How do I "refresh" a gazing ball?

Other than spray painting with a metallic paint - any other ideas for refreshing a gazing ball that has gotten dull?
  11 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 13, 2015
    I have the same problem. Have you tried cleaning yours? I have painted an old one but I used the wrong color and ruined it.
  • Z Z on Oct 13, 2015
    With seeing pictures, my guess is the dullness is more than likely from rain and its deposits. I would clean with a mild soap on a soft sponge. I use Dawn blue dish washing liquid for everything like this, to cut the build up. Regular window cleaner should also work.
  • Debi53 Debi53 on Oct 13, 2015
    If washing like Becky suggested doesn't bring it back, try buffing it with any cheap toothpaste and a soft cloth. This works on restoring car headlights and will probably work on your piece. The toothpaste has a very mild abrasive which cleans and buffing it with the cloth should polish your gazing ball.
  • Arlene Fitzpatrick Arlene Fitzpatrick on Oct 13, 2015
    Becky, Debi -- I'll try both = thanks. I have tried washing it but not with Dawn - which seems to have numerous uses.
    • Z Z on Oct 13, 2015
      @Arlene, please let us know what works for future reference.
  • Bwarner50 Bwarner50 on Oct 14, 2015
    I "resurfaced" my ball this summer by gluing on the glass stones you can get at Dollar Tree. I used silcone caulk to attach the stones all over the ball. I love it!
    • Arlene Fitzpatrick Arlene Fitzpatrick on Oct 15, 2015
      @Bwarner50 I may do this as a last resort - thanks but really want to restore the luster if possible.
  • Eileen B. Eileen B. on Oct 17, 2015
    You can get stuff specifically restoring headlights at an automotive store.
  • Arlene Fitzpatrick Arlene Fitzpatrick on Oct 17, 2015
    I'll try this -- thanks Eileen.
  • Barbara Valenti Barbara Valenti on Oct 19, 2015
    Maybe some wax like polishing furniture and I just thought about using some rain X afterwards to protect the finish.
  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 18, 2022

    Hi Arlene, you should be able to use rustoleum mirror effect paint, just spray it into the inside of a clean and dry gazing ball, then tilt and turn to spread it, you may have to use a could of cans, hope this helps you out!

  • Arlene Fitzpatrick Arlene Fitzpatrick on Jul 18, 2022

    Thank you!