How to Keep Your Skateboard Deck in Top Shape
As a skateboarder, keeping your skateboard deck in top shape is essential for both the performance of your skateboard and your own safety. A well-maintained skateboard deck ensures that you have the grip and control you need to perform tricks and navigate obstacles. In addition, a clean and well-maintained skateboard deck can also improve the overall lifespan of your skateboard. In this blog post, we'll go over the steps for cleaning, applying grip tape, and replacing your skateboard deck, as well as tips for maintaining the trucks and wheels. Follow these tips to keep your skateboard deck in top shape and enjoy the best skateboarding experience possible.
How to clean your skateboard deck
Cleaning the deck is an important part of maintaining your skateboard in top shape. Here are the steps for cleaning your skateboard deck:
- Gather materials: You'll need a soft bristle brush, mild soap (such as dish soap), and a clean, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the deck.
- Remove dirt and debris: Use the soft bristle brush to gently remove dirt and debris from the surface of the deck. Be sure to brush in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the deck.
- Wash the deck: Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water in a bucket or sink. Dip the cloth into the soap mixture and use it to gently scrub the deck, paying extra attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or sticky. Rinse the deck with clean water to remove the soap.
- Dry the deck: Use a clean, dry cloth to pat the deck dry, or allow the deck to air dry completely. Be sure to dry the deck thoroughly to prevent rust from forming on the trucks.
By regularly cleaning your skateboard deck, you can remove dirt and grime that can affect the grip and performance of your skateboard.
Applying grip tape
Grip tape is an important component of a skateboard, as it provides the necessary traction and grip for performing tricks and navigating obstacles. Here are the steps for applying grip tape to your skateboard deck:
- Measure and cut the grip tape: Measure the width and length of your skateboard deck and cut the grip tape to size. Be sure to leave a small amount of excess grip tape around the edges of the deck.
- Peel off the backing: Slowly peel off the backing of the grip tape, starting from one end and working your way to the other. Keep the backing in a straight line as you remove it to avoid tearing the grip tape.
- Align and smooth the grip tape: Place the grip tape onto the deck and align it with the edges of the deck. Use a credit card or a rubber roller to smooth out any bubbles or creases, starting from the center and working your way towards the edges.
- Trim the excess grip tape: Use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to trim the excess grip tape around the edges of the deck. Be sure to hold the knife or scissors at a low angle to avoid damaging the deck.
By following these steps and taking your time, you can apply grip tape to your skateboard deck evenly and smoothly, ensuring the best grip and performance.
Replacing the deck
There may come a time when you need to replace your skateboard deck, either because it's damaged or simply because you want to upgrade to a new one. Here are the steps for replacing a skateboard deck:
- Gather materials: You'll need a skate tool (or a combination of a Phillips head screwdriver and a socket wrench) and a new skateboard deck.
- Remove the old deck: Use the skate tool to loosen and remove the bolts that hold the old deck to the trucks. Carefully lift the old deck off the trucks.
- Align and attach the new deck: Place the new deck onto the trucks and align it with the trucks. Use the skate tool to tighten the bolts and secure the deck to the trucks. Be sure to tighten the bolts evenly to ensure that the deck is properly balanced.
- Test the new deck: Once the new deck is securely attached to the trucks, test it out by standing on it and gently rocking it back and forth. If the deck feels stable and balanced, you're good to go!
By replacing your skateboard deck when it's damaged or worn out, you can ensure that you have a safe and reliable skateboard to ride on.
Maintaining the trucks and wheels
Maintaining the trucks and wheels of your skateboard is an important part of keeping your skateboard in top shape. Here are some tips for maintaining the trucks and wheels:
- Clean the trucks: Use a soft bristle brush and mild soap to clean the trucks of your skateboard. Pay extra attention to the areas around the bushings and kingpin, as these areas can accumulate dirt and grime.
- Lubricate the trucks: Applying a small amount of lubricant to the trucks can help improve their performance and extend their lifespan. Use a silicone based lubricant on the bushings and a light oil on the kingpin to keep the trucks moving smoothly.
- Inspect the wheels: Regularly check the wheels of your skateboard for wear and damage. If the wheels are worn down or have flat spots, it's time to replace them.
- Rotate the wheels: To extend the lifespan of your skateboard wheels, it's a good idea to rotate them periodically. This helps to distribute the wear evenly across all of the wheels, rather than having all the wear concentrated on a single wheel.
By following these tips, you can keep the trucks and wheels of your skateboard in top shape and ensure that your skateboard performs at its best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your skateboard deck in top shape involves cleaning and maintaining the deck itself, as well as the trucks and wheels. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can ensure that your skateboard is always ready for action and performing at its best. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skateboarder, these tips will help you get the most out of your skateboard and enjoy your rides to the fullest. So, take good care of your skateboard and it will take care of you!
