You've bought a new surfboard and want to apply a deck grip but don't know how. Don't stress my friend, follow our five simple steps to getting that sucker stuck down and stuck down well!
Before we get started here are a few things you're gonna need: One board, one deck pad, one pencil, a clean cloth or sponge and some patience. Snorted!
Step 01: Cleanliness comes before stickiness
Clean the surface with a cloth or sponge. Make sure it’s dry and dust-free.
Step 02: Decide where to put it
Place the grip on the area more or less where you want it to be. Be careful not to let it over lap the rails or leash plug. Figure out if you want to space the grip out or if you just want one solid pad.
I like the kick of the grip to sit directly above the back fin or just between the back and side fins. Some guys put the grip too far up-not good!
Step 03: Trace an outline
Grab a pencil and gently trace an outline of where the pads should be. This helps you with alignment and can easily be rubbed off afterwards
Step 04: Start from the center
From here I find it’s always the most accurate when you start with the centre piece or arch bar. Line it up with the centre of your board and slowly apply it from the bottom moving up trying hard to avoid air bubbles from sneaking in.
Be sure to curve the pad as you place it, don’t put the entire pad down in one go, you’ll get air bubbles.
Step 05: Work outwards and let it dry
Once the centre pad is stuck down all you do is line the side bars up equally and again watch out not to over lap the rails. Leave the grip on for at least 12 hours to dry, we know you're keen to surf but you have to let the glue dry.
Some guys rub a tennis ball over the grip to get rid of the air caught underneath but if you’ve applied the “curve” methodology and were careful then this shouldn’t be a problem. Another option is to take a hair dryer and work it over the deck pad to heat up the glue and it get it sticking.
After Care & Maintenance
After care is simple… or non existent in most cases. If the pad looses grip or gets slippery try using some fine grain water paper! I’ve used a very fine grain water paper and given the grip a light brush over. If that doesn’t work you can always try waxing it!
Grips are handy for a few reasons:
- They serve as protection from deck lift or sink
- You’ll save on wax - it’s not much but it’ll get you a chocky and a coke
- The kick of the grip will help you stick those big moves and act as a guide for the correct foot placement.
- They add some aesthetic appeal to a board. Nothing better than an array of exciting colours and designs.
Bring back those early 90’s florescent full deck grips – they rule!
40 and 50 somethings is jumping into this sport but we don't like the mess with rashes from sticky and stinky kid stuff. mostly mats are more cushion for the pushn' and grip better when they are wet. and i read ona other site that if you do a full deck pad you will get laffed at...??? what kinda nonsense spew is that? i invented myown full deck pad eveyone loves it...of course florida is a place where rocket scientists hang out...get a clue. if i don't lay it on the line like this you'll think i'm lying...nope just surfin'.
I need to know do you put the deck over the fin holes ?
please reply to maysie_5@hotmail.com
Super Glue hey? Heavy! I guess it would work but did it by any chance melt the grip?
Personally I would've used a contact adhesive, something along the lines of what's used on the bottom of many 3M products, I think if you ever decide to replace the grip then you're gonna have issues getting the super glue off... which wouldn't be a bad thing since you'd have a nice textured base for a new coat of wax...
I know grips sometimes won't stick, was your board ?
a) clean and dust free
b) dry
If yes then I'd consider taking the board together with the grip to where you bought the grip and tell the guy you want a replacement as the glue was most likely old, that's right even a deck grip has a shelf life!
Anyway, good luck and let us know how things work out...
Do you i miss something, please help me.
if possible i send you some photos.
Thanks
I was rushing to try my new Bamboo Tiki FF1 6.6 so....
If you have stuck it in the wrong place is there any tricks to removing it safely ?