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How To Apply Grip Tape to a Skateboard Deck

By Steve Cave, About.com

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Applying the Grip Tape

Grip Tape 4
Now, take one of the sheets, and peal back the paper on the bottom of the grip tape just a little, from the flat edge. Only about an inch.

Then, slowly, stick that exposed flat edge to the skateboard right where you want it lined up. Make sure that it's straight.

Once you have that edge lined up and stuck down where you want it, then start slowly flattening out the grip tape with one hand, while slowly pulling back more of the paper overing the bottom of the grip tape with your other hand. Make sure you press hard with the flattening hand, and press from the middle of the grip tape out to the edges.

It's important to go slowly and press from the inside out to avoid air bubbles. If you see any forming, gently pull back the grip tape and re-press it down. If you go slowly, you can avoid air bubbles. If some air bubbles get formed and you notice later, there are ways to fix it. We'll get to that at the end.

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