How To Clean Grip Tape
Skateboarding can get messy, and over time, your skateboard's grip tape can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime, making it less effective. To keep your skateboard performing at its best, it's important to clean the grip tape regularly. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of cleaning your skateboard's grip tape, ensuring you have maximum traction for your next session. The easiest way is by using grip tape gum that you can get here at Tactics. But, if your board is super dirty and needs a bit more than a surface-level cleaning, we are going to walk you through the steps needed to make sure your board gets clean.
There are three methods to clean your grip tape: grip gum, bristle brush, and hairdryer. Each application involves a different situation and we cover all of them below.
Grip Tape Gum
Grip gum is the go-to method to clean your board. You can find branded grip gum at skate shops or grab some sanding belt cleaner from a hardware store as an alternative. It's perfect for getting rid of dust, minor dirt, and even stubborn gum stuck to your grip tape. Using grip gum is a breeze - firmly rub it along the dirty areas of your grip tape, and it will lift off the dirt and leave your grip tape looking clean and fresh. Not only does it remove dirt, but it also restores the stickiness of your grip tape, giving you better traction for your skateboarding sessions. By keeping your grip tape clean, you'll have a visually appealing board and the confidence to nail new tricks without any distractions from dirty grip tape.
Brush & Water
If your grip tape is covered in stubborn crusty mud, our next method of cleaning it is the brush method. This is a great option that just requires a bit more effort. Here's what you'll need:
- A firm bristled toothbrush or a soft brass brush
- A small container of water
- Paper towel
Start by dipping the bristles of the brush into the water. Be careful not to use too much water, as you want to wet the surface of your grip tape without soaking your board. Gently rub the dirty area with the brush, using a circular motion to loosen the crusty mud. As you scrub, you'll notice the debris being lifted from the grip tape. Use the paper towel to wipe away the loosened dirt and mud. Once all the debris is removed, you can further clean the area by using grip gum. Wait for the grip tape to dry, and then rub the grip gum along the cleaned area to ensure it is completely free from dirt and grime. This combination of brushing and grip gum will leave your grip tape looking fresh and ready for your next skate session.
Hair Dryer & Paper Towel
If you accidentally transfer wax from a ledge to your grip tape, removing it can be quite challenging as it tends to become embedded in the grip tape. Even grip gum might not be effective in this case. However, there's a simple solution: using a hairdryer and a paper towel.
Here's what you can do:
- Grab a hairdryer and set it to a moderate heat setting.
- Point the hot airflow directly at the wax on your grip tape. Be careful not to overheat the grip tape or hold the hairdryer too close to avoid any damage.
- As the wax heats up, it will begin to melt.
- Take a clean paper towel and gently blot or wipe away the melted wax.
- Repeat this process as needed until all the wax has been removed from the grip tape.
By using the hairdryer to melt the wax and the paper towel to absorb it, you can effectively eliminate the wax residue from your grip tape. Afterward, your grip tape will be clean and ready to provide optimal traction for your skateboarding sessions.
Still Have Questions?
If you still need more information, rest assured that we have the resources to help you out. Our customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about skateboard equipment. You can easily reach out to them by phone or message.
Additionally, if you are in Portland, Eugene, or Bend, feel free to visit one of our local shops and speak to one of our friendly and helpful retail employees. They'll be more than happy to assist you and provide any information or guidance you need. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we're here to help!
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