by Whether you’re looking to improve your leather football’s tackiness or improve your gameplay, there are several things you can do to get the most out of your leather football. These tips are helpful for players of all levels. Learn more about rosin as a tackifier and the Lena Blackburne Baseball Mud.
Lena Blackburne Baseball Mud
Whether you’re making a leather football from scratch or you’re simply looking for a unique touch, you can make it look tacky and authentic with a little Lena Blackburne Baseball Mud. This special mud is made in a secret location in southern New Jersey. It seeps into the leather cover of the ball and makes it moist.
Blackburne’s mud was first introduced to Major League Baseball in the 1930s and was soon adopted by every team in the American League. Later, the mud became a staple of the National League as well. Originally, the mud was only used by the Philadelphia Athletics, but soon after, it was adopted by every other major league team.
Before conditioning a football, it is important to condition it properly. First, make sure it’s inflated to a minimum of 13psi. Secondly, it’s important to make sure it’s soft enough to read logos and other details. It’s best to condition the football every month or so.
Once the mud has been harvested, Bintliff personally processes it. He then pours the mud through a screen to remove excess water. Next, he ages it. When it’s aged properly, the mud is then filled into containers and labeled with the company’s trademark logo.
Horween’s Tanned-In-Tack Leather
One of the best features of Horween’s football leather is its tack. This tacky feel makes the ball easier to grip. This type of leather has been used by NFL teams for over 70 years. Professional football leagues and amateur football organizations all choose Horween leather for their footballs.
The leather ball company is very proud of its talented workers and its proprietary “tanned-in-tack” finish. This process increases the stickiness and makes the football easier to hold. This leather is tanned in a 1,000-ton press using special embossing plates manufactured in Germany.
Among the most popular leathers from Horween are Chromexcel, Shell Cordovan, and Essex. Chromexcel is aniline leather, which is colored with soluble dyes. This type of leather is very durable, and getting better with age. It’s even waterproof. It’s also prone to scratching and has a high oil content.
In addition to having a waterproof coating, Horween’s footballs also have a special treatment. They’re brushed in multi-directional motions to ensure an even distribution of tack, conditioner, and mud. This helps to prevent moisture from settling into lace holes and bladder, which can lead to ice formation.
Rawlings’ Water-Repellent Treatment
A leather football can feel tacky when wet, but Rawlings’ water-repellent material makes it much more comfortable to play with. It also darkens the leather and makes it less likely to absorb water. However, this treatment only works if the football has foam padding on the backside that acts as a gasket.
During this process, the football carcass is submerged in a solution of methylchloroform. This solution reacts with the dyes and oils in the leather to form skin on the surface of the football. This solution dries out at the surface first, but it then absorbs into the leather to create an even darker finish. This process prolongs the reaction with the dyes and oils.
In addition, the water-repellent treatment on leather game balls is not permanent. It can be applied before construction or after it is finished. Moreover, the treatment is harmless to the ball’s important physical properties, which may affect its performance and the outcome of a game. The four lining panels are die-cut from two or three-ply fabric.
Using Rosin As A Tackifier
Using rosin as a scuff or tackifier is not an ideal solution. High concentrations of lanolin can cause the leather to expand and lose its shape over time. Proper care of your leather football will increase its durability and longevity.
If your leather football is in good condition, you can use tack spray once a week or condition it once a month. Alternatively, you can use rubbing mud, such as Lena Blackburne rubbing mud, or fine-grade packaged topsoil. However, be careful not to use sand-based rubbing mud as it will damage the leather. Also, make sure you use a brush designed for footballs. Avoid using a shoe polish brush or commercial cleaning products as they will scratch the leather.
Rosin resins can be hydrogenated to enhance their heat and chemical stability. The result is an improved tackifier with lower color and increased durability. Hydrogenated rosin resins can be used for a variety of adhesive applications.
If you’re thinking about using rosin as a tackifier, it’s important to understand what it is. Tackifiers are substances that make a surface more resistant to water and other chemicals. Rosin esters are naturally occurring substances that can be derived from tree sap, such as gum and wood. Tall oil rosin, made from tall oil rosin paper, is another type of rosin. It’s compatible with various polymers, including acrylics. However, rosin esters are expensive.
Wilson’s Tackifier
Wilson’s tackifier is a spray-on treatment that strengthens a football’s grip. It’s great for footballs made of leather or composite materials, and it makes the ball more grip-worthy so players can make accurate passes.
A tackifier works by creating a rough surface on leather. To achieve this, you must first roughen the leather with a wire brush or sandpaper. You can then apply the tackifier on a clean cloth and rub it in a circular motion.
Read Also: How to Read Horse Racing Form
Once the tackifier has been applied, the football is ready for conditioning. A leather football may become dry over time. Using a leather conditioner can help replenish the leather’s natural oils. After conditioning, dry the football thoroughly with a clean cloth.
The Wilson X-Pro technology is another upgrade. It can be added to high-end leather footballs. This system includes an in-ball sensor and accompanying software. The system collects data on the mechanics of the ball’s flight, such as spin rate and spiral efficiency. It also measures release time, velocity, and angle of launch, which can be useful in analyzing quarterback performance.
How to Make a Leather Football Tacky
A tacky leather football offers a better grip, making it easier to catch, throw, and hold onto during gameplay. Here’s how to make a leather football tacky:
-
Clean the football: Firstly, remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the football using a damp cloth. Dry the football thoroughly before proceeding.
-
Apply a leather conditioner: Next, apply a small amount of leather conditioner or football-approved tacky spray to a clean cloth. Be sure to use a product specifically designed for leather footballs, as other substances can damage the leather or be considered illegal in competitive play.
-
Rub the conditioner into the football: Gently rub the cloth with the conditioner or tacky spray onto the football’s surface in a circular motion, ensuring even coverage. Focus on the areas where the ball is usually gripped, such as the laces and seams.
-
Allow the football to dry: Let the football dry for a few minutes, giving the conditioner or tacky spray time to be absorbed by the leather.
-
Buff the football: After the football has dried, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface, removing any excess conditioner or tacky spray. This will help create a tacky finish without making the ball slippery.
-
Test the grip: Hold and throw the football to test the tackiness. If the grip still isn’t satisfactory, you can repeat the process, but avoid over-applying conditioner or tacky spray, as this can lead to a slippery surface.
Remember to check the rules of your league or competition before using any products on the football. Some leagues may have strict guidelines about what can be applied to the ball. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using leather conditioners or tacky sprays.
