Expert Tutorial: How to Replace Your Skateboard Griptape

With wear, rainy sessions, or dust buildup, your skateboard griptape eventually loses its abrasive grip, frays, or peels at the edges. Replacing your grip is essential to regain solid trick control and optimal pop on your skateboard deck. Follow our step-by-step guide to apply a fresh sheet of grip cleanly, without bubbles, and check out our skateboard grip tape buying guide.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before getting started, make sure you have the following items ready:

• A fresh, high-quality sheet of griptape.
• A sharp utility knife or cutter.
• A hairdryer or heat gun (very helpful for peeling off the old grip).
• A metal file or screwdriver to score the deck edges.
• A suitable skateboard tool if hardware disassembly is needed.

Step 1: Removing the Old Griptape

Start by lifting a corner of the old grip using a hairdryer to heat the adhesive and soften the material, making it much easier to peel off. Pull gently and steadily to remove it in one piece if possible. Clean any remaining glue residue off the wood using a mild solvent.

Step 2: Cleaning the Deck Surface

Wipe the top of your deck with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or dirt. A perfectly clean surface ensures maximum adhesion for your new griptape's glue.

Step 3: Applying the New Griptape Sheet

Peel off the protective backing paper from the adhesive grip. Center the sheet over the deck, making sure there is an even overhang all around the edge. Gently lay down the center of the deck first, then smooth it out with the palm of your hand from the middle toward both ends to push out air and prevent bubbles.

Step 4: Scoring and Cutting the Edges

Take the metal handle of your skateboard tool, a file, or a wrench and rub it firmly all along the edge of the board. This creates a clean white guideline showing you where to cut. Take your utility knife, hold the blade at a slight angle (around 45 degrees) pointing outward, and cut cleanly along the line.

Step 5: Finishing Touches and Sanding the Edges

Take a leftover scrap piece of griptape and rub down the rails of the deck from top to bottom. This pro tip smooths out sharp edges, seals the grip tightly to the sides, and gives your setup an ultra-clean finish. Your board is ready to ride!