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. If you’ve been wondering how to paint a skateboard or even how to repaint a skateboard to give it new life, this guide will show you everything you need to know.
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. In this tutorial on painting a skateboard deck, you’ll learn how to apply skateboard paint, dyes, and finishes to create a professional look.
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. Whether you plan to paint on skateboard deck surfaces for personal use or as a gift, you can achieve striking results by using the steps below. Learning how to paint a skateboard properly is all about preparation and using the right materials.
Before 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, so proper preparation is key if you want to paint a skateboard deck and have it last.
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.
Once you're done sanding, apply some Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer to clean the surface and remove the factory finish. This step is crucial when learning how to paint skateboard surfaces effectively and ensuring a long-lasting design.
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.
This technique is also perfect if you’re painting on skateboard surfaces that require subtle transitions of color. Remember, using the right paint for skateboard deck customization is just as important as choosing the right dye.
After applying the leather dye, be sure to let it completely dry before you start painting.
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. Painting a skateboard can be a great way to express your creativity, so feel free to choose any theme you like. 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.
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.
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. This will help create an even finish and make sure your masterpiece lasts a little bit longer than it otherwise would. Remember, choosing high-quality products will help you paint skateboard projects that stay vibrant over time.
Thanks to Bryan for stopping by and creating this tutorial. If you're looking for more tips on how to paint a skateboard, including advanced techniques, 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.