How much is skateboard grip tape? (Cost Explain)

Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport that requires skill, patience, and determination.

As a skateboarder, you know the importance of having a good grip on your skateboard deck.

Grip tape is a vital component in ensuring proper foot placement and stability while riding.

If you’re considering replacing your old grip tape, you might be wondering, “How much is skateboard grip tape?” Prices can vary depending on the brand, quality, and size.

In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that determine the cost of skateboard grip tape, so you can make an informed decision when shopping for your next grip tape.

How much is skateboard grip tape?

Skateboard grip tape is an essential part of any skateboard setup. It provides the traction you need to stay on your board and perform tricks safely.

Generally, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 for a sheet of 9” x 33” grip tape. Higher quality brands and larger sizes may cost more. Additionally, specialty materials such as cork or sandpaper may also affect the price.

Additionally, if you need your grip tape custom cut or require a special shape or design, this may add to the cost.

Therefore, when considering how much is skateboard grip tape, remember to factor in the quality of the brand and any additional services you may need.

Finally, keep in mind that some brands may offer discounted prices if you purchase multiple sheets at once. This can be an effective way to save money if you plan on using a lot of grip tape.

How do I apply skateboard grip tape?

Grip tape helps skateboarders have better control, especially when doing tricks and maneuvers.

However, not everyone knows how to apply grip tape properly.

Basically, below is the step-by-step guide on how to apply skateboard grip tape using different methods.

Method One: The Classic Way

Here are the steps for the classic method of applying skateboard grip tape:

Clean the skateboard deck surface

Use a cloth or rag to wipe the surface of the skateboard deck thoroughly.

Measure the Grip Tape 

Place the grip tape on top of the deck and cut it according to the shape of the deck.

Peel the Backing of the Grip Tape

Once the grip tape is cut, slowly peel the backing off of the adhesive side of the grip tape, exposing the sticky surface.

Apply the Grip Tape

Carefully place the grip tape on top of the deck and press it firmly onto the deck surface. Smooth out any bubbles by pressing down firmly.

Trimming the Excess Grip Tape

Use a razor blade or sharp utility knife to trim off the excess grip tape around the edge of the deck.

Method Two: The Bubble-Free Method

The bubble-free method is another way of applying grip tape, which is perfect for those who want a smooth and flawless grip tape surface.

Clean the skateboard deck surface

Just like the classic way, you need to clean the deck surface before applying the grip tape.

Apply the center part of the grip tape 

Peel the backing off of the grip tape just a little and align the center of the tape on the deck. Slowly press the center of the grip tape onto the deck.

Smooth out the grip tape

As you press the center part of the tape onto the deck with one hand, use the other hand to smooth out the remaining side of the grip tape. Make sure to avoid creating any bubbles.

Once you’ve applied to the board, trim the tape and smooth it down

Using a sharp utility knife, trim the grip tape’s excess around the edge of the deck, then use pressure to smooth it out for a perfect fit.

5 Reasons Why Skateboard Grip Tape is Essential for Skaters

There are countless reasons why skateboarding grip tape is essential for skaters. Below are five of the most important ones:

Provides Traction for the Feet

The most obvious benefit of grip tape is the improved traction it offers riders.

Without grip tape, your feet would slip and slide all over the skateboard, making it difficult to control.

With grip tape, however, the rough surface ensures that your feet stay in place, even during high-speed maneuvers.

This creates a safer and more stable riding experience, which is especially important for beginners who are still getting a feel for the skateboard.

Allows for Better Control

In addition to improved traction, grip tape also allows riders to have better control over their movements.

This is because the rough surface of the tape allows riders to grip the board more effectively with their shoes, giving them greater control over how the board moves.

Whether you’re carving down a hill or executing a flip trick, grip tape gives you the control you need to perform at your best.

Helps Prevent Injuries

Skateboarding can be a dangerous sport, which is why safety should always be a top priority.

Fortunately, grip tape can help prevent injuries by providing a stable surface for your feet.

Without it, riders would be at a much greater risk of slipping off the board and injuring themselves.

With grip tape, however, riders can feel confident that they have a stable platform to work from, reducing the chances of an accident occurring.

Easy to Apply and Replace

Another great benefit of skateboard grip tape is how easy it is to apply and replace.

Most grip tape comes in a standard size and can be easily cut to fit your board. Additionally, if the tape starts to wear down or loses its adhesive quality, it’s simple to replace with a new strip of fresh tape.

This means that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of grip tape without having to worry about having to buy a completely new skateboard.

Comes in a Wide Range of Styles

Finally, grip tape is a fantastic way to express your personal style.

It comes in a wide range of colors and designs, from classic black to bold and vibrant patterns.

This means you can customize your skateboard to suit your unique tastes and preferences, making it a reflection of your personality and individuality.

How often should I replace my skateboard grip tape?

Replacing your skateboard grip tape is an important part of keeping your board in good condition.

How often you should replace it depends on how often you use it and the type of skating you do.

For casual skaters, grip tape should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Technical skaters may need to replace their grip tape more often than that.

When replacing your grip tape, make sure to remove the old one completely before applying a new layer.

This can be done by using a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive before peeling it off.

Once the old layer is removed, apply a new layer of grip tape and press down firmly to ensure it sticks properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s clear that grip tape for skateboards comes in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors.

There is no single price for grip tape as there are many different factors that determine the cost: the size of the board you need to cover, the kind of extra extras you want (such as anti-dazzle coating), and even shipping/handling fees.

However, overall it is still a relatively inexpensive skateboarding accessory – you can easily purchase roll sizes of semi-permanent grip tape starting at around $5 and $20 dollars for high-quality options.

Before heading out to get hold of your own grip tape, make sure you do your research – there are plenty of great deals to be found online depending on what type of board you need to outfit with grip.