DIY Screen Print a Skateboard From Tip to Tail

Screen printing was the most common method of transferring a design onto a skateboard prior to modern digital printing methods. Screen printing only requires basic equipment, and professional results can be achieved with just a little practice. The real issue when printing onto a skateboard, is coping with the curved shape of the deck, you need to slightly modify your equipment and your technique in order to get the best results.

Things You'll Need

  • Blank skateboard deck
  • Adjustable screen frame
  • Photo emulsion
  • Printing ink
  • Squeegee
  • Cleaning solvent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw or print out your design onto a sheet of tracing paper or transparent acetate. Be sure that it is the actual size that you want it to appear on the skateboard. Ensure it will fit inside your mesh frame and onto the board itself.

    • 2

      Place the adjustable mesh screen over the skateboard and make sure it covers the entire blank area from tip to tail. You should set the mesh to be very slightly loose to allow you to press it down, allowing contact with all of the board.

    • 3

      Apply a thin coating of photo emulsion liquid to both sides of the mesh screen. Lay the acetate or tracing paper over the screen and leave the emulsion to dry in the dark. This will cause the areas under the design sections to become waterproof, creating a stencil.

    • 4

      Place the skateboard face up on your work surface. Place something underneath it to raise the middle of the board, so it doesn't rock back and forth on the raised nose and tail.

    • 5

      Press the screen down firmly onto the board and add some ink. Use the squeegee to spread it evenly from tip to tail, using gentle, even strokes that run the full length of the board.

    • 6

      Allow the board to dry and clean the squeegee and mesh with the solvents.