How to Paint a Skateboard Deck: A DIY Guide

By Ryan Barnes

Skateboards are awesome. But what if you don’t know how to paint a skateboard? This article will give you step-by-step instructions on how to paint your own skateboard at home so that you can deck out your board with some of the best designs and colors around.

1. Preparing Your Skateboard for Painting

Painting Skateboard decks is a long-lasting process. So, you wouldn’t want any marks on your trucks or wheels that will ruin the paint job. For this reason, prepare your board for painting before you jump over with your creativity. Let’s see how we can do it.

Removing Trucks

The first thing that you need to do is to detach the trucks from the skateboard deck. To do this, unscrew the four bolts on top of both trucks with an Allen key wrench. Lift off one truck and set it aside to get access to the other bolt holes.

Now use pliers or a vise grip to pull out any hardware that’s still attached, like axles, bearings, and bushings. Put these all in a container and label them so you can keep track of what’s left.

Next, use the wrench to unscrew and remove both bolts that attach each truck to your board. Keep these in a separate container from hardware pieces as well.

Sand the Board

It is highly recommended to sand the board to clean the surface and remove any bumps or imperfections. Also, it helps the paint to stick with the board for long-lasting painting.

You will need sandpaper, a sander block, or an electric orbital sander if you plan on removing all of the paint from your board. Start with rough grits to remove loose particles and finish up with finer grits to make sure the surface is smooth and even.

Next, use a damp rag to wipe off excess sanding dust from your board so that it doesn’t get on other pieces of hardware or paint. You should now have a nice clean skateboard with all the old grip tape removed and ready for painting.

2. Applying Primer

Primer is the first layer of paint that will provide a surface for future colors to stick. It also helps keep your board looking new and vibrant longer by providing an extra barrier between the skateboard’s topcoat and anything that it touches or rubs up against.

The primer you choose should be following what color you’re planning on painting your board. Primer can come in both liquid and aerosol form depending on what type of surface it will be applied to.

For best results, three to five light coats are recommended. Thicker layers will fail to offer the desired outcome of a professionally painted board. Take your time between coats, and you’ll be able to create quality work. Allow ample drying time between each coat because the paint won’t attach as well when applied over wet surfaces.

You can also sand lightly with high-grit sandpaper to make your board feel smoother and then wipe it down with a cloth to remove any dust.

After you’ve applied your primer, wait at least two hours before applying spray paint. Paint that is used too soon can dry unevenly or be rubbed off easily by the time the final coats are put on.

3. Painting the Skateboard

Before you start spraying the paint on your skateboard, shake up the enamel for about 2 minutes. Now begin spraying each side of your board, making sure to cover the entire surface with the spray paint.

If you need more paint, don’t hesitate to add another coat or two. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and how many coats you apply to create a unique look that’s all your own![1]

Allow at least 15 minutes before flipping over the board and spraying the other side. Allow another 15 minutes before you start applying your clear coat to avoid bubbles or air pockets from forming under it.

After 30-45 minutes, take a damp cloth to remove any dust on your newly painted skateboard!

4. Finishing Up

Lastly, it’s time to put the clear coat on your skateboard. Pour out a small amount in an area that’s free from dust or other particles, and dip the paint roller into it to coat one side of the board.

Flip over the board so that you’re dipping the roller on its opposite end, then start applying coats until there are no more spots with dry paint visible.

Allow an hour for the clear coat to dry before using your skateboard, as this will avoid any peeling away of the clear coat.

Now you’ve successfully completed painting your skateboard with a new glossy color finish!

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