Custom Grip Tape Job - THE EASY WAY

This is the easiest way to to do a customized Grip Tape Job.
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This video shows how to cut out griptape to reveal a sticker or graphic on a any deck.
You can do this to a street deck, longboard deck, Penny board, and scooter.
Steps for cutting out a sticker:
1. For a vertical line place the sticker face down and turned the right way (bottom of the graphic is toward the tail). Mark on the paper side of the grip tape where you'd like your line. Draw a line end to end.
2. Cut along the line. It does not need to be perfect because this line won't represent the line that goes thru the grip tape. We'll use the existing outside edges.
3. Take the small skinny piece, turn it around and line up the existing edges face to face. Then tape the 2 pieces together.
4. Place sticker face up on the deck where u like(don't stick). Measure the distance from bottom edge of the sticker to the tail of the deck. Add 1/2 inch (10mm) to that length. Use this new measurement and mark it on the paper side of the grip. You add 1/2 inch because the griptape is longer than the deck.
5. Place sticker face down in your spot, tape the ends down in a couple spots. Start tracing around sticker.
6. Does your sticker have a clear or colored boarder around the image? On the small skinny piece of grip tape move the sticker over toward the center the same distance as the boarder on the sticker and retrace. When u move the skinny piece over to create your line on the deck the boarder would be too big on the skinny side.
7. Cut out the grip tape along line you drew. Careful around corners.
8. Take off the paper backing of the sticker and stick it to the deck where you marked it. Avoid air bubbles or creases in the sticker by lying it down on the deck from one side to the other.
9. Take off the tape.
10. Tear off the paper backing on the grip tape about 1 inch around the cut out. It's easier to handle the grip tape to get it in place.
11. Place the grip tape over the deck around the sticker.
12. Peal off the paper backing on both sides and apply the griptape to the deck.
13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 for the skinny piece.
14. Score it, cut it, and roughen up the edges. Go over the line area a couple times to ensure it doesn't peal up.
For graphics on a deck or stickers that are not cut out and are shapes, like a rectangle, use a piece of see-through tissue paper to trace out. Stores that sell shoes would be happy to give you a piece.
1. Stick the sticker anywhere you like on the deck. For the rest of these steps I will refer to sticker as the graphic.
2. Cut a piece of tissue paper that will cover the graphic and then some, and then tape it down. Be sure to stretch out the paper as much as it can before it tears. It's OK if there are a ton of little wrinkles in the paper. So long as it's flat and won't move you're good.
3. Trace over the graphic. Use a ballpoint pen for this.
4. Take off the paper and fold over the tape onto the paper.
5. Measure the distance from the tail of the deck to the bottom edge of the graphic, and then add about 1/2 inch (10mm. Grip is longer.
6. Place the tissue paper face down turned the right way. The traced graphic should be in the right spot so when u cut it out it will line up perfectly on the deck. Tape it down.
7. Trace over the traced graphic on the tissue paper using a pen that will bleed or go through the tissue paper. This will mark the paper on the grip tape.
For a vertical line move the tissue paper over. See step 6 in beginning.
8. Peal back one side to see if thee are any spots that didn't show up.
9. Go over the lines with pen, kind of connecting the dots.
10. Tear off the paper backing on the grip tape about 1 inch around the cut out. This makes it easier to handle the grip tape as u get it in place over the graphic.
Follow steps 11-14 above since it does not allow (by youtube) enough room to add the rest.
Have fun getting creative with your own custom grip tape job!

[@DirtyGhettoKook]

Dude I used to think I knew alot about skateboarding on my own already but watching 3 of your videos already I've learned so much more.

[@zorxy1]

Why you stopped making videos ?

[@BlobBlobkins]

We still don't know

[@RatVision]

Thank you. We do our best to make sure everyone can follow the instructions, so no one gets confused along the way.

[@ProjectPhantom3D]

Years later these videos are still helpful.

[@domingobello8038]

Thanks for the tip! I am going to use a circular revive sticker on my next revive deck. I think it will look really nice. Love your videos!

[@joelllll1554]

Revive ❤️❤️

[@NeCtRiCkS]

AMAZING! I also love how "the graphic pops right off the griptape" in that Skate Mental logo :D

[@RatVision]

You can. Just add small lines of grip between the red and white triangle pieces. They may come off over time. It really depends on how big you make the logo. If you do it small then you don't need black lines (made of grip) between each color. You can use paint markers and tape to make the logo on the deck. Then cut the logo out of the grip, just like we did for the skate mental logo.

[@RatVision]

We picked up the Osiris sticker at a local skate shop. It was the best sticker they had to demonstrate with in this video.

[@RatVision]

We just grabbed the sticker at a local shop. It was the only sticker they had at the time that was going to work good for the video.

[@RatVision]

You could spray Spar Urethane outdoor coating. Try to avoid getting it on the grip tape. If a little gets on it's OK. It dries clear, and will probably make the graphic pop or stand out more. This will protect the graphic if the surface of the image is bare. You could use clear grip tape but this will make the graphic look blurry and a little cloudy too. Which graphic do you have so we can take a look at the deck and maybe give you more options.

[@capitangoldfish]

dude you make stuff so carefully its awesome xD

[@subscribe7heblindman]

hey,! for people who have trouble cutting the grip tape here's a tip: after selecting where your design is going to, cut little holes with a needle all around your design and then it's gonna be 100% easier to cut the grip without mistakes

[@jsmith10170]

Genius

[@elwerocdn]

Thank you so much, I've been looking for something like this. I ordered a deck online that has a graphic I want everyone to see and I'm definitely going to use your advice. I liked, favorite it, and subscribed! Now when it gets here I might do a video on it and send it to you.

[@RatVision]

Part 2. Using your measurement from the line to the edge of the deck + 1/2 inch. To make it really easy to stick the grip tape on and line it up easily, peel back about 1 inch of paper along the edge that is going to be part of the line. Stick the edge along the line. Do the same with the other piece of grip tape.

[@RatVision]

Just cut everything out. Everything in this video gives you all the info you need to do any custom grip job

[@RatVision]

Sure. That sounds good. That really depends on what you want to skate with a longboard. Hills, flat ground trails, around school, traveling around town? A shorter board around 36-40" inches is probably best. If you want to carve you want some flex. 65mm wheels is a good average size, with 78a-83a durometer. Any longboard trucks will do fine. You could just start with a complete board too.

[@RatVision]

@MrCasey2910 This was Iron Horse. It very similar to Jessup and everyone else. Seriously ride what ever you like. I have a video coming out soon on grip tape.

[@mailnoslihp95]

Where are you? Why did you leave us? You really are the best information channel on skateboarding. There is no channel that even comes close. Please come back. Your my favorite resource for learning about tips and tricks. I've watched every single one of your videos and I'm dieing for more. I see comments all the time wondering where you went and why you havent come back.

[@RatVision]

You can't buy 4x5" sheets. To cover that area you'd need a 12" roll and cut four 5 foot long strips. But since it is a wood ramp, and we assume outside you may want to prime and paint the ramp to protect it. You can buy crushed walnut shells to add into the paint to add abrasion to the surface. This is very common for painted walk ways and stairs. Talk to your local paint supplier for tips.

[@RatVision]

If you have a local "core" shop, spend your money there. Those shops are the heart of the industry and are what made the brands they are today. You may save a few bucks at the mall but it's always best to support your local shop (if you have one). Places like Zumiez are the reason why real shops are having to close down. At a core shop you get knowledgable employees, better customer service, and your real money's worth. You can always take your board to a core shop and have them fix it up too

[@carrotsoup7264]

this guy looks like jessy pinkman...

[@TheWeirdDareDevil]

THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING

[@julesl6910]

THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING

[@BlobBlobkins]

THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING

[@Ze-do1fk]

THAT’S WHAT I WAS THINKING

[@weler1]

THATS WHAT I WAS THINKING

[@alexlamerato660]

i suck at cutting the grip out like after i outlined it hahah like you and others i've seen on here make it look so easy. maybe i'm not pushing hard enough on the blade or something, mine just looks really choppy lol

[@RatVision]

It might help to cut on a softer surface like carpet so the blade can go through the grip tape easier. What is shown in the video is the backside of a piece of carpet. The actual carpet side is better.

[@theduranimal13]

i love these videos because they're soooo useful!!! and there's no annoying music to distract you while you watch.

[@pointlessfailure]

cool, I wish these were around when I was a kid, I would have loved to have a board like that. Now a days I run through boards so quick I'd be doing this every week

[@RatVision]

Yes. Any paper you can see through is fine.

[@RatVision]

It's actually really easy as long you follow the steps. The most important part is really making sure you cut the graphic out on the right place on the grip.

[@Ciaran55]

I never thought to do this; what you've done looks great. shows that skating involves creativity even when you're not on your board. knowing me I'd probably do a child's job of it haha

[@RatVision]

You're right, "parchment paper" or wax paper could work too. The down side is that it can be hard to right on because of the wax on it. Any paper that you can see through is good.

[@RatVision]

We are working on this video right now. There are a lot of videos of kids using windex. Kids do the darnedest things. There's natural rubber blocks u can get at a skate shop called Grip Gum($8), or u can get the same thing at a hardware store called belt sander cleaner ($6-7). Any art supply store should sell a piece of this same rubber as "rubber cement pick up" or "crepe rubber"($2). Use a very soft wire brush to loosen heavy dirt first (rubber won't get it off alone). Use rubber to wipe off.

[@RatVision]

That's up to you to decide. Sounds like you've done this before so you'd know more about it than me. If you think the magazine picture will last for the life of the deck then do it. Sounds awesome if it works. It's only dumb if you think so. Forget what others think.

[@RatVision]

@LFhhsCT I can totally help you with this. What you need is a spray can of Spar Urethane spray for outdoor use. It's about $7-9US. Spray the whole deck lightly and let it dry for about 10 minutes (if spraying at around room temperature, longer if colder). Do this about 3 or 4 times. It sprays on clear and is totally fine to put grip tape over. Make sure it is "Spar Urethane" and for Outdoors. And just in case you are wondering it won't add any extra weight.

[@RatVision]

No, the line and the space for the sticker do not effect the grip. It also does not peel up. The sticker is not where you put your foot and the line is on the opposite side of where regular-foot tricks are done. This doesn't ruin the board.

[@RatVision]

Im not sure if you got a response. It has to do with the vertical line. If you don't move it over then the cut out on the other side of the line will be over too far. Think of a circle, and cut it in half, and now move the pieces apart about 1/4 inch or 5mm. It's no longer a circle any more because of the gap between the 2 halves. The sticker has a border of the deck showing around it. The line makes a gap so you move the sticker back to make the border still even around the sticker.

[@RatVision]

@amsocool99 No. The sticker should stay on for the life of the board. You could have a small amount of the grip tape go over the sticker edge if you want. Just do it the same way when the graphic is printed on the deck. Just trace 1mm or 2mm inside the sticker edge, so when you put the grip tape on the edge is covered by the grip and can never peal off. But you really have nothing to worry about. The sticker won't peal off if you lay it down good on a clean deck surface.

[@SpinachTea]

all of your videos are explained in detail so well, thanks for making all these

[@deerawn]

thanks so much for making this, this is literally the fourth custom grip video i've watched in a row and the first to provide the info i wanted :p

[@RatVision]

The line is just for looks. I did this in case anyone wanted a vertical line. A lot of longboards tend to have a long line.

[@RatVision]

AWESOME! We make sure all our videos are completely thorough. What info was in our video that you needed. Also why the fourth video? It should have been the first :0

[@TonyCampCamppartyof4]

good video! for even more fun/customization you can add more lines with or without spaces and even use different color griptape . with the basics you explained the skies the limit

[@RatVision]

@MrCasey2910 Why don't you go to a hardware store and ask them for a belt sander cleaner. It's a big chunk of natural rubber. Basically it's like a giant eraser. It's usually cheaper than grip gum too

[@RatVision]

Draw your name on paper the back side of the grip. MAKE SURE IT IS REVERSED, because the other side of the grip shows. Make the letters really big n bold. U could have your name at an angle to give move style, fit a long name, and be able to make the letters big. If you have letters with holes like A, B, D, O, P, Q, and R make sure the piece of grip in the those holes are big enough not to peal off of the deck from skating. Any questions?

[@RatVision]

He rollerblades! Haven't you seen the movie Airborne? It was Jack Black's 2nd movie he was in.

[@Zapdeux]

I remember a long time ago I used to have a board with the independent sticker around the area where the Osiris sticker on yours is at. Man I loved that board. Though being a youngster I didn't appreciate it too much, left it outside a lot, ruined it with rain. I wish I had a board so I could start skating again. Damn bills to pay keep me from getting it now. Awesome videos btw, subscribed :)

[@CzGamerCraft]

nice very good i'm brazilian is fantastic your work

[@RatVision]

Thank you for the nice comment

[@RatVision]

Yes. Didn't you see the part where we mention where to measure to avoid messing it up?

[@RatVision]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. Makes doing these videos all worth it.

[@RatVision]

@6SuperUser9 That will be up within the next week or 2. In the mean time, if you need to know how to clean grip tape, use grip gum or go to a hardware store and grab a stick of best sander cleaner. Both are a piece of natural rubber about 6 inches long. All you do is rub it on the grip tape.

[@RatVision]

@Pseud0Link You got to skate! Shops have all kinds of old parts lying around. You could put together a set up at a good price. Thanks for the comment and the sub.

[@RatVision]

The same way shown in the video. I did the line in the video so you'd know how to do it. Use the truck mounting holes as guides to keep the strip straight.

[@RatVision]

@xLonewolfxXx Figure out where you want the line. Mark it on the paper. Cut the grip tape. You don't need the cut to be perfect, because you are going to turn both pieces around and use the existing straight edges. Fold back about an inch of the paper to get your pieces lined up. Stick down the edge, peel off the rest of the paper, and apply.

[@RatVision]

@xhawco The grip tape is a dirty but it is still sticky. The deck surface needs to be clean. You can try heating up the peeled up grip with a hair drier a little. This might help. Or try putting a little super glue along the edge of the deck. I have not done this, but it could work too. If you try this let me know how it worked.

[@RatVision]

When we made these videos we were concerned that the French would hate them. We are really happy to hear that at least one person from France likes them. LOL.

[@RatVision]

So would we. We'll get into decks and decks with composites as soon as we can. Thanks

[@YU30FALCONS]

Look at all these details! So smart!

[@MrDanielmarlowe]

Awesome so much easier than I thought this was gonna be with your video!

[@rileywhite5536]

dude u went beast mode on that orasis gripping!!!!!

[@RatVision]

No. You don't really need to see a separate video. Mark on the deck next to the truck mounting holes where you want the line. Then one mark in the center where the line is going to go. Cut the grip tape as shown in the video. Peal back only an inch of the paper so it's way easier to handle the grip and it doesn't stick everywhere else. This is similar to what we showed by tearing the paper near the sticker cut out. If you need more explanation send us a message through our channel.

[@RatVision]

Part 1... Mark the deck with a pencil in 3 spots, or draw a line down the deck. Use truck holes as your guide. If u want the line, about an inch to the right of the holes, mark a little line an inch away. Do the same mark next to the other truck holes. With something straight (like a long ruler) line up both marks. Mark somewhere in the center of the deck along the ruler. Measure the line to the edge of deck, add 1/2 inch to the measurement. Cut line in grip tape like in the video. See part 2.

[@RatVision]

Of course. Have fun.

[@HeyGuysItsGuy]

Jesse we need to cook.

[@VanillaMidgetSSBM]

I remember using this with a Red Sox logo a while ago :D Might do it with a Superman Sticker.

[@juliangutschlag160]

The best griptape video I’ve ever seen!!! 💯🔥

[@nicolaschauxlugo1705]

¡Thanks dude, I already put a custom griptape to my skateboard!

[@RatVision]

If you have zero balance, that would be a great way to start. Stand on it and squat really low, that's very important. As a very new skater, you never want to stand up all the way or the board will shoot out.

[@skatertwig26]

Sweet video, can't wait to try the second technique you did. The design I'm going to try will be a bit more advanced, I subbed and liked the video!

[@RatVision]

@bhbzVX Cut the width of the strip you want off the side of the sheet as straight as possible. Stick it on the deck where u like. Now u have a skinnier sheet left. You can cut it into 2 pieces or do the following. Peal back (not off) the paper backing the width of one side and fold it down. Start with the smaller side if u don't have your strip down the middle. Now there is a lot hanging off the side. Score it and cut it off. Repeat other side. If you have questions or need help send a message.

[@RatVision]

You can do whatever you want. You just want to make sure that you don't use big stickers, or have them in places where your feet are most of the time. Most people hardly put their foot where the sticker and graphic are shown in the video. So keep that in mind when adding more stickers.

[@RatVision]

Yes that video will be up this weekend.

[@RatVision]

Put the line wherever you like. It won't effect your skating at all.

[@RatVision]

That's something we could later for sure. Thanks

[@RatVision]

@G0neSk8ing Its on the list. There is grip gum, or you can get a piece of natural rubber at any hardware store sold as sand paper cleaner. Basically like using a big eraser on grip tape.

[@RatVision]

You guys must be having fun making you're own graphics.

[@Honda_Motorsports92]

Really great Job on the Osiris ... Looks like a nightmare for me hahah

[@RatVision]

You only move the sticker and make a new outline if you are putting a line through grip tape like we did. Because there is a line through the grip tape/sticker we have to move the outline closer because the spacing around the sticker would be too wide. Basically, we moved the grip tape away but adding a line, so we had to make the outline of the sticker closer. Make sense?

[@RatVision]

The reason for moving the sticker over is because of the vertical line. I move the grip tape over to create the line. That same strip of grip tape has the cut out space of the 'O' in Osiris. When I move the grip tape to create the line I am also pulling the cut out away from the other piece of grip. The space around the O will be too big when I move the grip tape. So I move the sticker and retrace to make sure the spacer around the O is even like the rest of the entire cut out. Make sense?

[@NJskate08106]

I'm definitely doing the second one from now on.

[@AngelGonzalez-dx9xg]

So sick! Definitely gonna use this on my next board

[@RatVision]

Yes you can use tracing paper.

[@hawkeyepierce4635]

great intro to tape art, I miss doing this kind of work; you look kind of like one of the guys from Sons of Guns - the pyro lol.

[@RatVision]

Yes, I can skate. This channel is not for typical skate videos. It's just for learning purposes.

[@RatVision]

At a local shop. We just grabbed a good sticker for this video.

[@RatVision]

@LFhhsCT sorry for the late reply. Yes home depot has this stuff. I can't think of the brand I got there. They should all be pretty good. There is about 2 or 3 brands there.

[@TheBruinspride123]

DUDE ur beats at custom griptape jobs

[@RatVision]

@Abolisher45 If you watch the Fix A Chipped Deck video I did you can see me re-grip a board. You can grip right over the adhesive. The blogs shouldn't be too big. If there are some I usually scrape them off with a razor blade. If you really want to remove all the adhesive use Citrus cleaner. You can also use grip tape that is still tacky to remove the blobs. Just like when a sticker leaves some adhesive behind you can still use the sticker to pick up the left overs. Make sense?

[@q8yii]

Duuudee o.o this is the most perfect griptape cut ever haha sick

[@ZombieMerk420]

Awesome Bro. Never would have thought of this, it looks sick!

[@RatVision]

Just follow all the steps and you can do it as good as what's in this video. The most important thing is following the measurement part.

[@RatVision]

@comock Its just for looks. A lot of longboard have lines, so that's why I showed it.

[@RatVision]

@MrCasey2910 I know more about bearings than almost everyone in the skate industry. Bold statement, I know, but it's true. I have done extensive research and testing to know what it makes a great skate specific bearing. By far the best bearings in the world are Oust or Tensor bearings. Oust makes Tensors bearings. They are made with the best chromoly steel metal, polishes their surfaces more, and created raceways to handle torsional and axial loads created in skating. There is nothing better.

[@paulrevere2928]

Oust is designed and engineered by Rodney Mullen, (who also designed/owns Tensor trucks) one of the few true geniuses in skateboarding, George Powell and Paul Schmitt are two more.

[@RatVision]

Absolutely yes.

[@RatVision]

@MrFarty98 There are a million online already done by pro's. I wouldn't be able to tell you anything else except how changing the sizes of equipment makes a difference.

[@RatVision]

It's up to you if you want to spend MORE time rolling a wheel over the grip than laying it down correctly to avoid air bubbles and using a wheel in the first place. This is especially true if you actually assemble a bunch of decks. Who cares about a laser cut. You didn't even sound sure about it because they are actually die cut.

[@liverpoolizcool]

i really liked it but couldn't help laugh at him humming/ muttering as he was cutting and laying down the grip haha

[@RatVision]

HA HA me too!

[@RatVision]

What difference does it make. The entire bottom side of the deck is exposed. Why would water be in contact with your first place. After seeing your comments below, I see you live in a rainy area. You may want to consider sealing your deck. Before applying grip tape, use outdoor "spar urethane" spray. This should help a bit to seal your deck more and prevent the wood from getting damaged. Give a few coatings, or a as many as you like.

[@eirikpersonskates]

It would be really awesome if you did a full tutorial on how to make spray-paint stencil art on your griptape, including how to cut the stencil and how to spray it on!!!! thumbs up so he can see!

[@whitetrashandhellbound6905]

Clever. I always just Winged my Top Deck Graphoc cutouts lol they always looked good but not Pro. Goingto try this on my kids new Blind Setup 🤟

[@RatVision]

It's all about how you hold the blade. Look at our Applying Grip Tape video.

[@RatVision]

@skateinferno During the making of this video... umm... may be not. I just grabbed a sticker that was cut around the letters that wasn't going to take a long time to do on video.

[@RatVision]

@kevin88wk Of course not. The line is just for looks and shows how to do a line. You can just do the outline.

[@RatVision]

Glad you learned a lot more. If you have any requests for videos let us know.