How to Graffiti a Skateboard
Hand-painted and individually designed skateboards are out-of-budget for many parents and young skateboard enthusiasts. If you want to liven up a plain skateboard or refurbish one you bought used or received as a hand-me-down, learning how to graffiti a skateboard will let you customize your board with one-of-a-kind art personalized to your own tastes. Inspire yourself with online galleries of murals created by both known and anonymous graffiti artists, arm yourself with a few supplies and you'll soon be skating on the board of your dreams.
Things You'll Need
- Vinyl spackle compound
- Trowel
- Rough-grit sandpaper
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Clean rag or cloth
- Blue painter's masking tape
- Spray primer
- Pencil
- Carbon paper (optional)
- Spray paint
- Thick-point permanent black marker
Instructions
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Prepare the Skateboard
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1
Fill any chips or gouges in the skateboard with vinyl spackle. Smooth with a trowel and allow to dry according to package instructions.
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2
Sand the surface of the board with rough-grit sandpaper to remove bumps and smooth out the surface. Repeat with fine-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth to the touch. Wipe off any dust with a clean rag or cloth.
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3
Mask off areas you do not wish to paint, such as the wheels and griptape, with blue painter's masking tape. Cover these areas completely to protect them from overspray.
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4
Spray the board with primer on both sides. Allow to dry completely overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Paint the Graffiti Designs
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5
Sketch a rough outline of your design onto the primed skateboard with a pencil.
If you do not feel confident in drawing your rough sketch freehand, use carbon paper to transfer a design printed from your computer to your skateboard. Place the carbon paper ink-down on the skateboard and tape in place to prevent smudging. Place the printout over the carbon paper and tape in place. Trace an outline of the printout to transfer the design.
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6
Apply colors, beginning with the lightest shade to avoid color bleed-through. Let dry for 20 minutes between each color.
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7
Add sharp black outlines to the words or shapes with the permanent marker. Create peaked edges on the outlines to emulate traditional graffiti art.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Research graffiti designs on the Internet before beginning your rough sketch and print out your favorite pieces of art to use as a reference when creating your own work.
Do not paint over griptape as it can lose its adherence and compromise the safety of the skateboard.
References
- Inside the World of Board Graphics: Skate, Surf, Snow; Robynne Raye, et al.
- Graffiti Artist Info: Skateboard Maintenance -- How to Paint Skateboard Decks
- Art of Skateboarding: How to Restore a Skateboard
- Longboarding Universe: How to Paint Your Skateboard, Longboard, Etc.
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
