Tips to Create Skateboard Deck Art from “Art on Deck” Artists
What you need to know: With the help from artists, we’ve put together list of items you need to create a painted skateboard and the steps to paint a skateboard. In addition, we’ve added examples of boards that participated in the Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast.
A. To create your skateboard deck art, you will need:
- Skateboard
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Acrylic paint
- Clear coat
- Stencils or masking tape (optional)
- A paintbrush or roller
A Template for Creating your Art
Skateboard Art Template
Download and print the skateboard template. We found this popsicle template from Boardpusher. Use the template to create your design and then transfer it to your deck.
Download a skateboard popsicle template from Boardpusher.
B. Here are the steps to paint a skateboard:
- Sand the surface of the skateboard to rough it up and remove any existing paint or finish. Use a medium-grit sandpaper for this task.
- Wipe the skateboard down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris from sanding.
- Apply a coat of primer to the skateboard. This will help the paint adhere to the surface and provide a consistent base for the paint.
- Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting your skateboard. You can use a paintbrush or roller to apply the paint, depending on the look you are going for. If you are using stencils or masking tape to create a specific design, now is the time to apply them.
- After the paint is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish.
- Let the clear coat dry completely, and your skateboard is ready to ride.
Note: You may need to apply multiple coats of paint and clear coat to get the desired effect. Be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
Examples of Skate Decks
Check out a few of the decks from the 2023 Daytona edition of the Flying Piston Benefit. To see all of the Art on Deck presented by Gnarly Magazine decks from Daytona, click here.
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- Tobias Peltier – @tattoosbytobiasx -Tattoo by Tobias
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- Angela Rivera – @theanchoredrose – The Anchored Rose
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- Rochelle Luna Yoder – @lunakustoms – Clay Artist
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- Brad Nixon – @b_radtattoos – Tattoo Artist
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- Kendra Spanjer – @kendystix – Good Girl Line & Sign
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- – Mark “Fat Daddy” Hagstrom – @fatdaddylines – Artist
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- Lisa Kosarko Sotero – @ownwurld – Gruntle Design
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- Andi Hopgood – @magicgeckobus
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How do they put designs on skateboards? – Heat transfer is the industry standard when it comes to printing custom skateboards. Basically, the heat transfer process involves screen or digitally printing ink on layers of thin plastic. The plastic layers are then adjusted on the board. Then, the layers are processed through the heated silicone roller machine. NOTE: Art from the Flying Piston Benefit is normally hand done and usually without heat transfer of screen printing.
What paint is best for skateboards? – Yes, you can use acrylic paint to paint a skateboard. It is a great option as clean up is a lot easier when the paint is water soluble. Once the skateboard is primed, you can use the acrylic paints and brushes to apply your personalized graphic.
Is it okay to put stickers on your skateboard? – One of the great things about skateboarding is that there are no rules for what you want to do. So, the decision to put a sticker – or not – on your board is entirely yours. If you’re a massive fan of a brand and are proud of showing it off, go for it.
What is the skateboard aesthetic called? – What is the skater aesthetic called? Skater style, or skatecore, became a phenomenon in the ’90s. The clothing is practical, loose, and comfortable, does not restrict skateboarders, and offers some protection. The aesthetic can be described as casual and carefree, but there is also an anti-establishment element.
How do you make a skateboard collage? – Just glue the pictures on to the board, let it dry, and put 2 coats of Mod Podge over it.
But wait, there’s more:
Interested in how artists think about art? How they do what they do? The Flying Piston Benefit has put together a number of interviews from our participating artists that include Lowbrow artists, sculptures, tattoo artists, pinstripers, and other. Click here for artist interviews.
THE 2023 EVENT PAGE
For information on the Flying Piston Benefit Breakfast including the event date, time, auction items, and location, Click Here.
About The Flying Piston: The 2022 Sturgis edition of the Flying Piston Benefit is produced by Marilyn Stemp of Iron Trader News & Jeff Najar of Green Forest Brand. Our work raises funds for non-profits and individuals in the motorcycle community, vets, and kindergartners. For more information, please contact marilynstemp(at)gmail.com, 828-205-8482. To get involved with the Piston, click here. Heading to the Daytona Bike Week or the Sturgis Rally? Well, meet us for breakfast and the industry movers and shakers.
Each Flying Piston Benefit provides a silent auction that is art-oriented and also includes unique and collectible items. The event doubles as an industry get together where enthusiasts, business people, custom builders, athletes, and artists come together to socialize, enjoy breakfast and support a worthy cause.
Art Provided by:
Art provided by Atomic Bob and Gratisography.
