How to: Get Your Own Customized Grip Tape

Stand out from the crowd with your exclusive, one-of-a-kind grip tape. It’s quite easy to design and apply if you follow this simple guide. Check out the video and blog post, wave goodbye to the old black grip tape, and say hello to your own limited edition grip tape.

It’s no secret that you’ll need a new piece of grip tape once in a while, so why not use the opportunity to make your own custom grip tape? It’s a unique and easy way to show some attitude, and the combinations are endless, so the chances of ending up with something that anybody else has are zero to one gazillion.

The only things you need are 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 it comes to customizing your scooter grip tape or skateboard grip tape: your imagination and your fine motor skills.

Start by deciding which grip tape sheets you want to use. It can 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 creating your own custom design for your scooter deck, you can find scooter grip tape made specifically for this purpose here.

Step 2: Inch by Inch

Okay, so you have an idea of how your custom grip should look. Now it’s almost time to cut the pieces out. But beforehand, there’s a very important thing to consider: if you’re creating a design 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 take the length and width of the skateboard deck into consideration when you plan the design.

Okay, it’s time to grab a knife and cut out the shapes you’ve planned to use in your pattern.

Step 3: Easy Peasy

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

When you have finished the jigsaw (your design), add guidelines for cutting out 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. Take an Allen key or a screwdriver and poke the necessary number of holes to attach the trucks (if it’s a skateboard) or the brake (if it’s a scooter).

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