How to Apply Grip Tape To A Skateboard

Grip tape comes in a variety of colors and patterns nowadays, many more options than the standard black grit. Follow these steps and you'll be well on your way to getting your deck rolling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Skateboard deck
• Grip tape
• Razor blade or exacto knife
• Scissors
• Screwdriver or metal file

1. Place your skateboard deck graphics side down on the floor. Make sure the surface that you're going to apply the grip tape to is clean and clear of lint fuzzies.

2. Line up the grip tape on one side of your board and peel off the backing.

3. As you go from one side to the other with your grip tape smooth out any bumps that you come across. If you find that you have bumps that you can't work out use your razor blade and put a small incision in the bump and then press it down.

4. Take your screwdriver or metal file and hold it at a 45 degree angle. Start rubbing the edge of your skateboard to take off the excess grip tape. Keep rubbing until you get a good line all the way around your board.

5. Lastly, flip your board over so that the bottom of the deck is facing you. Take the razor blade and hold it at a 45 degree angle and start trimming off the excess grip tape.

6. Now you're board is ready for assembly.

Tips & Warnings

• The sharper the razor blade the better
• Don't buy cheap grip tape, the sticky is not too sticky. Plus it's only a couple bucks more to get the good stuff.
• Careful, razor blades are sharp!

[the_how_to_guy]

on 12/5/2006 thank you