SKATEBOARD Grip Tape

THE PURPOSE OF A SKATEBOARD GRIP TAPE

  • The sandpaper-like layer that sits on top of the skateboard. (Normally Black)
  • One sheet is all you need to cover your board. 
  • Keeps your shoes gripped to the deck.

INSTALLING THE SKATEBOARD GRIP TAPE

SKATEBOARD Grip Tape

1. PREPARE THE BOARD

  • Set your skateboard on a flat, clean work surface.
  • Peeling off the old tape.
  • Using a hair dryer can help.
  • Pull the tape slowly and carefully away from the deck.
  • Clean your skateboard completely.

2. TAPING THE BOARD

  • Center the griptape over your skateboard deck. 
  • 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.
  • Smooth out any small bubbles by pressing
  • Pushing in the direction that you are lining the tape.

3. SCRAPE THE SIDES

  • Use a skate tool, 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.
  • Use a cutter to cut away the excess grip tape.
  • Hold a razor blade at a 45-degree angle
  • Cut along the sides of the deck, and around the nose and tail of the board.
  • Follow the white outline and run the blade around the edge of the skateboard deck to remove the extra grip tape.

4. FLATTEN OUT AIR BUBBLES

  • Inspect the board for small air bubbles.
  • Use a cutter to make small incisions into the grip tape.
  • Release any bulging air bubbles.
  • Smooth over the incision.

6. POKE HOLES 

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