Skating is a fun and creative sport that can sometimes require you to bring some customization into your ride.
Wrapping your board with textured or colored vinyl is one of the most impactful changes you can make, as it provides both functionality and style. It will also give you extra protection from road hazards such as pebbles, rocks, and water puddles, not to mention adding personality!
So, how to wrap a skateboard? Let’s find out!
Things Needed To Wrap A Skateboard
To wrap your skateboard, you will need the following items:
- Skateboard (of course)
- Vinyl wrapping paper or textured material of your choice
- Cardboard box
- Pencil
- Paper
- Damp cloth
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Exacto knife
- Glue or Tape
9 Simple Steps To Wrap A Skateboard
1. Measure Your Board
Skateboard decks come in various shapes and sizes, and it is crucial that you get the measurements accurately so that your new skateboard wrap fits like a glove. To start, take the measuring tape and measure the board’s length, width, and curves. Don’t forget to measure the nose and tail since they can be completely different!
Make sure you have got these measurements down to a tee because this will make everything else go smoothly.
2. Transfer The Measurements Onto Paper
Once you have the measurements down, you can sketch out a template of your skateboard on paper.
(Tip: you can use masking tape or drafting film as an overlay for even more accuracy)
This step will help you get an idea of the shape and size of your board. Not just that, but it will also help you understand how much material you need for gift wrap. Once you are done with this step, just cut out and remove the template from the paper.
3. Cut The Material
Now that you have the template, you can start cutting out the material. To get this right, you need to ensure that your wrap is large enough to cover all of the skateboard’s details. You have to choose the appropriate material, either a vinyl wrap, bubble-free air-release vinyl, or a stencil.
The material should be cut to fit the size of your board. Always leave a one-inch allowance from the board’s edge when cutting the material. When cutting out intricate designs or patterns, it is important to ensure the pieces fit together perfectly.
Cut the pieces using an Exacto knife (or pair of scissors if you don’t have one) and make sure they line up accurately. You have to be extra careful when cutting out the material, as you want it to fit snugly on the board. Any mistakes or misalignments will show up during installation, so take your time and be precise.
4. Prepare The Board For Wrapping
After you have the material ready, you must ensure your skateboard is also ready. For this step, you must ensure the board is clean and free of dirt, dust, or debris. You can use a damp cloth to clean the board and remove any residue that might have built up.
Once you have wiped the board clean, you will need to use cardboard boxes to create a surface for the wrap. Cut out two pieces of cardboard and use them to line the top and bottom of the board. This provides a flat surface on which to apply the wrap, ensuring that your board is even and smooth.
5. Place The Wrap On The Board
Now that your board, template, and material are ready, you can apply the pretty wrapping paper to your skateboard. Start by laying down the material, glossy side down, on the board and make sure that it is centered. After that, use the template as a guide and start pressing down on the material with your fingers.
Make sure you press down firmly to ensure that it adheres to your board. Also, ensure there are no air bubbles or creases, and the material is snugly in place.
(Tip: Use tissue paper and butcher paper when wrapping to get that perfect fit)
6. Trim The Excess Wrap
Once you have carefully laid down the wrap, you will need to trim off the excess material. This will make your gifts look more polished and give them a professional touch. Take the Exacto knife and start cutting away the extra part of the gift wrapping paper. This step is important to ensure that the wrap fits perfectly on your board.
When trimming a traditional wrapping paper, make sure you are precise and careful, as any mistakes here will ruin the entire wrap. Try to get as close to the wrapping edges as possible without cutting into the paper itself.
7. Secure The Wrap To Your Board
At this point, your wrap is completed. However, you can’t just leave it like this; you need to secure it onto your board. For this, you will need some adhesive. Simply apply the adhesive to the edges of the wrap and then press down firmly. This will ensure that your wrap doesn’t come off easily.
Also, consider that you apply the adhesive evenly throughout the wrap. There should be no gaps or air bubbles, as this will also cause the wrap to come off.
8. Final Touches
After doing so much hard work, you can’t forget to add the final touches. With final touches, we mean adding accessories to your board, such as stickers, bolts, nuts, and other decorative elements. Doing so will give your board a unique and personalized look.
You can add whatever you like to make it stand out from the rest. Just don’t go overboard and stick to a few small details, as this will make your board look more aesthetically pleasing.
(Tip: Add gift tags on the packaging tape when you have applied it on the wrapping sheet if you want to gift it)
9. Enjoy Your New Skateboard
Once you have done all the steps mentioned above, your board is ready to go! You can now enjoy your new skateboard for hours of fun and excitement. So, get out there, show off your creation, and make sure to stay safe. After all, it is your very own wrapped skateboard!
Read more: Can You Skate While Pregnant? 6 Tips & Some Risks
Things To Avoid When Wrapping A Skateboard
Below is a guide to help you avoid missteps when wrapping your skateboard.
Measurement Mistakes
When it comes to wrapping your skateboard, your measurements should be very precise. Be sure to measure the width of your skateboard deck from edge to edge to determine which grip tape size you need. Also, make sure to measure the length of your skateboard before purchasing a sheet of grip tape since most come in pre-cut lengths.
Not Preparing The Board
Many people forget to prepare the board before they start wrapping it, but this is a step that should not be skipped. Even if you have a brand-new board, it is still important to make sure that the surface is smooth and free from dust or other particles. This will help ensure a better fit for the wrap.
Cleaning the board is not only essential for aesthetic purposes but also helps to ensure the wrap lasts longer.
Grit Too Low or Too High
When it comes to skateboard grip tape, there are a variety of grits to consider depending on the type of skating you will be doing.
If you are a beginner, opt for grip tape with a mid-range grit since it will provide adequate grip to keep you from slipping and sliding. However, if your skill level is more advanced, opt for high-grit grip tape for better control and maximum traction.
Cheap Grip Tape
Cheap grip tape is a no-no! When it comes to wrapping your skateboard, opt for the best quality grip tape you can buy. Low-grade grip tape may lack the durability and traction needed to keep your feet in place while skating. If you want to be sure that your grip tape will last, opt for a reputable brand with a trusted reputation.
Unnecessary Cuts
When wrapping your skateboard, cuts should only be made where necessary, for instance, when needing to fit the grip around curved edges. Unnecessary cuts can weaken the strength and durability of your deck and make it more susceptible to damage.
Try to avoid cutting too close to the edges of your deck, as this can cause premature wear and tear.
Adhesive Overload
Adhesive is an important part of the wrapping process, but too much can cause problems. When applying adhesive, be sure to use it sparingly, as the excess adhesive can cause the grip to slide around and not stay in place. If you use a spray adhesive, evenly coat the grip tape without saturating it.
Not Securing The Wrap
Once you have applied the wrap and trimmed it, don’t forget to secure it onto the board. Make sure you are using a strong and reliable adhesive, and apply it evenly throughout the wrap. There should be no gaps or air bubbles, as this will cause the wrap to come off. You can also use a heat gun to make sure the wrap adheres properly.
Read more: 9 Reasons – Why Do My Feet Hurt When I Skate?
How To Wrap A Skateboard: Final Words
Wrapping a skateboard is an exciting and creative process that can provide you with hours of fun. With the right tools, knowledge, and preparation, you will be able to create a custom skateboard that is sure to turn heads.
You can have a lot of fun with the design process and end up with a skateboard that is uniquely yours. Just remember to stay safe and be sure to follow the instructions above for a successful wrap.
Let us know in the comments if you still have any questions left.
Goodbye & Keep Skating Like A Pro With SkatersDen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you package a skateboard?
For a secure and snug package, begin by unscrewing the trucks from the deck to reduce the thickness of your shipment. Next, wrap each component in bubble wrap, ensuring the edges are well-protected to prevent damage during transit.
Don’t forget to fill any empty spaces with padding materials such as packing peanuts or crumpled newspapers to avoid unwanted movement while shipping. Secure the box (or recycled box) with high-quality packing tape, and add any necessary labels or markings to indicate its contents and fragility.
Q: Can you use grip tape on a longboard?
Yes, you can use grip tape on a longboard. However, due to the length of the board, you may need to purchase additional tape in order to cover the full surface. Moreover, some longboards have unique shapes and curves that require special cuts and applications of tape.
If this is the case, enlisting a professional skateboarder or a board shop is recommended to ensure that the tape is applied correctly.
Q: How often should grip tape be replaced?
The frequency of replacing your grip tape depends on how often you ride and the terrain you frequently ride on. Generally, grip tape should be replaced every 6 to 12 months or whenever it starts to wear down or thin out. Be sure to inspect your grip tape regularly and consider any signs of wear and tear before deciding to replace it.