After using it for a while, you may find that the skateboard griptape is no longer what it used to be; over time it can get dirty and wear out. Maybe you just want to change it for aesthetic reasons. Whatever the reason, you can quickly replace the mat and restore the board to its original splendor.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove the Fixer Spray
Step 1. Remove the trucks from the board
Observe it to understand what type of tool you need to disassemble these elements. In most cases, a Phillips-head screwdriver is sufficient, but it is not uncommon that a hex head hardware has been used or that there are no screws at all.
- Lay the board on its side. Insert the smaller skateboard adjustment wrench onto one of the truck bolts. It doesn't matter which one you start with; insert the screwdriver into the head of the screw that is inside the nut using the other hand; use both hands (each on one side of the board) to ensure adequate support.
- Remove all the nuts and remove the trucks from the screws; at this point, you should see eight screws sticking out of the board.
- Once the adjustment wrench is in place, hold the screwdriver steady while turning the wrench and unscrew the nuts from the screws. Remove the small parts by turning the skateboard upside down on a flat, hard surface and exerting slight pressure; the screws should come out a bit to allow you to grab and pull them out completely.
- Alternatively, you can use a hammer to hit them.
Step 2. Use a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive
Heat one edge of the griptape for about a minute, the heat melts the glue and simplifies operations.
Step 3. Use a wide, flat razor blade to detach the mat
Thanks to this tool then reach the gap between the griptape and the deck; sliding the blade at the correct angle ensures you don't damage the board.
- Hold the blade at 45 degrees so that the rear end is facing up.
- Do not force the blade; if you feel any resistance, heat the section again with the hair dryer.
Step 4. Detach the mat
After using the blade to lift an edge, you can use your hands to get the job done. Pull gently, but firmly, to detach the griptape from the board; if the material tears or you encounter difficulties, use the hair dryer again.
- The whole procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes.
- Lay the board on the floor while you tear off the mat; hold it steady with one foot while you work.
Part 2 of 3: Sand away the residues
Step 1. Start sanding the deck
Work on the edges first and then move towards the center. Round the edges using 80-grit sandpaper; then move on to the finer one (120-150 grit) to smooth the rest of the board from one end to the other. Treat the edges again and sweep away the sawdust; when finished, the skateboard should be smooth and perfectly rounded.
- You can use a belt sander or an emery block; proceed with smooth, even movements. At the end of this operation, the perimeter line should be barely visible or completely imperceptible.
- Use a mask to avoid inhaling the dust while sanding; Safety glasses are also worth wearing to prevent debris from getting into your eyes. Gloves are very useful for this operation; of course, you also need sandpaper.
Step 2. Scrub the board with a rag to remove any sawdust residue
Use a damp cloth and inspect the surface for adhesive residue.
Step 3. Run your hand across the deck to make sure it is evenly sanded
Continue to treat the uneven areas until the board is perfectly smooth.
When you've got rid of any residue, you can apply the new griptape to the skateboard
Part 3 of 3: Working in the Right Environment
Step 1. Find a suitable workspace
The best place for this is the garage, a shed or even the open air yard. Proceeding in a well-defined environment simplifies cleaning operations, as the process inevitably causes a lot of sawdust and dust.
Remember to stay out of the wind to prevent particles from getting into your nose or eyes
Step 2. Dress appropriately
This is "dirty work" and you should wear appropriate clothing; do not use the best you have to change the griptape to the skateboard! This way, you save yourself a lot of laundry detergent and angry reactions from your spouse, parents or partner.
Choose old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or ruined
Step 3. Have cleaning tools handy
As already described above, this job creates a lot of dust and confusion, it is therefore essential to have everything you need for subsequent cleaning; by doing so, you can return the environment to its original condition much more quickly and easily.
- Keep a broom and dustpan nearby; you will have to collect a lot of dust, sawdust and debris when the job is done.
- You can place a sheet of cardboard or a tarp on the ground to collect the dirt and speed up cleaning.
Advice
Use coarse sandpaper for the first few steps of the removal and then move on to the finer one to smooth the deck
Warnings
- Don't get in trouble just because you don't cleanse all the mess you've created.
- Do not sand too much otherwise you will ruin the table.
