grab a single colour if you already know what you want.

Stamping your own?

If you want letters or numbers of your own to fill, start with the step-by-step stamping guide or see the wedge stamping kits.