How to Replace Grip Tape

If your are an avid skateboarder, you know your favorite board can receive a substantial amount of wear and tear with regular use. Often your board will still be in excellent working condition but begin to look like it needs a serious makeover. Skateboard grip tape replacement is a common maintenance issue for skateboards, and although a bit time-consuming, can give your board a fresh new look.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate tool
  • Hair dryer
  • Flat metal paint scraper
  • Razor blade
  • New grip tape
  • Stiff, flat piece of plastic
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a clean area to work. Remove the wheels and hardware from the bottom of the board using your skate key.

    • 2

      Heat the old grip tape with a blow dryer for two to three minutes to loosen the glue. Begin at the front end of the skateboard. Gently peel up the front of the tape with a razor blade about an inch.

    • 3

      Use a flat metal scraper to evenly peel it back as your work across the board slowly. Try to get the tape peeled off in one even piece rather than in strips. Continue to heat and peel as you work across the board.

    • 4

      Remove any residual pieces of grip tape that are left on the board with the blow dryer and razor blade.

    • 5

      Peel the paper backing off of the new grip tape and position it with the plain, shiny side down, over the top of the skateboard. Position it correctly so it covers the entire board before lowering it to stick it on, beginning at one end of the board. Smooth out any air pockets with your hands or a stiff piece of plastic.

    • 6

      Using the screwdriver side of your skate tool, go around the edges of the board, making a white mark in order to help you to easily see where to cut the tape. Cut off any excess skateboard tape with the razor blade. Replace the wheels and hardware.