While all Loaded Boards come with a clear spray on grip tape, there will be times when you will get inspired to add some more flavor to your ride. You can either wait till the original grip wears down or you can apply the new grip right when you get the board. The standard clear grip tape is good for all riding styles but over time it will wear down. Once this happens it is time to apply new sticky grip.

FUNCTION or ARTISTIC NEED

When designing your new grip design it is important to keep function in mind. Are you going for maximize grip or more of an art piece? While you can incorporate both function and art in the same design, it is important to set your priorities straight. A nice piece of grip art could look great but you might second guess your decision if your foot comes sliding off the board as you rage down a gnarly hill. If you are going to be skating fast and hard it will be extremely important to incorporate high grip over fancy design.

GRIPPING FOR SPEED and SLIDING.

1) To make grip tape stick on Loaded boards it helps to sand down and clean of the surface. Take a piece of sand paper or small piece of grip tape and sand off the spray grip. You do not have to sand the entirety of the grip just enough to smooth it out to make the tape stick.

2) After sanding make sure to wipe off or blow off the remaining dust on the board. A good method is to take a damp cloth to the deck and clean off all residue and dust.




3) Apply your grip tape to the section of the board where you need maximum grip.




Having a sturdy grip job will boost your confidence when going fast and performing slides.




Note: Do not apply a full sheet of grip tape to Loaded boards. A full sheet will dampen and deaden the feel of the board. To keep a lively and consistent flex pattern it is important not to apply any sheet over 10 inches long. 




ARTISTIC GRIP JOBS (for dancing, carving, hills, commuting):




1) Sand off the spray grip.




2) Blow off and wipe clean all remaining dust from sanding.




3) You can either trace out shapes on the back of the grip tape and cut them out with scissors (cutting grip tape will destroy scissors so use a crappy pair) or you can apply the grip tape to the board and then use and exacto knife and cut out the shapes and patterns.




4) Try to avoid having thin portions in your grip design because the grip tape will most likely peel up with use and abuse.




5) If you do have thin edges, a trick to make them stick is to take clear nail polish and coat the edges between the grip tape and board (the grip is already on the board you are just sealing the bond).




Be fully aware of what you are getting into when creating an elaborate grip tape design.  It will take time but in the end it will be worth it.




DANCING Grip jobs




If you are focusing mainly on Dancing your spray grip should last you for some time.  An artistic grip job will work well for dancing.  Keep in mind that not having grip in some areas like the middle of your board will make certain move easier.  Strategize where you need grip and don’t.




Note: To make nose manuals and shovits easier put a small piece of grip tape on the nose and tail.  For the Dervish you can even put grip tape on top of the truck baseplate.