How to Paint Over Scratches on Your Skateboard Deck

Skateboarding is not a considered a contact sport even though the skateboard and rider come in contact with many hard objects. While the scrapes and bruises the rider faces will heal, the scratches left on the skateboard deck will not. Many skateboard decks come with logos and designs which are intricate and impossible to repair. However, it is quite easy to repair the deck and paint on a custom design.

Things You'll Need

  • Universal skate tool
  • #2 Phillips screwdriver
  • 80, 150 and 220 grit sandpaper
  • Masking tape
  • Spray-paint
  • Cardboard or stencils
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Instructions

  1. Re-painting

    • 1
      The trucks are the metal arms the wheels are attached to.

      Remove the trucks from the skateboard using a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a universal skate tool. Take note of which direction they are mounted for easy reassembly.

    • 2
      A power sander will cut down the sanding time associated with this project.

      Sand the skateboard deck underside starting with the 80 grit sandpaper to remove all the paint on the board and smooth out any gouges or scrapes. Sand the deck with the 150 grit, then the 220 grit sandpaper to get the deck smooth and ready for paint.

    • 3
      Make sure to use spray-paint in a well-ventilated area.

      Mask off the edge of the skateboard deck with masking tape to keep paint off of the edge. Paint the bottom of the deck with spray-paint as per the paint manufacturer's directions. Let this coat of paint dry before continuing.

    • 4
      Various designs can be created with simple stencils.

      Cut cardboard into a design or use stencils and spray-paint on the bottom of the deck with another color to make a unique design, or mask off a design with tape and spray-paint over the entire deck with another color spray-paint. Remove the tape to reveal the design after the paint dries.

    • 5

      Dry the deck overnight and reattach the trucks to the deck in the opposite order they were removed.