How to Remove & Replace Skateboard Grip Tape

How to Remove & Replace Skateboard Grip Tape

Grip tape is an essential part of your skateboard. It provides traction, ensuring that your feet stay on the board. While every board should have grip tape, it is particularly important if you are doing tricks.

In this quick article, we’ll look at how to properly remove and replace skateboard grip tape.

Removing Grip Tape

Grip tape will eventually get dirty and worn after frequent use. The more you use the skateboard, the more often you will need to remove and replace the grip tape.

Step 1: Gather Tools

Removing grip tape is simple and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All you need is a hair-dryer and a razor blade. If you don’t have a razor blade, you can use a retractable utility knife.

Step 2: Heat the Edges

Using your hair-dryer, heat the edges of the grip tape all around your skate deck. The heat from the hair-dryer will loosen the adhesive in the grip tape, allowing it to be removed easily.

Step 3: Run Blade Around Edges

Now that you have heated the edges of the grip tape, it’s time to loosen it with your razor blade. Hold your blade at a 45-degree angle and carefully run the blade underneath the grip tape. 


If you find the tape is still sticking quite a bit, use the hair-dryer to reheat the section you are working on. Be extremely careful while using the razor blade and go slowly so you don’t cut yourself.

Step 4: Heat the Middle

Now you can heat the center of your deck. Aim the hair-dryer along the middle of the deck for roughly one minute. This will loosen the rest of the adhesive in the grip tape and allow it to come off in one piece.  

Step 5: Peel Off Tape

Starting at one end of your deck, slowly start to peel off the grip tape. Be particularly careful around the hardware holes so the tape doesn’t snag. Use the hair-dryer to reheat any sections of tape that are difficult to peel. It should come off in one piece!

Step 6: Scrape

Use your razor blade to scrape off any bits of remaining tape. This will ensure your deck is smooth so the new grip tape will adhere properly. Don’t worry about any remaining adhesive glue on the deck.

Now when you have your old grip tape removed it's time to get a new one in its place. Following are the steps needed to properly apply your new grip tape. In case you still don't have one, you will be pleased to learn that we offer custom skateboard grip tapes at affordable prices. With low minimums on orders and fast production time, your satisfaction is guaranteed. 

Replacing Grip Tape

Once you have your old grip tape removed, you’re ready to apply new grip tape. This is an easy process that will make your board look fresh and help you land those tricks!

Step 1: Line It Up

Lay your board down on a flat, steady surface. Peel the backing off of the new grip tape. Holding onto both ends, line the grip tape up with your deck.

Step 2: Press It Flat

Using your thumb and index finger, stick the ends of the grip tape to the nose and tail. Then use the palm of your hands to gently press down along the middle of the deck. Lastly, use your hands to press out toward the sides.

Step 3: Remove Air Bubbles

If you notice any air bubbles trapped under the grip tape, they are easy to remove. Simply use your hand or the wheels on your truck to roll firmly over the tape until the air bubble is gone. 


If you have a stubborn pocket of air, you can always use your razor blade to poke a tiny hole in the tape to remove it.

Step 4: Score and Cut

Use a screwdriver or anything with a blunt surface to score the grip tape around the edges of the board. This will provide a visual outline for cutting. 

Now you’re ready to trim. Hold your razor blade so that it is angled down towards the deck. Slowly pull the blade along the edge of the deck, toward you, trimming the excess grip tape.

Step 5: Sand the Edges

Use the rough side of the excess grip tape to sand down the edges on your deck. Once you have smooth edges, use a screwdriver to poke through the tape where your hardware holes are.

Good Luck Landing Bolts!

As you can see, it is a simple process to remove and replace skateboard grip tape. Taking the time to put on new grip tape will improve the traction your feet get on the deck. Your board will look better and you will get a better ride! Especially if you remember to clean your grip tape from time to time.


0 comments


Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing

Recent Posts

Custom Products
Quality Assurance
Secure Shopping
24.7 Help Center