How should I go about restoring bocce balls?

My Nonno used to restore his when I was a kid…I think that he just used ordinary paint (probably lead based) that can be bought at any hardware store.

If they are metal balls (and apparently they are painted, whereas I only know those balls to be bare) then I assume they were muffled.
Since I don’t assume you have a kiln to do that job yourself I think it is a good idea to go to a paint shop and ask for a metal paint and tell them what you want to use it for.
They might advice you which treatment to give the balls.
If they are wooden balls I suggest to sand them, ground them, sand again, finish them with the desired color paint and give them two lairs of lacquer (again, a paint shop can advice you on which paint and lacquer to use).
The lacquer could be one that is also used to lacque boats or floorings.

I drive by people every day playing bocce. If you want, I’d be happy to stop and see if any of them know how to restore the balls. Let me know. It isn’t a problem. I looked online and couldn’t find any information.

I am puzzled by how you will sand them and still maintain their perfect balance and symmetry? Won’t sanding throw that off???

@rebbel they are wood
@rooeytoo They are a really cheap set. I can’t imagine they were that well balanced to begin with

I would simply sand and repaint….I would imagine as long as your gentle in the sanding process…they should remain the same… and a light coat of paint should not change them in weight and or shape all that much.