Soccer balls require regular replacement due to frequent use. This leads to a pile-up of old balls. Through upcycling, you can turn what was destined for the landfill into functional home or backyard décor. This guide explores ways to repurpose worn soccer balls to avoid unnecessary waste.
Soccer is a popular sport, and the ball is one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in training and games. This leads to extensive wear and tear, necessitating regular replacement. Replacing worn soccer balls is costly for you and the environment.
Recycling soccer balls can be challenging because they are made from a mix of synthetic materials, including rubber, polyester, and plastic. Dropping them off at the nearest recycling bin just won't cut it.
Fortunately, Loctite, the Official Sponsor of the U.S. Soccer Federation, offers top-quality adhesives to bond various materials. Read on for a list of upcycling ideas you can use to pump new life into old soccer balls.
Create the following soccer ball decorations and save this commonly used piece of sporting gear from the landfill.
Are you an avid soccer fan with a soft spot for plants? Pay homage to your favorite sport with these soccer-themed planters.
1. Gather supplies:
- Old discarded soccer ball
- Punch pliers
- Utility knife
- Spray paint
- Wire ribbon for hanging the planter
- Plants
- Plastic film
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
- Old newspapers
2. Prepare the ball: Clean the ball thoroughly to remove all dust, dirt, and debris. Ensure the ball is clean and dry to improve paint adhesion.
3. Cut an opening for your plant: Use a utility knife to cut along the seams of some sections to create enough space for your plant.
Tip: If the ball has any unwanted tears, use Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to seal them permanently.
4. Paint the ball: If you want a custom appearance or to match a space’s color scheme, you will need to paint the ball. Start by filling the inside of the ball with crumpled newspapers through the opening. This will give it a full look. Use masking tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint.
Pro tip: Painting a sleek ball surface can be challenging. Ensure the paint adheres properly by preparing the surface with universal primer.
Allow the primer to dry by leaving it in place for about 30 minutes. Afterward, spray your preferred paint color onto the prepared surface.
5. Attach hanging wire: Remove the newspaper stuffing after the paint is completely dry. Use a pair of pliers to punch holes for the hanging ribbon wire. For maximum support, punch holes in at least three opposing sides. Thread the hanging wire through the holes and tie off the edges with a tight, sturdy knot.
Tip: Do not place the holes too close to the edge of the ball to prevent the wire from tearing through the material.
6. Install plastic film: Line the ball’s interior with plastic film to keep water from dripping through whenever you water your plant. Remember to puncture a few holes in the bottom of the lining and the soccer ball to promote proper drainage.
7. Hang the planter: Choose the perfect spot for it and mount it.
Did your team have an exceptional season? Show your support and gratitude to the supporting staff’s hard work with this coach appreciation gift.
1. Gather supplies:
- Markers
- Pencils
- A 2-dimensional soccer ball printout
- Acrylic paint and paint brushes
- Four wooden dowels (each about 4 inches long)
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
- A drill
- One 4.75 x 4.75-inch block of wood
- Plastic grocery bags (optional)
2. Prepare the ball: Ensure your ball is clean and dry before you start painting it. Simplify your work by inflating the ball to the correct pressure.
Tip: If the ball can’t hold air, stuff it with plastic grocery bags or old newspapers to give it a firm, round shape. Seal the opening used to stuff the ball using Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control.
3. Download and print a soccer ball template: Make your work easier by downloading or drawing a template. Use it to sketch the designs you have in mind.
Tip: The best designs and messages should have a personal connection with your coach. You can also include team crests and major achievements in the overall design.
4. Draw the designs: Use a fine-point marker to draw design outlines on the ball surface. Use the sketch you made in the previous step as a guide.
5. Fill out the designs: Use markers or acrylic paint and brushes to carefully color inside the outlined designs.
6. Build a ball stand: Draw a 4 x 4-inch square on the block of wood. Drill holes for the dowels in each corner of the square. Cut the dowels to about 3 inches and insert them into the holes. Apply Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel inside the holes before inserting the dowels to ensure a tight, durable fit.
Set the ball on the stand for a professional-looking display. This stand allows the ball to be displayed on a desk or shelf without any risk of rolling away.