Let’s face it—skateboarding isn’t the cleanest sport. Between dusty skateparks, muddy streets, and no matter you would possibly step on, your grip tape takes a beating. However does a unclean grip tape truly have an effect on your efficiency? 🤔
In my 20 years of skating—I’ve discovered that preserving your grip tape clear isn’t nearly appears to be like. It’s about sustaining management, enhancing your tips, and displaying some skate pleasure. Let’s dive into how one can hold that grip tape wanting recent and feeling grippy.
In the event you’re a visible learner, examine this out.
Find out how to clear skateboard grip tape from the Ways YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Soiled grip tape impacts efficiency by lowering traction and management.
- Common cleansing extends the lifetime of your grip tape and deck.
- Easy strategies like utilizing grip gum or a toothbrush can successfully clear your grip tape.
- Preventive measures, like preserving footwear clear, assist preserve grip tape situation.
What’s up with soiled grip tape?
You may be considering, “Is just a little dust going to mess up my experience?” Completely. Soiled grip tape can severely have an effect on your footing, making it more durable to land tips and preserve management. Plus, a clear board simply feels higher underneath your toes.
Why does grip tape get so soiled?
- Environmental Elements: Skating in dusty or muddy locations is a surefire strategy to grime up your grip tape. I’ve misplaced depend of what number of occasions I’ve kicked up mud skating deserted heaps.
- Soiled Footwear: Ever stepped in one thing nasty earlier than a session? Belief me, it’s not enjoyable scraping that off your deck.
- Sweat and Put on: Sweat makes dust stick much more. Sitting in your board between runs? That provides grime too.
How Does Soiled Grip Tape Have an effect on Efficiency?
When your grip tape is caked with dust and dirt, it loses its tough texture that retains your toes planted on the board. This will result in slips throughout tips, much less management throughout turns, and general a much less responsive experience. Maintaining your grip tape clear ensures most traction, which interprets to raised efficiency and security.
- Isn’t dust inevitable in skating? Certain, however just a little effort makes a big distinction in sustaining your board’s efficiency.
- So, can’t I simply ignore it? You possibly can, however why compromise your management and magnificence?
Supplies You’ll Want
Earlier than we leap into the strategies, collect these things:
- Grip Gum or Belt Sander Cleaner: That is like an eraser in your grip tape. You’ll be able to seize one for about 5 bucks at a skate store or ironmongery store.
- Outdated Toothbrush or Gentle Brush: Nice for scrubbing with out damaging the grit.
- Small Bowl of Water: Just a bit—you don’t need to soak your deck.
- Clear Rag or Paper Towels: For wiping down and drying.
- Vacuum Cleaner with Brush Attachment: Non-obligatory however helpful for eradicating free particles.
Tip: Use a hairdryer for cussed dust
You probably have cussed grime that received’t budge, flippantly warmth the world with a hairdryer. This loosens the dust, making it simpler to take away with out damaging the grip tape.
Find out how to Clear Your Grip Tape
Methodology 1: Grip Gum Magic
- Step 1: Prep Your Board: Maintain your skateboard vertically or lay it flat on a desk (duh).
- Step 2: Rub It Down: Take your grip gum and rub it firmly throughout the soiled areas. You’ll see the dust transferring to the gum—it’s unusually satisfying!
- Step 3: Wipe Away Residue: Use a clear rag to wipe off any remaining particles.
Methodology 2: The Toothbrush Trick
- Step 1: Dampen the Brush: Dip your outdated toothbrush in a little bit of water. Keep in mind, much less is extra right here.
- Step 2: Light Scrubbing: In small round motions, scrub the soiled spots. This works nice for cussed grime.
- Step 3: Dry Instantly: Pat the world dry with a rag or paper towel. Don’t permit your board to remain moist!
Gained’t water break my grip tape? Not in case you’re cautious. Simply keep away from soaking it, and also you’ll be positive.
Dos and Don’ts of Cleansing Your Grip Tape
In terms of preserving your grip tape in high form, there are some key tips to comply with. Right here’s what it is best to and shouldn’t do to take care of that excellent grip.
Dos
- Do clear your grip tape often to take care of traction.
- Do use grip gum for fast and efficient cleansing.
- Do dry your grip tape instantly after cleansing.
- Do examine your footwear for dust earlier than skating.
Don’ts
- Don’t use extreme water—it might probably injury your deck.
- Don’t use harsh chemical substances or family cleaners.
- Don’t scrub too onerous—you would possibly put on down the grit.
- Don’t ignore peeling edges—substitute your grip tape when wanted.
Professional Tricks to Preserve Your Grip Tape Clear
- Preserve Your Footwear Clear: Give the soles a fast wipe earlier than hopping in your board.
- Keep away from Soiled Terrain: If doable, keep away from muddy or dusty spots.
- Common Upkeep: Make cleansing your grip tape a behavior. It’ll prevent time in the long term.
Frequent Errors to Keep away from
- Utilizing Too A lot Water: Extreme moisture can injury your deck. At all times use water sparingly.
- Harsh Chemical substances: Keep away from utilizing family cleaners with sturdy chemical substances; they will deteriorate the grip tape adhesive.
- Scrubbing Too Onerous: Aggressive scrubbing can put on down the grit. Be light to protect the grip. Isn’t extra effort higher? Not on this case. Light cleansing protects your grip tape whereas eradicating dust.
When to Exchange Your Grip Tape
Typically, cleansing simply doesn’t minimize it.
- Peeling Edges: In case your grip tape is peeling, it’s time for a brand new one.
- Lack of Grip: Slipping greater than sticking? Exchange it.
- Deep Stains: Some grime simply received’t budge.
I’ve been cussed earlier than, attempting to salvage grip tape that was past saving. Belief me, a recent sheet makes a world of distinction.
Steadily requested questions (FAQ)
It’s not beneficial. Soaps and detergents can go away residues that appeal to extra dust or injury the adhesive. Stick with the strategies talked about above for greatest outcomes.
Make certain your grip tape is totally dry earlier than skating. Moist grip tape could be slippery and should injury the deck if moisture seeps in.
Completely. It’s a small funding that makes a giant distinction in efficiency.
Coloured grip tape can present dust extra prominently however doesn’t require particular care. The identical cleansing strategies apply, however be additional light to protect the colour.
Ultimate ideas
Maintaining your grip tape clear is simpler than you would possibly assume, and it makes a big distinction in your skating. Whether or not you’re hitting frontside airs on a half-pipe or simply cruising round, a clear grip means higher management and extra confidence.
Received your individual cleansing hacks or a loopy story about soiled grip tape? Share it within the feedback beneath! Let’s hold the skate group rolling sturdy.