C Connor Beam

How to Customize a Skateboard Deck

Dec 1, 2019 · Accessories · Angelus Direct · Angelus Paint · Angelus Paints · Artists · blog · custom · custom skateboard · customs · DIY · paint · Sponsored Artists · tutorial · videos

How to Customize a Skateboard

Angelus paints and dyes aren't just for sneakers. Clothes, furniture, accessories, and skateboards are just a few of the other things you can customize with Angelus paints.

Bryan from Swell Guy Customs (@swellguycustoms) stopped by the Angelus studio to show you how you can easily customize your own skateboard deck with just a few techniques and materials.

Follow along with this tutorial to see how a skateboard deck can be the perfect canvas to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Sanding

Before you getting started, you need to prep the deck by sanding it down a little bit.

Skateboard decks have light coatings which can make it difficult for the deck to absorb dyes and paints.

Start with 300-grit sandpaper, then work your way up to 800-girt, then 1,500-grit, and even higher if needed to create a smooth finish.

Sand along the grain back and forth to get even coverage all across the deck.

Leather Dye

Once you're done sanding, apply some Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer to clean the surface and remove the factory finish.

 

Next, we're going to use some leather dye to stain the deck. Leather dye is a great way to create clean gradient effects on wood products.

Apply the leather dye in a color of your choice to the deck using a rag and work the dye into the deck using a circular motion.

Take your time, apply a few different coats, and make sure to get even coverage.

To create the gradient effect, use a different color dye along the edges of the deck and blend it in with the original color.

After applying the leather dye, be sure to let it completely dry before you start painting.

Paint the Deck

Once the dye is dry, it's time to start painting your own original artwork on top of the background.

For this deck, Bryan painted a deep-sea diver to go along with the nautical theme, but, of course, you can customize yours however you want.

If you want to replicate Bryan's design, make sure to check out the full tutorial to see which colors you'll need to get started.

Acrilyic Finisher

After you finish painting, you're almost there. All that's left is to apply some Acrylic Finisher to add a little bit of extra protection to the deck.

Use a cotton swab to apply a couple of layers of the Acrylic Finish to the deck. This will help create an even finish and make sure your masterpiece lasts a little bit longer than it otherwise would.

Thanks to Bryan for stopping by and creating this tutorial. Again, make sure to check out the full video for a more detailed walkthrough, and go ahead and follow @swellguycustoms on Instagram

Don't forget to follow Angelus on Instagram as well, and make sure to check out our online store to grab the materials you need for your next custom project.

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