How to Apply Griptape to a Skateboard Deck

If you’re just starting to skateboard, one of the most important things you’ll need to learn how to do is apply griptape to your skateboard deck. At first it can seem intimidating to grip a board, but luckily we’re here to help. In just a few easy steps, we will explain how to properly apply griptape to your skateboard.

Tools needed:

1. Razor blade

2. Poker

3. Screwdriver

Step 1. Put your skateboard deck on a flat surface, graphic side down. Then grab your sheet of griptape and peel the backing off.

Step 2. Carefully take the sheet of griptape, sticky side down, and slowly place it on the skateboard. You’ll want to make sure the griptape is centered over your board, covering the entire top of the skateboard deck.

Step 3. Grab the backing you peeled off the griptape sheet and put it on top of the skateboard. Firmly press your hand down on the center of the skateboard and continue to do this up to the nose and tail. The purpose of this is to make sure the griptape sticks to the skateboard and also to get rid of any air bubbles that may be seen. You will want to continue pressing down on the skateboard until all air bubbles are removed. If you still see air bubbles after doing this, you can grab a razor blade and carefully use it to poke a hole in the griptape until the air bubble is flattened.

Step 4. Once your griptape is on the skateboard, you will want to grab a screwdriver. Hold it at about a 45 degree angle and begin scraping around the edges of the skateboard until you see an outline of the skateboard deck.

Step 5. Then you’ll grab a razor blade and cut from the bottom of the griptape on the edge of the deck, so you poke a little hole through. Firmly hold the razor against the board at about a 45 degree angle and start slowly cutting the griptape inward so you outline the deck. Take your time and cut until the excess griptape is off the skateboard.

Step 6. The last step is to grab a poker (or small screwdriver) and use it to poke holes from the bottom of your board where your hardware goes. To get rid of excess griptape, re-poke the hardware holes from the griptape side.

And that's it! Your board is gripped!

If you're still a little unsure or need an extra reference, you can watch the video below for how to grip and assemble a skateboard.