Maintaining your longboard’s grip tape is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate, reducing its effectiveness. This article explores the best methods for cleaning your grip tape, ensuring you can continue riding with confidence. We’ll cover everything from simple cleaning techniques to preventing future build-up, while emphasizing the importance of avoiding harsh methods that can damage your board.
The Belt Sander Cleaner Method: A Top Choice for Grip Tape Cleaning
The most effective and cost-efficient method for cleaning your longboard grip tape is using a belt sander cleaner. These cleaners are inexpensive and do a great job, even with significant build-up. While it takes some time and effort, this method can restore your grip tape to near-new condition. The key is to apply firm pressure and work in straight lines.
- Take your belt sander cleaner. You can use a whole block or cut a smaller piece, as long as it is easy to hold.
- Rub the cleaner firmly across your grip tape in a straight line to loosen dirt and grime.
- Remove the residue from the cleaner stick periodically, and continue rubbing on the grip tape surface.
- Repeat this process until you are happy with the result.
Remember that old grip tape can be more difficult to clean. While this method is not guaranteed to restore the grip tape to a pristine condition, it’s a good option. The benefits of a belt sander cleaner are its affordability and reusability, which makes it a worthwhile investment.
A close-up of a dirty longboard grip tape, highlighting the build-up of dirt and grime
Preparing for Cleaning
Before cleaning, prepare your workspace. Place a towel on a table or any flat surface to protect your longboard and prevent it from moving around. While some might suggest removing the trucks, it isn’t usually necessary. You can use a brush to remove loose dirt from the surface before using the belt sander cleaner. This will give you better results in the long run.
The Cleaning Process
Using your belt sander block, rub firmly and repeatedly on the dirty spots. Be consistent in your movements, going back and forth in straight lines. As the cleaner collects residue, remove it and continue the process. You’ll notice the week-old dirt comes off quicker but you might need more pressure for more persistent stains.
Close up of a hand cleaning a longboard grip tape with a belt sander cleaner
Analyzing the Results
While this method is effective, it is worth noting that the end result might not be perfectly clean, especially with older grip tape. The goal is to improve grip rather than achieve a spotless surface. Avoid using soap and water, as it may damage the wooden deck. The sides of the grip tape might be especially challenging to clean without damaging the tape itself.
A comparison of a before and after shot of a cleaned longboard grip tape
Second Attempt for Comparison
To demonstrate the impact of grip tape age, try cleaning a newer board. A longboard with relatively new tape (e.g., 15 months old, used in sunny weather) tends to clean up more easily. The dirt will be easier to remove without much pressure. Pay particular attention to areas around the bolts, as rubbing too hard on them can damage the grip tape. The age and the condition of grip tape matters.
A longboard with dirt around the grizzly logo and bolts on the grip tape
The difference between a freshly cleaned and a dirty grip tape is noticeable. The cleaning process is efficient with newer grip tape, while older ones are harder to clean. What matters most is that the grip is maintained for safe riding.
A comparison photo showing the difference between a clean and dirty section of the longboard's grip tape
A side-by-side comparison of two cleaned longboards, highlighting the variance in cleaning results
Using a Brass Wire Brush
If the belt sander cleaner is insufficient, a brass wire brush offers a more aggressive option. Using this method, be extremely gentle to avoid damaging the grip tape. Use a brush with soft bristles instead of a coarse one that is typically used for BBQ cleaning.
- Brush the grip tape gently using circular motions.
- Wipe off loose dirt with a regular brush.
- Repeat as needed to loosen embedded dirt.
This method can help to restore some grip by removing old dirt.
Methods to Avoid
Many online resources suggest using water or cleaners like Windex, however, it is not advisable. Water can be detrimental to a wooden longboard. It’s better to replace the grip tape if it is extremely dirty (a relatively inexpensive option). Also, avoid using steel brushes with stiff bristles to prevent grip tape damage. A brush with finer bristles and gentle pressure is best. It’s also a good idea to avoid skating in very dirty environments, as it can damage your bearings too.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Grip Tape
- Leaving your board out in the sun (not for too long) can help loosen dirt, making it easier to remove. Be aware that too much exposure to the sun can damage the deck, especially the epoxy resin holding it together.
- Regular maintenance of your longboard (wheels, trucks, and bearings) will make it last much longer.
- Do not use water to clean your grip tape or board.
- Clean your grip tape quickly after it gets dirty, to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.
- If you have bubble gum stuck on your grip tape, try a belt sander cleaner right away.
- If you find that your feet are not moving on new grip tape, use old tape to sand it down a bit.
- If the edges of your grip tape start to peel, trim the loose parts and sand the edges.
Preventing Dirty Grip Tape
The best way to keep your grip tape clean is prevention. Avoid skating in very muddy or sandy areas. Don’t step on your board with muddy shoes, and avoid skating immediately after the rain. Water is the enemy of a wooden board, as the wood fibers absorb water. This causes the board to lose its pop. If you do have to skate right after the rain, consider using an old board instead of your main setup. You can also skate in indoor parks or covered areas.
How to Remove Old Grip Tape
Sometimes, cleaning is not enough. If your grip tape is too worn, replacement is the best option. Removing grip tape is a straightforward process that requires a hairdryer and a thin knife:
- Use a hairdryer to heat up the grip tape, starting at either the tail or nose of the longboard.
- After heating, use a thin knife to start peeling the tape from the deck.
- Once you have peeled off a bit of the tape, continue heating and peeling.
- Once you get a firm grip, remove the grip tape completely, while standing on your longboard.
It is important to peel off the tape slowly and carefully to avoid tearing it.
A person using a hair dryer to heat up and peel off old grip tape from a skateboard
How to Apply New Grip Tape
Applying new grip tape requires patience and precision:
- Peel off the backing of the new grip tape and align it over the deck.
- Gently press down the grip tape to ensure it covers the entire deck.
- Start at the nose or tail and work your way to the opposite end.
- Use a screwdriver to scrape the edges firmly and quickly to create a clean cut.
- Use a razor blade to make a few cuts around the bolts
- Cut towards yourself with the blade to get a clean cut.
- Use old grip tape or the cutoffs to sand down the edges to smooth out the lines and prevent peeling.
- Puncture the bolt holes from the bottom of the deck, and then push the punctured holes from the top using a screwdriver.
A person applying new grip tape to a longboard deck
A close-up shot showing the process of scraping the edges of the new grip tape with a screwdriver
A detailed image illustrating how to cut new grip tape for a skateboard using a razor blade
For best results, use a new razor blade. A Stanley knife can be used, but a razor blade allows for easier cuts.
Conclusion
Keeping your longboard grip tape clean is important for maintaining control and safety. While the appearance might be important to some, the most important factor is the quality of the grip. Clean your grip tape as soon as possible using the most appropriate method. However, if cleaning seems like too much work, it’s fine to just replace the tape. It is worth noting that grip tape is meant to provide a balance between grip and mobility, and that the best results are achieved with the right equipment. Don’t forget to wear the right skate shoes for optimal control and confidence while riding.
