Grip tape helps to keep a skateboard from sliding out from under the rider's feet. One side of the tape features a sandpaper-like surface that grips onto the underside of your shoes, while adhesive backing covers the other side. The more care you take in applying the tape, the more attractive the final result will be.
Step 1
Place the skateboard on a clean, well-lit work surface. Remove the nuts, washers and bolts securing the wheel trucks to the skateboard deck using a socket wrench and a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench. Set the wheel trucks aside.
Step 2
Plug the hairdryer into an electrical outlet and set it to the highest temperature. Turn on the hairdryer and blow hot air over one end of the deck. Set the hairdryer aside.
Step 3
Pull up the edge of the grip tape; if necessary, use the flathead screwdriver or a razor blade to pry the end of the tape up. Heat up a different portion of the tape with the hairdryer. Continue in this manner until you have removed all the old grip tape.
Step 4
Peel several inches of backing off the replacement grip tape. Position the sheet of grip tape over the skateboard deck. Affix the exposed portion of the tape to the front, or nose, of the skateboard; allow ½ to ¾ inch of excess tape to protrude from the front of the deck. Press down on the grip tape.
Step 5
Pull more backing off of the grip tape and push more of the tape down on top of the deck. Continue in this manner until you have completely covered the top of the deck; allow for a small amount of excess tape on all sides. Smooth the tape with your hand to eliminate any trapped air bubbles.
Step 6
Trim the excess tape from around the edges of the skateboard deck with a razor blade. Puncture the tape at each of the truck-mounting points on the underside of the deck with a pin, a length of wire or one of the wheel bolts. Align one of the wheel trucks with a set of mounting points. Secure the truck in place with a nut, a washer and a bolt. Repeat with the remaining trucks.
Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Allen wrench
- Socket wrench
- Razor blades
- Pin or length of wire
- Hairdryer
- Grip tape
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