To patch some things, I use Bondo (located in the automobile section of Walmart, and in auto supply stores.) It is two part. A tube of hardener is supplied on top of the can. The hardner is addded to the gooey base material. The more hardener added, the quicker it sets up. The hardener turns the base pinkish, and the pinker it is the faster it sets up. Directions are on the can. I use paper plates and popsicle sticks and toss them when finished.

It can be sanded easily.

I sound like a commercial.

Thanks for the info soxxx, I am getting ready to patch and paint a jumping horse and now I know what to use to patch the holes from the handles and footrest.
Syble

I hate it when my balls crack...

I have never added to mine. the color was so nice that I just put in the garden among plants. But I had two crack. One was black but it ended up a dark green swirly design. It cracked so I took a chisel and hammer (used glasses) and got it all off. The inside of course was 2 inches or so small but it was so cool. Looks like a planet. I am not sure what I will do with it in the spring. Oh you can get bondo in a plastic bucket ready to use...can sand and stain or paint. good luck.

I had a couple of cracked bowling balls in the past. I tried filling in the crack with wood filler but it shrunk and the crack is visible again. I just told the recipients of those two balls to keep them in a sheltered spot. One of them (my Mom) keeps hers in the sun room. I'm not sure about the other one.

Other balls that I've had outdoors for years were not cracked to begin with and have held up fine, except for losing the occasional marble.

Best wishes!

I would also try to be sure the crack is facing down when you are finished with it.... that way water can't get in accidentally and freeze and crack the ball further.
Even though I cover my balls with foil first, I still put the holes on the bottom to prevent ice.

Thank you all for your advice. The crack is all the way around the bowling ball and approximately 1/2" deep. I may just decide to get rid of it rather than risk the expense and time of decorating it.

Have you thought about cutting the ball in half or where it is cracked and paint it to look like a lady bug. I saw some balls painted as lady bugs on this site, not quite sure where though. Even if the ball halves aren't equal, that wouldn't matter as the painting would cover up everything.