How to Pinstripe a Surfboard

Surfers have their own culture. Their music, clothing, artwork, and even the way the speak have spawned fashion trends far from the coastline. Boarders come up with some amazing, physically challenging and ultra-creative moves on the waves; they deserve to ride boards showing off their artistic creativity as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Two sawhorses
  • Clean rags
  • Old credit card
  • Denatured alcohol solvent
  • Acetone
  • 400-grit sandpaper
  • Spray paint--base color and at least one other for pinstripe
  • Wide masking tape
  • Clear spray lacquer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the board flat in direct sunlight on two sawhorses. Let it sit in the hot sun for about 20 minutes to loosen the wax. It may need more or less time, depending on the temperature.

    • 2

      Feel the wax; if it's sticky, it's time to start scraping. Use the credit card and scrape the wax off the board. Work in one direction and scrape the wax off the entire length of the board.

    • 3

      Remove any remaining residue by wiping down your board with a rag and some acetone. Rub firmly and don't forget the "rails," or the sides of the board.

    • 4

      Lightly sand the board with the 400-grit sandpaper and wipe off the dust.

    • 5

      Spray-paint the entire side with the base color. Start at one end of the board and move to the other, keeping a steady stream and consistent pressure when spraying. Let the paint dry completely before moving to the next step.

    • 6

      Start at the middle of your board and lay a strip of masking tape from one end to the other. Leave a small space for you pinstripe, and lay down another strip of masking tape next to the first. Continue taping your board until the only part of the board you see is the lines where you want to paint your pinstripes.

    • 7

      Spray over the tape, filling in the gaps with paint, creating the pinstripe design. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape.

    • 8

      Peel off the tape to reveal your pinstripe design. Add another pinstripe color if you wish by taping and spraying again.

    • 9

      Seal your newly painted board with a coat of clear lacquer.