Grip tape is one of the most important parts of the skateboard. It’s what defines the board as something more than just a plank of wood with wheels on it, among other things. However, some skaters just don’t dig on the traditional tape. While grip tape is the most common method of keeping traction on your skateboard, there are other options if you ‘re looking for alternatives.
Here are some ideas:
Rubber grip tape- You can find this from an online supplier and sometimes from a local skate and surf shop. It is especially popular with longboard riders who ride barefoot but some regular skateboarders prefer rubber to traditional grip tape. It works the same but has a smoother, less grainy feel.
Grit strip adhesive- Grit strip adhesive works just like grip tape but it’s painted right on the board. It works the same but is often a pain (though not impossible) to remove.
Silica sand and varnish- I had a good skater friend who loved this method. You just sprinkle some silica sand onto the board and then use varnish to paint over it. You can use as much or as little as you want so it is fully customizable.
Pine tar- This will give you good grip and it’s cheap but be warned it can be messy in application and it gets dirty easily, too. Always apply to a clean deck.
Tread Tex- Tread Tex is a textured paint that is often used in construction and on things like ladder rungs to keep the user from slipping. You can buy it at a local hardware store and paint it right onto your deck. It’s easy to apply, great for blank decks and works well. Just make sure you apply to a clean board.
These are a very ideas of alternatives to skateboard grip tape. If you’re looking for something different than regular grip tape, you might want to consider some of these options. If you’re new to these alternatives, you might try them out first on an old or alternative board so you don’t mess with your main skateboard until you know you have the grip source you like the most.