June 4, 2010, Newsletter Issue #139: How to attach grip tape to your skateboard.

Tip of the Week

How to Build a Skateboard -

STEP 1 ATTACHING GRIP TAPE

The first step in skateboard assembly is to apply grip tape to your new deck. Place your new deck on a clean flat comfortable work area. A workbench covered with a soft cloth or a piece of carpet works best and will keep your new deck from getting scratched. Grip tape comes in sheets, which are 9 inches wide and 33 inches long. Carefully remove about 2 to 4 inches of the grip tape backing. Center the grip tape over your board with both hands holding either end of the grip tape. Place the exposed end of the grip tape on the nose of the board leaving 1/2" to 3/4" overhang. Again make sure the grip tape is centered over your board so that there is an equal amount of overhang on either side. Peal and press the rest of the grip tape down onto your board. Working from the center, pat down the grip tape. Work from the center to the nose and tail of your deck also work from the cent to the edges of your deck. Working from the center out towards the edges helps to remove air bubbles forming under the grip tape. You can use the grip tape backing to protect your hand while pressing down on the grip tape. Using a mill file or the side of a screwdriver score the grip tape around the outside edge of the grip tape. Do not file through the grip tape; just remove the grit from the grip tape to form an outline of your deck. This outline serves a guide when removing the excess grip tape from the edges of your deck.

*Please use caution during the next step because this is the most difficult step in skateboard assembly. First, cut four small slits in the grip tape where the nose and tail begin to slope upwards. This makes following your outline much easier and the excess grip tape come off in four pieces. Remember to take your time and follow the outline you´ve created. Using the outline and the edge of your deck as a guide use a safety knife to remove the excess grip tape from your deck. Carefully cut around the edge of your deck removing the excess grip tape. Do not cut into your deck or outside the outline this takes practice. Remove the excess grip tape. Press out any additional air bubbles you see at this time

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