If you are interested in painting your own skateboard to make it completely unique, it is important that you use the right materials. When you use the wrong paint, you can experience issues with your artwork peeling, cracking, and scraping as you ride. This can be frustrating, but you can avoid it.
So, can you use acrylic paint on a skateboard? Yes! The best paint for painting your skateboard is going to be acrylic paint. This is because it is permanent, durable, and easy to work with. You can also add a sealant on top for extra protection and permanence of your design.
The process of painting a skateboard is pretty simple, but you need to be patient, plan, and prepare your skateboard for exactly what you want. This will prevent any mistakes or bumps in the process that can make it take longer than expected. Let’s read on to fund out more!
How to Paint a Skateboard With Acrylic Paint
When painting your skateboard, it is important to have an area set up for you to work efficiently. Find an area with plenty of ventilation and cover it with a tarp to protect the walls and floors from any potential spills or splatters.
With the area prepared, you can start preparing the skateboard. You need to remove the bolts, nuts, trucks, and wheels. It is extremely important that you remove the trucks to paint the skateboard efficiently and without getting paint where it doesn’t belong. Once you have all the parts removed, set them aside in a safe spot so you don’t lose anything.
After you have everything removed from the skateboard, you will need to sand down the surface. Using sandpaper, apply even pressure to the skateboard. It is best to work in small areas at a time instead of working on the whole surface to ensure that each part is properly sanded.
When you are finished sanding, remove all of the dust from the surface. You can do this with a stiff bristle brush or a clean, damp cloth. If any pieces of dust are left over, it can make your paint clump and prevent it from being smooth.
If there is any damage to the surface, you will need to fix it with a filler. Apply the filler based on the instructions provided by the manufacturer. When the filler is dry, sand it down to make it smooth and match the rest of the surface.
After the skateboard is completely smooth, you can apply a primer to the surface. You can use a spray primer or brush on primer, but you need to make sure you apply it to the surface in thin, even layers for the best results.
I recommend using Sargent Art Primer, it offers great coverage and it’s super affordable!
You should apply two layers of primer for maximum protection and adhesion, but it is extremely important to let the first layer dry for a minimum of thirty minutes before you apply the second layer. You will then need to wait for the second layer of primer to completely cure before painting. It is recommended you wait 24 hours before painting.
After the primer is ready to go, you can start painting your skateboard with acrylic paint. Just like the primer, you need to apply the paint in thin, even layers. This will prevent the paint from cracking and wrinkling and speed up the drying process. Each layer you paint will need to dry completely before you can add another one.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
For special offers and discounts, with my link you can also go to the Arteza website and shop their amazing products.
You can paint as many layers as you want, but it is highly recommended to use at least two. If you are happy with the coverage from two layers of paint, you can stop. If you think the painting would benefit from another layer or two, you can add more. Make sure each layer dries for a minimum of an hour for the best results.
When you are finished with your painting, let the acrylic paint cure for between 24 and 48 hours before you apply a sealant. A sealant will provide extra protection and keep your painting from being damaged while you ride.
Can You Paint Grip Tape with Acrylic Paint?
You can paint grip tape with acrylic paint, but you need to be careful. It is possible to overdo the paint, and you want to avoid doing so. Having too much acrylic paint on grip tape can negatively impact the grip you get from the tape.
If you are worried about painting grip tape, you can always test it out before putting it on your skateboard. You can paint some grip tape and see how the grip is impacted. If it is still grippy, you shouldn’t have any problem skating with it. If it’s not grippy, you should avoid putting it on your board.
Can You Use Spray Paint on a Skateboard?
It is also possible to paint your skateboard with spray paint. This is a great option if you want a solid base color on your skateboard or if you want to create a graffiti look. Just like regular acrylic paint, you will need to prepare the surface by sanding it and applying a primer.
You can then use the spray paint to create your desired design on the skateboard. You will also want to apply a sealant over the spray paint to protect it as much as possible from damage that might occur when riding your skateboard
How to Paint a Longboard with Acrylic Paint
Painting a longboard with acrylic paint is done in the same way as a skateboard. You need to take off the wheels, sand the surface, remove dust, and apply a primer. You can use either brush-on acrylic paint or acrylic spray paint. Apply each layer carefully and evenly to ensure a smooth paint job. When you are finished and the paint is dry, apply a sealant.
Do You Seal Acrylic Paint on a Skateboard?
You are going to want to seal the acrylic paint on your skateboard to make sure it doesn’t get damaged over time. The paint is at high risk of chipping and scratching if you leave it unsealed, and you will want to prevent this from happening.
I highly recommend using Krylon Clear Spray. It offers the most protection for your paint, and also protects against chipping, flaking and even UV rays, for when your skateboard is outside.
You have a few different options on what you can use to seal the acrylic paint on your skateboard. You can use a regular acrylic sealant that you know is going to be durable and easy to use, or you can try to seal it with epoxy resin. This might be more difficult to manage, but it will offer the maximum protection to your paint and skateboard.
This Resin Kit comes with everything you need to get started on your skateboard project.
Final Thoughts
If you want to paint your skateboard to show your individuality, you need to make sure you are doing so properly. The best paint to use for the job is going to be acrylic paint because it is easy to use and very durable. You will need to apply the paint in thin layers to avoid wrinkling and cracking, then finish with a sealant to provide maximum protection.
You can also use spray paint on your skateboard to make the painting process go a little quicker or make a cool graffiti design. You need to apply the spray paint in even layers to makes sure the finish looks uniform when you are finished. It is also important to add a sealant over spray paint.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your acrylic painted project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
