A Step-by-Step Guide to Customizing Your Snowboard with Spray Paint
Spray paint offers a way to give your snowboard a completely new look that goes beyond what stickers and decals can achieve. This guide walks you through the entire process, from prepping the surface to applying a protective topcoat.
By Reese Campbell8 steps
A little paint can change the entire look of a snowboard.
Stickers and decals can give a snowboard a different appearance, but spray paint can transform the board's look more dramatically. Using exterior spray paint, you can fully customize your snowboard.
Step 1: Remove Stickers
Use the solvent and a razor blade to take off any stickers on the snowboard. Then wipe the board down with a rag.
Step 2: Sand the Surface
Take a piece of sandpaper and rub it across the entire board. Keep going until the surface feels rough to the touch. This roughness helps the paint adhere better.
Step 3: Clean with Acetone
Moisten a rag with acetone and wipe it over the snowboard's surface. Allow it to dry for a few minutes.
Step 4: Tape the Edges
Flip the board over. Apply painter's tape along the edges of the snowboard. This stops paint from dripping onto the bottom side by accident.
Step 5: Apply the Base Color
Position the spray paint can at least 6 inches from the board. Spray the base color evenly across the entire surface. Move the can in a consistent back-and-forth motion to ensure even coverage. You might need more than one coat of the base color. Between coats, let the paint dry.
Step 6: Add Designs
To create your desired patterns, mask off sections of the board with tape or use stencils. Spray the designs the same way as before. If there are large areas to cover, cardboard can be used.
Step 7: Dry and Remove Tape
Let the snowboard dry for 24 hours. Then pull the tape off slowly. Removing it too fast can damage the design.
Step 8: Apply Clear Coating
Shake a can of clear acrylic coating for a few minutes. Take off the lid and hold the can 6 to 12 inches from the snowboard. Spray the coating over the whole board using steady, even strokes. Let the snowboard dry for 24 to 48 hours before using it.
