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How to Put Griptape on a Tech Deck

The griptape on a Tech Deck essentially serves the same purpose as it would on a real skateboard, and that is to improve traction between you and the deck, whether it's through your fingers or your feet. All Tech Deck fingerboards come standard with griptape already attached; however, the type they use is not nearly as rough as you would find on a normal skateboard. Putting your own griptape on is an effective way to customize your Tech Deck and make certain tricks--such as a basic ollie--a little less difficult to perform.

Things You'll Need

Utility knife
Citrus-based solvent (sticker-removing solvent)
Skateboard griptape

Instructions

- 1
  Peel off the existing griptape from the Tech Deck using a utility knife and a citrus-based solvent. Remove the excess stickiness by dampening it with the solvent and carefully scraping it with the utility knife. Wipe the surface of the Tech Deck dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- 2
  Cut out a square section of griptape that is slightly bigger than the Tech Deck, approximately five inches long and three inches wide.
- 3
  Begin peeling the backing of the griptape on one of the three-inch sides. Pull it so that there is about one inch of the sticky side showing, and carefully apply it to the surface of the Tech Deck's nose or tail. Press down on the griptape firmly with your finger to secure it to the fingerboard and work out any air bubbles.
- 4
  Hold the Tech Deck in your dominant hand with your thumb pressing hard against the section of griptape that is now applied. Grab the backing of the griptape with your other hand. Pull on the backing with one hand and press the griptape down with the other simultaneously until the entire Tech Deck is covered. Discard the backing.
- 5
  Use scissors or a utility knife to remove the excess griptape so that it is nearly flush with the edges of the Tech Deck. Discard the extra griptape.
- 6
  Gently file the edges of the Tech Deck in swift one-way motions, from the top down, to fully secure the griptape and smooth out your cut.

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