How to Apply Skateboard Grip Tape

Grip tape is the sandpaper-like surface on the top of a skateboard deck that helps a skater's shoes grip the board so he can effectively skate and perform tricks and jumps. For grip tape to do its job, you must apply it correctly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Select the grade and color of the grip tape you want to use. It comes in a variety of colors, from dark solids like black or charcoal gray to bright fluorescents like orange and electric green. A high grade grip tape is more course and can make it harder to do flip tricks, but it can be perfect for bowl skating. If the grade of the grip tape is too low, it might not give you enough grip and your feet may slip on the board.
2. Start with a rectangular sheet of grip tape, sized a little longer and wider than your skateboard deck. Some skaters like to have cutout designs in the grip tape while others prefer a solid grip surface; it's a personal preference based on how much grip you need for your skating style.
3. Make sure the top of your skateboard deck is clean and clear of residue from previous grip tape. You need a smooth, clean surface on which to apply your new grip tape. Peel the paper backing off the back of the sheet of grip tape and center it over the top of the deck. Set it carefully on top of the deck.
4. Press down in the middle of the deck with your palms and smooth the tape outward toward the edges with your fingers. Work slowly to ensure you don't allow air bubbles to form under the tape and to make the tape fully covers the board and all edges are covered.
5. Edge the tape by using a metal tool like the metal part of a screwdriver or the rounded part of a skateboarding T-tool to make a hard edge or border along the edge, curling the grip tape about a half-inch over the edge of the deck's top. As you press down, the color of the tape will turn a light shade of the color or even white as you rub off the grit to make a smooth edge.
6. Use a razor blade or a box knife to trip along just outside the edge marking so you are trimming along the top edge of the skateboard.
7. Smooth any edges that are sticking up, pushing down. You may even want to run the same metal tool (screwdriver, T-tool or wrench) around the edge to make sure it is smooth. Any pulled-up edge or knick in the grip tape surface can stick to your shoe or cause you to trip.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful that all edges are smooth before you start cutting the grip tape.