no smooth is the way to go. the pads need to grip on to the ball if you have a stabilizer.no paint on the ball. keep it free from rust and covered when not in use.
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Juat make sure all the black paint is removed from the ball itself - use sand paper, or one of those circular sanding wheels that fit into a cordless drill. I used the cordless drill method - its quicker and much easier IMHO.
You would find it very difficult to rough it up and it is not necessary. That's why its made smooth. Just sandpaper the paint off and if it goes rusty after getting wet just sand off the surface rust.
Yes Keep the ball clean and smooth. Any rust or dirt that appears, use fine wet and dry paper or 0000steel wool. you will find it in your diy store with the wood varnishes and waxes.
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