Resealing a Skateboard

Skateboards, especially those made of plywood, are susceptible to water damage and must be sealed properly to prevent warping and rot. If you board has been damaged, scuffed or ground down, you will want to reseal it in order to preserve it as long as possible. By following a few straight forward steps you can rest assured that your skateboard will last for years despite the abuse it endures.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper
  • Cloth
  • Urethane sealant
  • Paintbrush
  • Replacement grip tape
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the trucks from the skateboard. Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws from both the front and rear trucks and set them aside.

    • 2

      Slide a slotted screwdriver between the plywood deck and the grip tape and carefully peel the tape off the board and discard.

    • 3

      Sand the surface of the plywood board free of any remaining sealant or graphics with some 80-grit sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block. Be sure to sand with the grain of the wood evenly over the surfaces of the board.

    • 4

      Wipe down the board with a soft cloth to remove any residual saw dust from the sanding, then paint on a coat of urethane sealant. Allow it to dry for up to 24 hours.

    • 5

      Apply a second coat of sealant to ensure the board will not be able to absorb any moisture. Set aside to dry for up to 24 hours.

    • 6

      Replace the trucks using the same hardware through the same mounting holes in the board then apply a fresh sheet of grip tape to the upper side of the board. Trim any over-hanging excess grip tape from the board using a utility knife.