How to Wrap a Skateboard? Perfect Grip Tape The First Time!

Most people struggle to figure out how to wrap their skateboards. Why is that? Because there are many different ways to wrap a skateboard. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the best way of wrapping is like a puzzle – it takes practice and experience to figure out.

So, we figured out the best way to wrap your board. We will discuss all the standard ways of doing this and tell you what we favor and why. 

Moreover, you will learn how to wrap a skateboard in a way that will allow you to apply grip tape without having to take off the grip tape from the deck. So, let’s get started. 

Precautionary Measures to take while wrapping

Before we go into the wrapping techniques, let’s take a quick look at some of the precautionary measures that you should take while wrapping the board. 

1. Ensure that the grip tape you are using is suitable for the skateboard deck. You should always check the integrity of the grip tape. There have been cases when people have used the wrong grip tape for skateboards, and it has led to some serious accidents. Therefore, you should always check the integrity of the grip tape before you stick it on the deck. 
2. You must take utmost care not to scratch the deck of the board while you are wrapping. Scratches are highly undesirable because they can ruin the look of the board and also damage the grip tape. To be on the safer side, you should use a towel to cover the deck while wrapping.
3. Don’t forget to fix the grip tape to the underside of the deck using the electric hot glue gun. This way, you will be able to minimize the chances of the grip tape coming off when you are riding the deck.
4. Avoid using any kind of oil or lubricants on the spine. The oil and lubricants will cause the grip tape to slip on the deck. Therefore, it is advised that you clean the deck very well before applying the grip tape and try wiping the grip tape itself with a dry cloth before you stick it on the deck. This will remove most of the oil, and the grip tape will stay put.

Methods To Wrap A Skateboard

Taping Method

In the taping method, the first step is to pick the color of grip tape you want to use. You should pick a color that is similar to the color of the deck. Don’t use the color of grip tape that’s too dark, otherwise, it will stand out too much.

Apply grip tape on the top of the skateboard deck. Start at the front end of the deck and work your way towards the tail until the whole top of the deck is covered with grip tape. Cut the grip tape.

Glue Method

This is the most common method of wrapping a skateboard and the one we use most of the time. You just have to take some glue across the top of the board and wrap it with the grip tape of your choice. 

Then you leave the deck to dry for some 15 minutes and apply some pressure on the tape while it’s drying up. The edges of your grip tape should be secured under the layers of grip tape on the deck.

The glue method is fast, but it can leave the edges of your grip tape loose and have some small bubbles. That’s why when you want to use this method, it is important to make sure that you apply plenty of pressure for a few minutes to get the best results. 

Wrap The Skateboard With Butcher Paper (As a Gift)

When it comes to wrapping a skateboard as a gift, you are going to want to use some standard wrapping paper but the real trick is to wrap the board in butcher paper. The reason why we recommend butcher paper is because it will hold the shape of the skateboard making it easier to wrap around the board to give it a great look.

Here here the steps involved:

Step 1: Select the Butcher Paper

You need butcher paper that is thick, strong and difficult to rip. You can find butcher paper at most grocery stores. You will also need some adhesive tape and you may have to cut the butcher paper to size so that it fits the skateboard.

Once you have the butcher paper cut to size, you will need to wrap the skateboard in it.

Step 2: Wrap the Board and Tape it

Start at one end of the skateboard and wrap the paper to the other end of the skateboard. You want to wrap the paper around the board so that it keeps the shape of the board but also provides extra padding around the outside of the skateboard.

Step 3: Tape the Paper to the Board

Once you have wrapped the board, start taping the butcher paper to keep it in place. Once you have the paper taped to the board, you are ready to find a great place to put a Bow and Tag on it and give it to someone special. This will give the skateboard a nice professional look for your gift recipient that he or she will surely love.

Advantages of Wrapping a Skateboard

Wrapping a skateboard can be fun and enjoyable, but it also provides you with a lot of benefits. Here are some of the advantages of wrapping your skateboard:

Renewed Stylish Look

Wrapping your skateboard with grip tape gives you a stylish look. This is why many skateboarders love this method. It makes your board look unique and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Added Durability

If you opt for vinyl wrapping, it will help to make your skateboard more durable. As well as vinyl, Grip tape helps to provide extra protection to the deck. The fact that it is a harder material than the skateboard itself makes it harder for the skateboard to break. It is the best way to protect your deck from any damage.

Added Safety

Wrapping will provide you with safety and security as it will keep your board safe from falls and bumps. It helps to prevent you from sliding or falling off your board. It will keep your board stable and prevent you from slipping and hurting yourself unnecessarily.

Ability to Skate in Different Terrains

Wrapping gives you the ability to skate on different terrains. This is because the harder grip tape can be used in places that are going to be rougher on the board. It also allows you to skate in different places. You won’t have problems or worries about getting your deck scratched or damaged when you wrap it.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping your skateboard is one of the best ways to make it more unique and stylish. It is also a great way to protect your board from getting scratched or damaged. However, you should be careful when you are wrapping your board. 

Make sure that you use the right amount of grip tape, and that you apply enough pressure when you wrap it. You can follow all the instructions that we have given here to wrap your board correctly.

Hopefully this article helped you learn a little more about the different methods of wrapping a skateboard. If you have any questions, you can just ask.