Let’s face it—skateboarding isn’t the cleanest sport. Between dusty skateparks, muddy streets, and no matter you would possibly step in, your grip tape takes a beating. However does a grimy grip tape truly have an effect on your efficiency?
In my 20 years of skating—from the bustling streets of NYC to the ramps of Ohio—I’ve discovered that preserving your grip tape clear isn’t nearly appears. It’s about sustaining management, enhancing your tips, and exhibiting some skate satisfaction. Let’s dive into how one can preserve that grip tape trying recent and feeling grippy.
In the event you’re a visible learner, try this.
How you can clear skateboard grip tape from Techniques YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Soiled grip tape impacts efficiency by decreasing 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 sneakers clear, assist keep grip tape situation.
What’s Up with Soiled Grip Tape?
You is likely to be pondering, “Is just a little grime going to mess up my experience?” Completely. Soiled grip tape can significantly have an effect on your footing, making it more durable to land tips and keep management. Plus, a clear board simply feels higher beneath your ft.
Why Does Grip Tape Get So Soiled?
- Environmental Elements: Skating in dusty or muddy locations is a surefire technique to grime up your grip tape. I’ve misplaced depend of what number of occasions I’ve kicked up mud skating deserted tons.
- Soiled Sneakers: 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 grime stick much more. Sitting in your board between runs? That provides grime too.
So, can’t I simply ignore it? You can, however why compromise your management and elegance?
How Does Soiled Grip Tape Have an effect on Efficiency?
When your grip tape is caked with grime and dirt, it loses its tough texture that retains your ft planted on the board. This may result in slips throughout tips, much less management throughout turns, and general a much less responsive experience. Protecting your grip tape clear ensures most traction, which interprets to raised efficiency and security.
Supplies You’ll Want
Earlier than we soar into the strategies, collect these things:
- Grip Gum or Belt Sander Cleaner: That is like an eraser on your grip tape. You may seize one for about 5 bucks at a skate store or ironmongery shop.
- Outdated Toothbrush or Comfortable 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: Elective however useful for eradicating free particles.
Tip: Use a Hairdryer for Cussed Dust
You probably have cussed grime that gained’t budge, calmly warmth the world with a hairdryer. This loosens the grime, making it simpler to take away with out damaging the grip tape.
How you can Clear Your Grip Tape
Technique 1: Grip Gum Magic
- Step 1: Prep Your Board: Maintain your skateboard vertically or lay it flat on a desk.
- Step 2: Rub It Down: Take your grip gum and rub it firmly throughout the soiled areas. You’ll see the grime transferring to the gum—it’s unusually satisfying.
- Step 3: Wipe Away Residue: Use a clear rag to wipe off any remaining particles.
Is grip gum value it? Completely. It’s a small funding that makes a giant distinction in efficiency.
Technique 2: The Toothbrush Trick
- Step 1: Dampen the Brush: Dip your previous toothbrush in a little bit of water. Keep in mind, much less is extra right here.
- Step 2: Mild 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.
Gained’t water destroy my grip tape? Not in case you’re cautious. Simply keep away from soaking it, and also you’ll be nice.
Dos and Don’ts of Cleansing Your Grip Tape
In the case 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 good grip.
Dos
- Do clear your grip tape frequently to take care of traction.
- Do use grip gum for fast and efficient cleansing.
- Do dry your grip tape instantly after cleansing.
- Do verify your sneakers for grime earlier than skating.
Don’ts
- Don’t use extreme water—it could actually harm your deck.
- Don’t use harsh chemical substances or family cleaners.
- Don’t scrub too arduous—you would possibly put on down the grit.
- Don’t ignore peeling edges—exchange your grip tape when wanted.
Professional Tricks to Maintain Your Grip Tape Clear
- Maintain Your Sneakers Clear: Give the soles a fast wipe earlier than hopping in your board.
- Keep away from Soiled Terrain: If doable, avoid muddy or dusty spots.
- Common Upkeep: Make cleansing your grip tape a behavior. It’ll prevent time in the long term.
Isn’t grime inevitable in skating? Certain, however just a little effort makes a big distinction in sustaining your board’s efficiency.
Frequent Errors to Keep away from
- Utilizing Too A lot Water: Extreme moisture can harm your deck. All the time use water sparingly.
- Harsh Chemical compounds: Keep away from utilizing family cleaners with robust chemical substances; they’ll deteriorate the grip tape adhesive.
- Scrubbing Too Laborious: Aggressive scrubbing can put on down the grit. Be light to protect the grip.
Isn’t extra effort higher? Not on this case. Mild cleansing protects your grip tape whereas eradicating grime.
When to Change Your Grip Tape
Typically, cleansing simply doesn’t lower 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? Change it.
- Deep Stains: Some grime simply gained’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.
Continuously requested questions (FAQ)
It’s not advisable. Soaps and detergents can depart residues that entice extra grime or harm the adhesive. Persist with the strategies talked about above for finest outcomes.
Ensure your grip tape is totally dry earlier than skating. Moist grip tape could be slippery and should harm the deck if moisture seeps in.
Coloured grip tape can present grime extra prominently however doesn’t require particular care. The identical cleansing strategies apply, however be further light to protect the colour.
Conclusion
Protecting your grip tape clear is less complicated than you would possibly suppose, 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.
Bought your personal cleansing hacks or a loopy story about soiled grip tape? Share it within the feedback beneath! Let’s preserve the skate neighborhood rolling robust.
About Me
I’m Jedain Arron, a 34-year-old skater who’s been shredding since I used to be 13 on the streets of NYC. Nowadays, I’m hitting the ramps in Ohio and may’t wait to show my 6-month-old son the thrill of skating. You’ll typically discover me because the oldest man on the park, however age is only a quantity while you’re doing what you like.