5 Steps to Wrap Your Skateboard with Custom Vinyl Graphics
Whether you're a pro-skater or a 40 year-old dad with an old deck kicking around in your garage wouldn't it be cool to give your old skateboard a brand-new, custom look? If you can answer "No" then clearly today's post isn't for you but if you like what you see or you just have a few hours to kill, you'll want to check out our 5 Step Skateboard Wrap Tutorial. But, first, let's take a minute to list the supplies you'll need.
Recommended Skateboard Graphic Wrap Tools
The first thing you'll need to wrap your skateboard deck is a sheet of wrap vinyl. Whether you choose Rwraps™, 3M™ 1080 Series, Avery SW900 or ORAFOL 970RA or 975, it's important that you pick a true wrap film. In other words, the vinyl you choose needs to be made for wrapping which means it will have air-release channels in the adhesives and be dual-cast. However, since a skateboard deck is relatively flat, even if you chose a calendered or polyester (metallized) film you should be okay.
Once you've got your film, you'll want to gather the following supplies:
- Rapid Prep Solution
- Lint-free Towel
- 3M Primer Pen
- Razor Blade
- Application Card or Squeegee
- Sandpaper
- Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
Step 1: Skateboard Deck Prep
Unless you have a brand new board you'll need to prepare your deck. This
means that you'll want to sand out any uneven surfaces on the skateboard cuased
by scrapes and gashes. Once the surface is smooth you should spray the Rapid
Prep and wipe off dust caused by sanding. You don't need to seal the deck but at
this point it would be a good idea to apply 3M Primer liberally.
Step 2: Apply Vinyl Wrap to Skateboard
Once you've lightly stuck the wrap on the underside of your board you can
proceed to apply pressure from the center out with your hands. If major bubbles
appear you can lifet and re-apply the wrap while chasing out the air pockets
with your thunmds.
Step 3: Squeegee On & Remove Bubbles
Once the film is adhering pretty well with no large areas of bubbling, use a
squeegee or application card to smooth out any smaller bubbles. Be careful when
using a thin application card not to scratch the film. You can prevent this by
wrapping your squeegee or card in a cloth or even a sock.
Step 4: Trim Away Excess Vinyl
When you've finally worked out all bubbles and creases you can then move on
to trimming the excess film away. We recommend using an Rvinyl razor or exacto
style blade. Cut at a 45-degree angle if possible.
Step 5: Sand & Seal the Skateboard Skin
At this point you may be asking " Wait! You want me to sand my vinyl wrap?" and the answer is a resounding "Yes!" But, don't go crazy. Using the finest grit you can lightly sand the edges of the skin and the board as shown in the video.
Next, wipe clean the edges and apply more primer. And, that's it. You're done. All that's left to do is take some pics and a video and then send them into to us to get your Cash Back Rebate. But, before you go and order anything, check out the video Darius put together that goes over the steps in detail: