How To Make Your Own Skateboard Graphics (Tutorial)

The Video everyone has been asking for! How we make our skateboard graphics, learn how to make your own custom skateboard graphics design Tutorial.
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November 25th, 2016
Today on North West Decks we show you how we make our custom skateboard graphics using a few tools. The most important tool being a vinyl Us Cutter. You'll also need an xacto knife, ruler, squegee, transfer tape, Oracle vinyl preferably 951,and our good Ole heat gun that we use for everything! The more colors you want your graphic to be, the more cuts you will have to do. This design were doing today is only 2 colors. Green and silver oracal 951 vinyl. After cutting your design weed the excess vinyl away from your cut design. Apply transfer tape and place design on your skateboard. After you apply your design to your skateboard using the tips given in the video plug in your heat gun and begin heating your graphic lightly until you see it shrink and almost melt into the board. Let me know what you think of our Episode today, and Comment and give this video a thumps up to be entered in our North West Decks KZbin Skateboard Deck giveaway this upcoming Sunday! Thanks for watching and I'll see you tomorrow!
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[@astrorose9829]

So no ones gonna talk about the background music? This was KZbin’s theme in like 2007 or 2009

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

lol yep this song was used heavily back in the early days of KZbin.

[@bashrahmat4239]

I was looking for this comment

[@jaspercross4235]

*up music kicks in*

[@franco_spams-l2922]

Wait this was 2 years ago

[@_Maxten]

back when people used onetruemedia and youtube would just lay this on top of their audio due to copyright

[@heysoggyitsmeboostxd2467]

i know this is 2 years old now. but i havent heard dreamscape in a yt vid since 09

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

lol sure is an oldy

[@ianmccreary331]

Your profile picture keeps making me think there is a hair on my screen

[@JasonDaboll]

I hate your profile pic

[@thenicetryguy-tntg4191]

Love your profile pic 😂

[@eddieruiz4587]

Now it’s even older

[@tychoradio4415]

Since that music played, I knew this was gonna be a real good tutorial

[@enriquefuentes7697]

I had a flashback of how to download paid programs for free in 2008

[@Fubeman]

Things you will need: • X-Acto Knife • Squeegee • Ruler • Transfer Tape • Heat Gun • Adhesive Vinyl I think you forgot one tiny, little thing. Hmmm, what could it be? What could it be? Oh yeah. I know. A freaking VINYL PRINTER!

[@damienmccormack7938]

Just buy them?

[@brockingram8400]

0:52 ..........

[@zachthorn998]

I think you can’t get vinyl printed from a graphic design place

[@phililpb]

@@zachthorn998 yep. plenty of ebay sellers will cut vinyl for you

[@thevernonposse]

Lmao I was hoping to do this myself guess not

[@Skatarded]

so cool too bad that i dont have a vinyl cutter

[@amritbanerjee]

You can do small designs with an exacto knife yourself.......... Just be patient and take your time you should be able to cut out something like in the video in like a day or so :)

[@mattieptasinski7341]

never realised it takes so much time to actually do that

[@roodlyfbuts8006]

I'd love to just buy the equipment, design them how I want and then just pay someone an hourly wage to put it on the boards. Someday. Great vid!

[@69JANKS]

So basically laying on some decals...... eBay have plenty decals Lettering/Numbers , styles, sizes etc After all this i thought maybe some prep & Clear-Coat over the whole lot 👌✅ Just thought I'll put it out there!!

[@k8h0lmes]

69JANKS while your method is possible and could be cute, it’s not going to look professional. Even if you could make it look professional, your way would require a lot more time and effort.

[@phililpb]

how does vinyl hold up in use. does it all get ripped off the first time you grind

[@psychoblack1411]

@@phililpb it will tear up the first slide attempted!

[@emilywebb4005]

CUSTOM DECKS HERE I COME!!!! Thanks sooo much for this video!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Emily Webb heck yeah!!! No problem Emily! Thanks for watching!

[@SkateRatCj]

7:56 slighlty peels the N off ... "nobody saw that"

[@OhighOSkater]

This is one I was waiting for. Good video! I like seeing what goes in to making them. It would be cool to get one of those vinyl cutter things and make some graphics

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+OhighO Skater thank you! I'll try to do some more videos some what like this but chopped down. Thanks for watching bud!

[@topher7379]

great video man. P.S. Whenever you peeled the clear film from the board, I almost had a heart attack

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Decks & Boards haha it is a risky procedure! Thanks for watching bud!

[@badjawboy9161]

Thanks for sharing your process...this guy is gold! more power to you man

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

Thanks broski!

[@20SillyGoose]

Cool video, I started my own deck art shop and have found out there is 7000000 ways to make skateboard art. This is a great idea, good way to make it look super professional

[@sean8190]

LMFAO bro I heard "that" song and i immediately thought you were going to pull up NotePad and start typing: "Hello guys" *Deletes what he just wrote* "Today, I am going teach you how to make your own skateboard decals for skating 2010." *Deletes what he just wrote* "1st things first, we need-"

[@brantkieffer5978]

if you put felt on one side of your squeegee it helps a lot with making the vinyl flat/smoother faster

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

Thanks for the Tip Brant! I'll give that a try next time I apply. I used to have a squeegee that had a felt line on it... don't know where it went! lol

[@joebloggs1365]

Heating the vinyl so it becomes one with the board..I cant quiet get it to that finish..just ends ups looking like i've put a bunch of stickers on it,

[@DestroyCooperative]

You could save a lot of transfer tape and time by cutting a lineup bar on each color and then masking the top layer and lining the line up bar to the second color with the same tape. That way you apply both layers to the deck at once with perfect line ups in waaaay less time and saving money on tape. I might do a video on this.

[@thomasroomie3520]

for real that would work perfectly

[@ryanlo2494]

That's a lot of work, can't believe you do that every day

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+jason NG it is. It's not easy I do run into issues and problems from time to time. I have a passion for it and truly enjoy doing it everyday. Thanks for watching like always man!

[@CaPtInWaFfLeS100]

Thats a lot of work for one board, but all worth it. keep up the good work yo

[@HunterRayl]

I've been wondering how you've done it! Thanks for the tutorial! Can't wait for tomorrow the next video!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Hunter Rayl I know many of you have! Haha really happy I got this how to up. Really appreciate you watching! Thanks Hunter! 👍

[@eterrna]

i had a skate board that was only blue but now i have words written on it thanks

[@daisukehebara5689]

I take your board to one sesh and all your beautiful work will be shredded dude 😂

[@dfworks2239]

This is a slap in the face to actual skateboard graphic artists….

[@MrMuu2]

all ways wanted to know how u did the whole process. keep up the awesome vids

[@samibinyassir3130]

you are awesome I love your videos and I really hope that your channel grow really fast and reach the 1m sub. soon love you and keep up the good work

[@i_jrod82]

Thanks for letting me know how you make the boards so many options to stay creative I hope you make tons of money dude!!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Jose R Rodriguez no problem bud! Always enjoy sharing this content with you guys! I hope so to! Thanks for watching!

[@MrSlambie]

Dude no joke but your really talented man! you'll become a huge company one day.

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Mr. Slambie I appreciate that a lot! Your truly kind, that's the goal bud! Thanks for watching like always dude! 👍

[@purploe9850]

Probably not, but idk

[@MarisolSalas]

I been waiting for this video thankkss ☺

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Marisol Salas thanks for watching Marisol! Glad I did this how to!

[@jamesfrancoson2918]

Wow man! Never knew it took all that work to do those decks.

[@IsaiahLosJefe]

This Is Super Sick ! I Was Always Wondering What You Were Using 😌

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Isaiah Peatross I'll actually be showing a few other methods that many of you may find useful. Thanks for watching Isaiah!!

[@dylanbarinaga]

what is the exact model of the vinyl cutter?

[@AmuckPVP]

Very simple & sleek & looking deck.

[@LeGiiTxKiDDs]

Crazy. I’m looking this up on thanksgiving in 2020👀

[@unlevelproductions2538]

Once again a great video and really liking the tutorials lately!

[@MahvyuTV]

Thank you bro

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

Anytime, I'll be going Live Thursday July 15th to answer any questions you may have.

[@michaelcooper2762]

Well I don't think I can do it, but I'll try!

[@Neuromindart]

How does a vinyl graphic hold up compared to a regular skateboard deck when it comes to board slides and scratches? Would it need a coating over it?

[@officialspaceefrain]

All rise to the OFFICIAL KZbin anthem. N O S T A L G I A

[@brandenbarnes7431]

What size vinyl cutter is needed

[@iamchris6033]

3:17, the most satisfying thing I've ever seen

[@chrismarroquin6338]

Dude thanks I've been meaning to do this for a while

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Chris the Otaku thank you Chris! I'm glad I finally did this video! As always I appreciate you watching! Thanks! 👍

[@SuperKingOFengland]

Surely put the silver outline over the top? As you made them the same size cut. So wouldn’t that just mean the green covers the outline??

[@mrphlipseyed]

What happens to the vinyl when you heat it up that makes it stick to the board "forever"? I have all of the equipment you used in the video and I'm wanting to make custom boards for my skate team, but I've read a TON of reviews stating to stay away from using vinyl. I've read that the vinyl tends to peel away and cause riders to come to dangerous stops in mid slide sending them hurling through the air. Please share any experience you have with this.

[@shadeeriver9443]

Making the lettering look like bones would be rad!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+ShadeeRiverx it totally would! I should see if they have any cool bone fonts! Thanks for the suggestion and as always watching!

[@sk8terart838]

thanks for the tutorial the graphic you choose is awesome I'm definitely going to give it a try .

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Joshua Redden no problem Joshua! Let me know of you need any help!

[@poultonprojects]

Thanks for all the cool videos!!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

I'll have much more to come very soon! Thanks for the feedback buddy

[@PrinceDisneyFanTV]

I have never seen you make a Disney XD skateboard with the Disney XD logo on it.

[@TooPzycho]

This was an epic video! I've always wondered how you did awesome graphics on your boards :)

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+EhItsAce thanks Ace! Appreciate it! Had to finally do a video on it!

[@zzydrcy]

Great videos man This is Dracey's Brother he made a lot of graphics thanks to the tutorial

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Dracey Kabiling that's awesome to hear! Glad I could help! Thanks for watching I appreciate it!

[@jt9384]

Wow, takes a lot of work and effort to pull that off.

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Jt Larry yes! I've gotten pretty good at it over the last few months. Honestly it is a time consuming project. Thanks for watching Jt!

[@unemployedjohn3206]

This seems like it would peel off on first use. Shouldn't it??

[@japanesemoosic6501]

great video as always man! thanks for the tips:)) keep going bro

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Joe Scarisbrick no problem Joe! I've been meaning to do this video for some time! Thanks for watching!

[@SaturdayNightSnackandaMovie]

dude I just noticed the Matrix deck! Did you happen to see mine?

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Skatemaster Nate Nate! I did see yours! It's absolutely amazing, love it!!!

[@1hawkrules1]

That´s really cool guys!!!!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+1hawkrules1 thanks Bud! Hope it helped!

[@ahardbridgetocross3832]

How does the vinyl hold up to normal skateboard use? Will it wear like a heat transfer or just shred straight off?

[@gkiiizy6068]

Cool does the vinyl not peel off when grinding down the tail and doing board slides etc

[@nathangertze5178]

nice man... thanks

[@mt.oliver627]

yes I've been waiting

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Revive Skating glad I could get it uploaded! Thanks for watching like always my brother!

[@lightzang1303]

Dude nice! I recently graduated as a graphic design at Dakota State University. Used a similar tactic to design T-shirts myself. If y'all are looking for a new graphic designer to join you and your team hit me up man.

[@alexcontreras8335]

What kind of machine do u think he used?

[@lightzang1303]

​@@alexcontreras8335 I have only used one type of cutting printer and I believe it was a wide format US Cutter. Once the printer cut over our design, we used an exacto knife to take our the bits we didn't need, placed the sticker cutout on a woodscreen, and then just placed it over a shirt and started transferring the design with ink.

[@sotographics]

Great tutorial, thanks

[@MatthewRising]

Awesome!

[@psychoblack1411]

the vinyl will tear the second you do one slide ? i hope these are for display purposes only !

[@jessica_morton]

Enjoyed the video!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Jessica Morton thank you Jessica! Hope it helped!

[@jovielove5648]

Thank you!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Jovie Love hope this helps!

[@KnowHowTV]

Bro thanks for this video I was going to demand it soon

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+KnowHow TV haha no problem bud! Really glad I got this one uploaded today! Thanks for tuning in man!

[@cooper2106]

Can you tell that it’s vinyl or is it flush with the rest of the board? If not how would I get the vinyl to look flush with the board

[@axelsb08]

so you heat it up after putting it on...okay im kindof confused and i dont have a cutter machine...

[@martinez7859]

this video is very interesting

[@josephkongolo7536]

Wow

[@treyalexander7256]

I have a 34" uscutter as well and use this concept but as stencils and I paint custom signs. Figured id have to paint a skateboard as I had a request for one to be done. Then I saw you just put the vinyl on the board. Now I'd need a heat gun and can see how that would help. Did you use oracal 651 or 631? Probably the outdoor 651 if I had to guess. Anyways how would this hold up with boardslides and tail slides etc? I would think the vinyl wouldn't slide well but what do I know haha thanks in advance if you can help out it'd be appreciated

[@giodoeslift]

wow amazing

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+AngelAkaPanda thanks Angel! Let me know if you ever have any questions. Thanks for watching dude!

[@Tom_Legg.]

Is there any other options than using a dinyl cutter and how much are they

[@journeyboyz979]

this was a great video because I'm starting my own skateboard brand too and I know how to make the skateboards but the graphics always confused me so for the tips

[@k8h0lmes]

I need a vinyl cutter that is compatible with Mac- any suggestions?

[@traydenhryniuk5331]

Awesome video man keep up the good work i love your videos #roadto2k

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Trayden Hryniuk truly appreciate that Trayden! Much love brother!

[@karpackavelli]

works best with a painted deck because the paint melts it on, with a plain deck it peels off a bit

[@sshouser31]

Did you paint the board first?

[@leenakumari4179]

Please give me how to make skateboard black sticker at home for kids skateboard

[@joserubenmendoza9570]

I dont want to tell you guys how to weed out vinyl but I'm sure you'll find it easier to weed out vinyl with "E" or "G" if you pull towards the left if the vinyl is right side up. Just a suggestion😁

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

Great advice! That's Jose I appreciate your feedback.

[@elmatasuegra2-334]

i have a cricut cutter but i need a bigger one in order to do this kind of projects ...what kind of vynil cutter you use ?? ...link please i wanna buy one ....

[@neytanmusicph]

can i use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun

[@chiefinethan6415]

nathan simple what do is put wax paper over the design and use an iron to press it on.

[@MrSupastoner420]

is the board painted black, or is it black vinyl?

[@Nebsytv]

THE MUSIC THOOOOO

[@keelan8262]

What vinyl cutter do you use. And does it print+cut

[@stanye]

will it peel off while skating?

[@0mizzle]

cool

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Omell playz Thanks Omell! 👍

[@jazminharville5769]

wow thank you ! im doing a skate board wall feature for my client and this helped me figure out what direction i need to go by getting custom logos on boards. i bought solid blank wood boards and wanted to paint them black and then add the logo. what type of paint (company) do you recommend for the blank wood boards. I was thinking a semi gloss black but unsure what paint would be the best !!!

[@bipolarbishop]

What kind of vinyl cutter did you use

[@christopherreynolds8515]

what printing machine are you using

[@FeverBeats]

Thank you!!

[@Gxdly816]

nice man, i hope to win that giveaway tomorrow and i was looking forward to this vid keep up the good content

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

+Kamryn Parton good luck on Sunday! I know everyone has been wanting this video, glad I could get It up! Thanks for watching!

[@KeepShredding]

I just saw Skaterz Anonymous New video with a Unboxing from you. That Deck you sent him is Fresh AF. I just Subbed to your Channel. Great Video lots of good info. Keep Shredding Bro 😎

[@sxychicana84]

Awesome good job!!

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

Thanks! Hope this explains how we make out skateboard graphics! Good Luck In Tomorrows Giveaway Momma Cupcake!

[@sxychicana84]

+North West Decks thank you

[@arturogutierrez4525]

Absolute Kyle

[@anthonybarrett9797]

is there an alternate way

[@roodlyfbuts8006]

Are these decks skateable or just for looks?

[@dominicansosa8184]

What kind of vinyl cutter did you use?

[@justinortegaakacheadder5035]

What kind of printer

[@NorthWestDecksCustoms]

Hey Justin, I used a uscutter vinyl printer.

[@teamxskateboarding1108]

Justin Ortega aka CHEADDER laser jet

[@tylerkihut8328]

What Type of vinyl did you use?