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How to Apply Griptape to your Skateboard Deck

How To Apply Grip Tape to a Skateboard Deck

Materials Needed
Skateboard Deck
Skateboard Grip tape
File
Razor Blade or Box Cutter

Step 1
Remove paper backing from grip tape to reveal sticky side. Use the paper backing to cover the rough grip tape side to protect your hands when smoothing the grip tape onto the board.

Step 2
Hold the grip tape over the board, and carefully center it. Let the grip tape sag a little in the middle so the center will adhere first. Once the center is adhered, carefully adhere the edges from the center out. Use extreme caution here as grip tape is very sticky. Once the grip tape sticks, it’s very hard to remove. If you don’t center it before adhering it, you could end up with an edge with no grip tape. Carefully smooth the grip tape onto the deck from the center out to remove air bubbles.
Tip: If there are air bubbles in griptape, pop them with your razor blade and smooth them out.

Step 3
Use a metal file or the metal shaft of a screwdriver to scrape around the edges of the skateboard deck. Rub hard until the grains are worn off, leaving a white outline on the grip tape that outlines the edges of the board.

Step 4
To cut away the excess grip tape, hold a razor blade at a 45-degree angle and cut from the bottom up. Starting at the nose or tail, follow the white outline and run the blade around the edge of the skateboard deck to remove the extra grip tape.
Remember ask a parent or guardian for help with this step.

Step 5
To smooth out the rough edges, run a metal file around the edges of the board.

Step 6
Use a screwdriver to poke holes through the grip tape where the trucks will be mounted.

Other How To Skateboard Instructions:
Assemble a Complete Skateboard