Grip tape is the unglamorous sandpaper-textured sheet on top of your deck, and it’s easy to forget about until it’s worn smooth in patches and your feet start slipping mid-trick. Here’s how to choose the right grit and replace it properly.
Why Grip Tape Matters More Than It Looks
Every ollie, flip trick, and manual depends on your shoes gripping the deck reliably. Worn, smooth, or peeling grip tape is one of the most overlooked reasons tricks that used to land start feeling inconsistent.
Choosing the Right Grit
Coarse Grit
Maximum grip, favored by street and technical skaters who need their feet to stay locked in during flip tricks. The tradeoff is it wears down shoes faster.
Medium Grit
The standard most skateboards ship with — a solid balance of grip and shoe longevity that works for most riding styles.
Fine Grit
Softer on shoes and more comfortable for cruising, but offers noticeably less control for technical tricks.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Grip Tape
- Smooth, shiny patches where your feet sit most often
- Peeling at the edges or corners
- Visibly worn-down texture that no longer feels rough to the touch
- Feeling your feet slide slightly during tricks that used to feel locked in
How to Replace Skateboard Grip Tape (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Remove the Old Grip Tape
Use a hairdryer on low heat to soften the adhesive, then peel it off slowly starting from a corner. Heat makes this dramatically easier and reduces residue left behind.
Step 2: Clean the Deck Surface
Scrape off any leftover adhesive with a plastic scraper or credit card, then wipe the deck clean.
Step 3: Apply the New Sheet
Peel the backing partway and line up one edge of the deck first, pressing down as you slowly peel and smooth the rest to avoid air bubbles.
Step 4: Trim the Edges
Use a grip tape file or the edge of a screwdriver to rub along the deck’s outline, marking where to cut, then trim with a utility knife held at a slight angle for a clean edge.
Step 5: Cut the Truck Mounting Holes
Use the truck holes as a guide, or an X-Acto knife through each hole from underneath, to expose the mounting points for reassembly.
How Often Should You Replace Grip Tape?
There’s no fixed schedule — it depends entirely on how often you skate and how hard on your feet you are. Regular street skaters might replace it every few months; casual or cruising riders can go a year or more.
FAQ
What grit grip tape is best for beginners?
Medium grit is the safest starting point — enough control for learning tricks without being unnecessarily harsh on shoes.
Can you put new grip tape over old grip tape?
It’s possible but not recommended — it creates an uneven surface and traps dirt, reducing how well the new grip performs.
How long does grip tape application take?
About 15-20 minutes for a full replacement, including removal, cleaning, and trimming.
Does grip tape affect deck durability?
Not directly, but fresh grip tape protects the top ply of the deck from wear, so replacing it when worn indirectly extends the deck’s life too.
Final Thoughts
Grip tape is inexpensive and quick to replace, but it has an outsized effect on how confident tricks feel underfoot. If you’re noticing slips that weren’t there before, check your grip before blaming your technique. Pair it with our Skateboard Deck Size Guide if you’re building a setup from scratch, and see our Best Skateboard Decks picks for fresh decks.
