How to Design Grip Tape on a Skateboard
When they're brand new, skate decks are slippery and difficult to balance upon. Applying grip tape solves that problem. Grip tape looks and feels a lot like sandpaper, and it gives the rider something to grip for balance and maneuverability. Grip tape is easy to put on a skateboard, and can be used in either designs or blocks of grip.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Skateboard deck
- Sheet of grip tape (uniform size for the board you're using, or designs you want to use)
- Razor blade/box cutter
- Screwdriver
- Scissors
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide on your design. If you've purchased a full sheet of grip tape, it can go on in any design you choose. You can either grip the entire board or apply the grip in a specific design. If you bought grip tape in pre-formed designs, decide where and how you're going to place them.
-
2
If you're applying the grip tape in a specific design, use the scissors to cut out the design. They sky's the limit when you're designing, but you might consult the Internet for samples, drawings and illustrations to use. There are many online forums dedicated to skateboarding and equipment.
-
-
3
If you're gripping the entire board, lay the grip tape on the board. If you're going to leave the board's existing graphics visible, cut the grip tape into pieces and lay them around the graphics. Leave about 1 inch of grip tape hanging over the edges of your board.
-
4
Cut off a corner of the grip tape from a place that won't be visible on the top of your board. Use that corner like sandpaper to rough up the surface of your skateboard. If you're gripping the entire board, sand the area you're going to be gripping. If you've cut out or purchased designs, sand the areas that will be covered by those designs. Remember to brush off any dust.
-
5
Peel back the paper from the bottom of the grip tape. Stick the exposed tape to the skateboard and make sure it's straight. Flatten the grip tape with your hand, while slowly pulling the paper out from under it. Press from the middle of the tape outward.
-
6
If you're gripping the entire board, you should have extra grip tape hanging over the edges when you're done. Use the screwdriver to rub the grip tape at the edges of the board. Rub at an angle and do it hard enough to wear the grip tape and leave a mark. Now fold the grip tape down so it bends at the spot you've rubbed. This will make it weaker at that point and easier to cut.
-
7
Use the box cutter to make long, smooth cuts along the mark you've rubbed. Smooth the edges of the grip tape down over the edge of your board. If you're having trouble smoothing it down, roll the edges along a hard surface.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It's always best to start with a new skateboard. You can remove old grip tape from an old skateboard, but it's an added complication and will not give the best results. Recommended brands of grip tape are Black Magic and Jessup. Apply grip tape around the graphic on your skateboard. This makes it easy for you to tell which is the front of your board and which is the back (the graphic will always be facing the top of your board).
Do not buy cheap, generic grip tape. It will not stick as well as high-quality grip tape.
