DIY Deck Art: Let Your Creativity Ride

Personalising your board or scooter is the perfect way to stand out and show off your creative side. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of decorating your boards, from gathering the right materials to adding the finishing touches. Get ready to let your imagination run wild!

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Why You Should Personalise Your Board

Skateboarding is all about self-expression, so why not take it a step further and design a skateboard that is truly yours? Showcase your board and make it truly unique, whether this be through bold artwork, meaningful designs, or your favourite colours and patterns, having your design on your board adds a sense of pride to every ride. Plus, the process of customising your board is a fun, hands-on way to connect with your gear and make it a reflection of who you are.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

For Painting:

• Acrylic paint
• Spray paint
• Paint pens
• Primer and sealant for durability

For Decals or Stickers:

• Pre-made vinyl stickers or custom sticker paper
• Cutting tools (craft knife or scissors)

Other Essentials:

• Sandpaper (to prep surfaces)
• Masking tape (for clean lines and sections)
• Stencils (for beginners or detailed designs)

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Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating Your Board

Preparing Your Skateboard or Scooter

The first thing you'll need to do to customise your own board is remove the wheels, trucks or any hardware. This is to give yourself easier access and more surface area to work with. Sanding the deck is the next step, this provides a rough surface for the primer to stick to, ensuring longevity. Then clean the surface to ensure the paint sticks properly. 

Painting Your Board or Scooter

For better colour adhesions, apply a primer coat. Primer coats also help fill in any imperfections the boards may have. 

For the designing of the board itself, its up to you which route you want to take it. For beginners, stencils and tape may be good to use, to help outline designs or protect areas you don't want to be painted. For advanced artists, you may just want to freestyle and see where your creativity takes you. We suggest layering paint and letting each coat dry before adding detailed patterns. This ensures durability and colour intensity. When adding details it may be best to use paint pens as they provide more accurate precision. 

When designing, make sure to embrace the fun and freedom of creativity! This is your chance to let your imagination run wild, so don’t worry about making everything "perfect." The beauty of customizing your skateboard is that it’s a personal expression. Just enjoy the journey and watch your ideas come to life.

Sealing Your Design

It's important to seal your design once everything has dried. A good sealant will help with durability, weather resistance, long-term protection and will give the deck a smooth finish. Although sealants help with all these, customised skateboards will not withstand harsh conditions forever. While sealants add a layer of protection, it's important to remember that constant wear from tricks, rough surfaces, and exposure to the elements can still cause wear over time. 

Health and Safety

When customizing your skateboard or scooter, it's important to follow health and safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some key points to remember:

Cutting tools: When using cutting tools like craft knives or scissors, it’s important that kids are supervised by an adult. Cutting tools should only be used by children who are old enough to handle them safely, and an adult should always be present to guide and assist with the task. Be cautious when using sharp tools like craft knives for cutting decals or stencils. Always cut away from your body and hands to prevent accidents.

Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area. Paints and sealants can release fumes that may be harmful if inhaled for long periods.

Protective Gear: Wear protective equipment such as gloves to avoid skin contact with paints, primers, or sealants. If you're using spray paint, wearing a mask or respirator is highly recommended to protect your lungs from inhaling harmful fumes or particles.

Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles to prevent paint or chemicals from splashing into your eyes while applying the primer, paint, or sealant.

Non-Toxic Materials: Choose non-toxic, low-odour paints and sealants to reduce the risk of harmful exposure. Always check labels for safety information.

Proper Disposal: Dispose of used materials, like paint cans or rags, safely according to local regulations. Paint thinners or solvents should not be poured down drains or thrown away in regular trash.

Fire Safety: Be cautious with spray paint and flammable materials. Ensure that there are no open flames or sources of heat nearby, as some paints or sealants can be highly flammable.

How to Display your Deck:

Deck display mounts are awesome for those who would rather display their custom deck. The Sk8ology deck displays are a cost-effective way to display your decks and are fairly easy to install. These mounts create the illusion of a floating deck, adding a modern touch to your home. Mounting your deck is a great way to highlight your artwork and make it the centre of attention. 

Customising your skateboard or scooter is an exciting and creative way to express yourself. Whether you’re adding bold designs, personal artwork, or just playing around with colours, the possibilities are endless. Remember to follow the necessary safety steps and take your time. Once your design is complete, you’ll not only have a piece of gear that reflects your personality but also one that’s built to last. So, grab your tools, let your creativity flow, and start customising your ride today!