How to: Get your own customized grip tape

Stand out from the crowd with your exclusive, unique grip tape. It’s quite easy to design and apply if you simply follow this little guide. Watch the video and read the blog post to say goodbye to old black grip tape and welcome your own limited edition grip tape.

It’s no secret that you’ll need a new piece of grip tape occasionally, so why not use this chance to create your own custom grip tape? It’s a unique and straightforward way to express some personality, and the combinations are endless, so the chances of ending up with something identical to anyone else’s are virtually zero.

All you need is a knife, a ruler, an Allen key/screwdriver, and some grip tape.

Step 1: Your mind is the only limit

There are only two obstacles when customizing your scooter or skateboard grip tape: your imagination and your fine motor skills.

Start by choosing which grip tape sheets you want to use. It might be helpful to draw the pattern you want to use, so you have an idea of how the result will look. You can find both scooter and skateboard grip tape here if you need inspiration.

If you’re designing custom grip tape for your scooter deck, you can find scooter grip tape specifically made for this purpose here.

Step 2: Inch by inch

Now that you have an idea of how your custom grip should look, it’s almost time to cut the pieces out. But first, there’s a crucial thing to consider: if you’re designing for a scooter deck, you should remember to make cutouts for the headtube and brake.

The same rule applies to skateboard grip tape - Remember to consider the length and width of the skateboard deck when planning your design.

Next, grab a knife and cut out the shapes you’ve planned for your pattern.

Step 3: Easy peasy

Installing grip tape is simple if you follow a few rules. First, arrange your design. Lay the different pieces out on top of the deck before removing the paper. Once you have the look you want, peel off the paper from the sticky side of the grip tape and add the pieces one at a time. It’s important to start attaching it from the center outwards to avoid air bubbles.

Once you’ve finished the jigsaw (your design), create guidelines for cutting the grip tape by scratching the edges of the deck with a tool. Cut off the excess grip tape along the line you just made.

Now you’re almost ready to ride. The last thing you need to do is create holes for the bolts. Use an Allen key or a screwdriver to poke the necessary holes to attach trucks (for a skateboard) or the brake (for a scooter).

So get out there and be creative, and remember it’s healthy to show off once in a while.