Put some pizazz into your hobby by painting your own graphics on your skateboard.
A new skateboard is an artist's canvas for talented boarders who want to express themselves with their own graphic art. With proper board preparation and finishing you can make a one-of-a-kind board that will set you apart as a wheel artist and primo painter.
Instructions
1. Use medium and then fine grain sandpaper until you have a satin finish that leaves a nice smooth wood grain.
2. If you want to see some of the wood grain after your art is on the board, apply several coats of acrylic gesso, drying thoroughly between coats. You can turn the board into a light or dark canvas instead. Use a white or black primer paint first and then apply the gesso. Lightly sand the last coat of gesso before beginning your graphic art work.
3. Apply your graphic using an art pencil in either black or white, depending upon the base color of the board. If you are copying existing art, make sure it will fit onto the width of the board by copying the art onto tracing paper.
4. The best way to keep the edges of your artwork crisp is to work from the outside edge of the graphic into the center. Let each color dry before moving on. When everything is completely dry, add lines in and around the graphic art with either a fine-haired liner brush or a permanent black marking pen.
5. The final finish for the skateboard is several coats of clear epoxy resin applied with a soft-bristled brush. Wear safety goggles and a long-sleeve shirt and use rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin. Epoxy resin is toxic and highly flammable so work outside away from anything that might spark and cause flames. It is always wise to keep a small fire extinguisher ready whenever you work with flammable material.
6. Pour some resin in a small bowl and paint some onto the bottom of the board. If there are too many bubbles in the resin use a small amount of turpentine to thin it slightly. Apply several light coats with a soft bristled brush and dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. Build up 1/4 inch of finish for an indestructible shell over the artwork.
7. When the resin is dry on the board you can attach skateboard wheels or use the board top as artwork on the wall.
