How to Make Stringers on a Skateboard Deck

One of the great features of skateboard and longboards is the artwork. Skateboard and longboard artwork can be customized if you have the time and inclination, and even simple designs, like adding a stringer, can make a board stand out. Stringers are straight bands, of varying widths, that run from nose to tail. Stringers are a popular design for the top of a longboard where there is no grip tape to obscure the design. Stringers work equally well, however, on the top or bottom of a skateboard deck.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric sander
  • Polyurethane varnish
  • P600 sandpaper
  • P1000 sandpaper
  • Masking tape
  • Polyurethane paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sand down the current design on the skateboard deck surface, if there is one.

    • 2

      Apply one layer of polyurethane varnish to the deck. Allow it to dry. Lightly sand the dry varnish with p600 or p800 sandpaper.

    • 3

      Apply a second layer of polyurethane varnish, and allow it to dry. Lightly sand the varnish with p1000 or p 2000 sandpaper.

    • 4

      Apply masking tape in straight lines, down the length of the deck. You can ensure the lines are straight by using something straight, like a tape measure or measuring stick. Make sure that you have a stringer design that you like.

    • 5

      Paint in between the masking tape with polyurethane paint. This is the same paint used for boats. Use vertical brush strokes to ensure that you get an even coating.

    • 6

      Remove the tape before the paint is completely dry. Otherwise, it will leave marks on the deck surface.

    • 7

      Allow the paint to dry completely before attaching the trucks.