Step-by-Step: Customizing Your Skateboard with Stickers
Your skateboard isn't just a ride; it's an extension of your personality, your style, and your journey. What better way to truly make it yours than by decking it out with cool stickers? Whether you're aiming for a sleek minimalist look or an explosion of vibrant designs, customizing your board with skateboard stickers is an easy and fun way to express yourself.
Why Customize Your Skateboard with Stickers?
Personal Expression: Show off your favorite brands, artists, causes, or just your unique vibe.
Stand Out: Make your board instantly recognizable at the skate park or on the street.
Cover Imperfections: Hide scratches or scuffs, giving your board a fresh new look.
Easy & Affordable: It's one of the most accessible ways to customize your gear.
What You'll Need:
Your skateboard (deck, trucks, wheels)
Vinyl stickers (like our durable two-inch stickers!)
Rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth
A credit card or squeegee
(Optional) Clear spray sealant (like clear coat spray paint)
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Rad Custom Board:
Step 1: Clean Your Skateboard Deck This is crucial for ensuring your stickers stick properly and last.
Remove Dust/Dirt: Use a dry brush or cloth to wipe away any loose dirt or dust.
Degrease: For the best adhesion, especially on the smooth bottom of your deck, wipe the area where you plan to apply stickers with rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth. This removes any oils or residues.
Dry Thoroughly: Make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
Step 2: Plan Your Layout Before you start peeling, take some time to arrange your skateboard stickers on the deck. This is your chance to experiment with different layouts, overlaps, and placements.
Mix Sizes & Shapes: Use a variety of two-inch stickers and larger designs for dynamic visual interest.
Consider Flow: Think about how the stickers will look when the board is in motion or propped up.
Snap a Pic: Take a photo of your planned layout so you can easily reference it once you start applying.
Step 3: Apply Your Stickers Smoothly Applying stickers without bubbles is key for a professional look.
Peel Slowly: Carefully peel the backing off each sticker.
Position & Press: Place the sticker in its desired spot. Starting from one edge of the sticker, use a credit card or squeegee to firmly press it down, working outward to push out any air bubbles. Overlap your strokes as you go. (Refer to our "How to Perfectly Apply Vinyl Decals Without Bubbles" guide for more detail!)
Repeat: Continue this process for all your chosen vinyl stickers.
Step 4: Protect Your Masterpiece (Optional, but Recommended) For extra durability and to make your waterproof stickers even more resilient, especially on a skateboard that faces wear and tear:
Clean Surface Again: Ensure the applied stickers and surrounding areas are clean and dry.
Apply Clear Coat: In a well-ventilated area, apply a light, even coat of clear spray sealant (like a clear acrylic spray paint or a specific skateboard clear coat) over the entire bottom of your deck, or just over the stickered areas.
Multiple Thin Coats: Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing adequate drying time between each coat, following the product's instructions. This will create a protective barrier against scuffs, UV rays, and moisture.
Step 5: Let it Cure! Allow all the adhesives (and any clear coat) to fully cure. For stickers, 24-48 hours is ideal before heavy use. If you applied a clear coat, follow its specific drying and curing times before hitting the streets or the park.
Now your custom skateboard is ready to roll! Ride with style, confidence, and a board that truly represents you.
