Guide to Applying Grip Tape on a Skateboard

Every skater will eventually face the moment of needing to change their deck’s griptape. Just like experiencing your first hard fall or nailing your first trick, it's a milestone. If you've picked up a skateboard deck (rather than a complete skateboard), applying grip to your board is one of the initial tasks before getting started.

Why is griptape crucial? It provides the necessary traction to keep your feet stable, which is essential for smooth cruising or executing tricks. Without it, balancing becomes more challenging, often resulting in falls. Applying griptape is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. We’ve outlined the basic steps in our guide below, or you can watch our video tutorial from SkateHut HQ onhow to apply griptape to a skateboard.

How to put griptape on a skateboard

What do you need?

• your skateboard griptape
• your deck
• an old screwdriver, Allen key, file, or skate tool
• a utility knife, box cutter, or razor blade

Step #1 – Prepare your deck

If you have a brand-new deck, begin by removing any plastic wrap, stickers, or packaging. Ensure the surface is clean by wiping away any adhesive residue, dust, or dirt.

Step #2 – Remove the backing sheet from your griptape

This part is quite self-explanatory...and possibly the most satisfying!

Step #3 – Align your griptape sheet with your deck

Align the sheet from above with one side. Before pressing down, check that you have enough griptape surrounding the board.

Step #4 – Apply pressure

Firmly press the griptape down, ensuring it conforms to the concave of the board’s nose and tail. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming.

Step #5 – Score the edges

Use a metal object – such as an old screwdriver, Allen key, file, or the back of your SkateHut Skateboard Tool, etc. Run it around the board's edge to create an outline to cut along.

Step #6 – Trim the edges

Use a utility knife, razor blade, or box cutter. Ensure it’s sharp – you want a clean cut. If the tape sticks to the deck’s edge before you start, lift it slightly.

Firmly pull on the top corner of your sheet to initiate a good cut. Cut from underneath and maintain the blade at a slight angle. Cutting from a straight position will cause the grip to tear and create ripples.

When you reach your deck, pull the tape's edge tightly. Take it slow – avoid pulling too sharply or quickly, and always keep your fingers away from the blade.

Step #7 – Smooth down the edges

Use an offcut to sand down the edges. This ensures your tape is flush with your deck’s edges and reduces the likelihood of peeling.

Step #8 – Make holes for your hardware

For this step, you will need your Allen key. Align it with a hole on your deck — you will notice it beginning to protrude on the other side. Keep your fingers away, then press firmly to create your hole. Repeat this process until all holes are made.

How to apply new grip to a skateboard

But what if you already have a complete board? You can't apply griptape over existing griptape. Therefore, you must first remove it — fortunately, this is not too challenging.

Step #1 – Detach your trucks

Step #2 – Warm the griptape

You can use a hair dryer for this — it will assist in warming and softening the adhesive.

Step #3 – Pry it up

Once the adhesive is warm, take a utility knife or razor blade and slide it along the edge of the tape. When you have enough to hold, begin peeling it away from the deck.

Step #4 – Warm and repeat

Repeat steps #2 and #3until the deck is completely clear.

Step #5 – Smooth the surface

Eliminate any remaining adhesive or griptape fragments to achieve a smooth finish and make applying new grip to your board as straightforward as possible.

You are now prepared to apply grip to your skateboard.