If you are learning to skate, you should know that a grip tape is essential in keeping the feet securely in place.
My son started skateboarding around 10 years back, which got me really interested in the sport. Besides, my husband used to ride a skateboard, so he got very enthusiastic when my son started taking skateboarding lessons. He helped my son understand the board better and told him how to take care of the parts.
Some days back, my son asked me to bring him an old skateboard that was lying in my garage, but I found that the grip tape needed to be changed. Thankfully, my husband guided me so that I could change it myself.
Now, grip tapes usually come attached or installed with the skateboards, but it’s not unusual for users wanting to change them at some point in time. Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today I will tell you all about how to apply grip tape on a skateboard.
So, dive in!
I will start off with a list of things that you will require to change or apply the grip tape. So, gather everything before you start with the job.
You will obviously need to have the skateboard for this process. But make sure that you clean the surface on which it will be placed.
My husband told me that a metal rod will help flatten the edges of the tape and ensure that you cut it properly. Remember that a clean finish will help the tape attach firmly to the board.
You will need to cut the grip tape from all sides, and a good quality cutter will help you do so easily. Furthermore, I’d recommend going for a box cutter or a razor blade.
There are different types of grip tapes available on the market today, and you can choose one depending on your budget. But don’t forget to check the skateboard deck size before purchasing so that the grip tape can cover the entire surface. Generally, deck sizes measure about 9 inches x 33 inches, and most grip tapes are designed to fit this size.
I have divided the process into the following steps so that you can have a clear understanding of the process. Follow each step carefully, and you should be able to apply grip tape on a skateboard right at home without any hassle.
If you have an old skateboard whose grip tape needs to be replaced, you will have to first take it off. For new skateboards without a grip tape, skip this step.
Simply pull from it from one end but don’t apply too much pressure while at it.Otherwise, you may end up tearing off the tape, making it more difficult to remove. You can use a hairdryer to apply some heat to the tape before removing, which should help it come off easily.
After the old grip tape has been removed, clean the deck properly to remove any underlying dust or debris. The top should be absolutely clean, otherwise it will prevent the new grip tape from sticking on smoothly. And once you have cleaned the surface well, move on to the next step.
There are two ways to go about this step, so let me tell you about both. While some people prefer sticking the grip tape before cutting it, others would want to first cut the tape in shape and then paste it. My husband prefers cutting it in shape beforehand so that the tape can stick better.
Simply place the grip tape on top of your deck and ensure that it is bigger than the deck so that you can draw the outline properly. Then, mark all the extra parts that need to be cut off.
Once you have marked the edges of the tape, it is time to get the cutter. Use a smooth cutting motion to ensure that the edges are not crooked. While it may not pose any problem per se, you surely wouldn’t want to spoil the overall look of the skateboard. If you are not confident about the cutting part, get someone to help you out.
It is now time for the most important bit, viz., pasting the grip tape on the deck. Remember that you will have to do it in one go to prevent any parts from sticking out. Remove the paper attached to the base of the grip tape and start sticking it from one end.
Press the tape hard with both your hands while sticking to prevent air bubbles from getting inside. However, you may still see some air bubbles after sticking it. In that case, you can make small cuts in the required areas with a razor blade to release the air. Then use the metal rod to smoothen out all the sides.
If you do not feel comfortable about applying the grip tape at any point, take the skateboard to any local sports store to get the job done with utmost precision. And although you may have to spend more, it will surely save you the headache.
On the other hand, if you want to build a skateboard from scratch, you can learn about the entire process online. Once it is made, apply the grip tape, and you should be ready to hit the roads.
With that, I will be ending this guide, and you can let me know about your experience in the comment section below. Stay well and take care!
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