Just curious, I don't do it.....
but is it okay to just de oil a ball, clean it, and be done with it? or continue with the surface process till you get to the desired grit?
Standing at his lectern ---
Actually surfaces change the ball reaction much more rapidly than oil absorption changes the ball reaction. We don't see it because it is so gradual.
Delicate Surfaces like 4000 grit need refreshing after 3 (minimum) -9 (maximum) games. 2000 grit and lower need it less often, but not much less.
I've polish disappear after 3 games, in the track. Often I keep thinking it's dirt, but when I clean it 1x, then 2x, then 3x and it's still dull, I know the polish has been worn away and the ball is hooking earlier and earlier.
Oil is absorbed VERY rapidly by the strongest balls - no Rules, Scandals, Grudges, Gurus etc. but most don't need de-oiling for 20 - 40 games. But every one needs the surface refreshed much more often than that, maybe 9 - 20 games, depending on the surface, and bowlers rev rate.
If you want to keep a ball at its optimum, you need surface work and de-oiling, as well as maintenance after every use.