Do you want to customize your skateboard a bit more with colors and design? Well, skateboarding is more than a sport; it’s an art that lets individuals express their creativity and style. And in this regard, acrylic paint is the best choice.
But do you know how to paint skateboards with acrylic? Painting the skateboard is not rocket science. Instead of taking it to a shop and asking someone to paint it, you can do it easily with a little effort. But before this, you must have complete knowledge about that.
In this article, we’ll dive into a step-by-step guide to teach you how to convert your old skateboard into a brand-new one. Further, I will tell you different techniques of acrylic paint that let you create a unique and eye-catchy design.
Invest your few minutes here on this post before starting to paint your skateboard.
Can You Paint Skateboards With Acrylic?
Yes, acrylic paint is considered the best for painting a skateboard.
Acrylic paint is ideal for skateboarding for a number of reasons:
- Acrylic paint is a permanent
- Acrylic paint adheres correctly on smooth wood surface
- Acrylic paint is durable
- Acrylic paint offers a variety of colors.
Skateboards have a smooth surface, making them ideal for painting. You might wish to paint your skateboard with different appealing designs and colors, which requires a great deal of information about how paint works.
Skateboard decks that are made of wood provide the best surface for painting, irrespective of the deck shape, and provide flawless finishing. Another reason for using this paint is that it dries rapidly and is durable.
How To Paint Skateboards With Acrylic? A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are an expert in painting, then it is no more a tough job for you, but if you are new, then it will demand patience and a little effort. Nevertheless, don’t panic! These detailed instructions will make it simple.
Things You Need
Before starting the painting job, you must have access to the following items:
- Grip tape
- Painter’s tape
- Dust mask
- Blank deck
- Aerosol primer
- Stencils
- Acrylic paints
- Fuz-free rag
Step-by-Step Guide To Skateboard Painting
Painting might seem like a tough job, but it is not such a complicated process. Read the six steps described below before starting the job. You can easily paint your skateboard, even if it is your first time.
Let’s move to steps.
Step 1: Prepare The Skateboard Surface
First of all, you have to set up a well-ventilated and organized work area. Ensure you have all the necessary tools, including protective gear, and dress up in clothes that are for rough use. It is because this process produces a lot of dust that can make your clothes dirty.
After preparing the work area, remove the trucks from the deck and clean the skateboard. You can use detergent if there is any dust, debris, or grease that, if left on the surface, can destroy your art and the final look.
After cleaning the surface, sand the deck using sandpaper to create a smoother and paint-friendly surface. This step is critical to enhanced paint adhesion and a finish that lasts. Moreover, this sanding will help you remove the graphic if your deck already has it.
After that, wipe away any sanding remains with a clean towel.
Step 2: Apply Primer On Skateboard Surface
After smoothing the board surface, apply the primer to create a solid base and enhance the paint adhesion. There are multiple primers available in the market, but aerosol primers are considered ideal.
When you are choosing the primer, ensure that it is compatible with a skateboard. Read the instructions on the primer, start applying it, and let it dry.
Step 3: Choose Your Design
Here the most exciting step starts – the choice of design! It’s time to show your creativity and experience various concepts. Acrylic paints provide adaptability and brilliant colors to bring your vision to life.
Experts say that before starting the painting, sketch the design on the skateboard lightly with a pencil to avoid any errors during the job.
Step 4: Paint Your Skateboard
Once you draw the sketch and it looks good to you, start painting the skateboard. There are different acrylic painting techniques (described below); choose which feels best to you.
Don’t be in a hurry during the painting process, as a minor mistake can damage your whole artwork. When you are going to apply a second layer of paint, ensure the prior layer is dried. This will help in mixing the colors.
Step 5: Finishing The Artwork
It’s time to perfect your masterpiece. If you attach the stencils (stickers that are used in graphic design), remove them. Do it when the paint is 75% dried. Further, add highlights and details to make your work stand out.
Step 6: Sealing the Artwork
When you are done with the painting job, apply the sealer to the painted skateboard to protect your artwork and enhance its longevity. If you want a good look, apply it when the paint is a little bit wet.
The sealer will help protect your paint from UV rays, wear and tear, and scratches during skateboarding.
What are Acrylic Paint Techniques?
Here are some acrylic painting techniques for skateboard painting that will produce eye-catching effects on your riding partner.
- Splattering: Soak a brush in paint and lightly roll it over the deck’s surface to produce splatters for an imaginative and one-of-a-kind effect.
- Sgraffito: Using this method, you can scratch away the wet paint to reveal the color below. It can give your creations more texture and appeal.
- Blending: To flawlessly merge colors using a wet-on-wet technique. This method works well for making shades and seamless transitions.
- Layering: Apply several coats of acrylic paint to build up the pattern you want. You can give your painting dimension and depth using this technique.
- Stenciling: If accuracy is what you’re looking for, think about utilizing stencils to imprint detailed designs or images on your skateboard.
FAQs
Can you use acrylic spray paint on a skateboard?
Yes, acrylic spray paint can be used for painting on skateboards. Though it will not give a fine-tune to your artwork, we highly recommend it when you want to create a cool street art design.
Can you use acrylic paint on grip tape?
It is best not to apply paint on grip tape because applying paint incorrectly can ruin your skateboard.
Can you use watercolor paint on a skateboard?
No. On porous surfaces like paper or canvas, watercolors perform best. A skateboard’s wood surface cannot replicate the look of a watercolor.
Final Words
Now you know how to paint skateboards with acrylic paint. Painting the skateboard is not a big science, and only with a little effort you can do it easily.
There are different brands available for this purpose, but acrylic paint stands out among all. Above I have provided you with a step-by-step guide to make this job easy for you.
I am confident you found these six simple and easy-to-follow techniques helpful. Paint your board and feel pride!
After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York City with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting, I began my professional career as an artist. I quickly earned recognition for my extraordinary style and began displaying my work in galleries and museums across the country.
Throughout my career, I have received numerous accolades and awards for my work, including the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the Guggenheim Fellowship. I’m also a part of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Being in the field of art and painting for more than over 30 years, I’ve taught and trained dozens of students and helped them achieve their goals. My passion for teaching motivated me to start a website where everyone could get free access to my services. So here I’m with my website beacrylic.com.
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