How to Paint Snowboards

We use affiliate links, and may receive a commission if you purchase a product through our links. Learn more

Is it possible to improve the appearance of your snowboard by applying the right paint? Remember that snowboards are boards with unique characteristics, and not all paints are appropriate for their restoration. Before taking a wrong step, it is better to take into account certain aspects. One of the most imperative features of the snowboard is style. Your board is emblematic of your personality, it expresses your unique individual characteristics. 

One of the things to consider while painting is that snowboards are inherently stiff and have no pores. So the first procedure is to sand the board to remove any hint of old paint and provide a porous surface that the new paint can adhere to. After the selection of the right paint and sealer, we will apply it on the board to produce a fresh look. 

Some Aspects to Consider Before Applying Paint

Shape and size of the snowboard: It must have a flatboard if not the paint will be uneven. Convex and Concave boards are challenging to paint smoothly. In addition, an irregular painting does not have a long-lasting effect.

Handling the snowboard: First, undo the binding from the board and clean the whole surface with a paint stripper or remover. You can even use fine-grit sandpaper. After this, the board will have a rough surface and this will enable the new paint to seep in more quickly and permanently.  

About the paint: Paint is what makes your snowboard distinctive in its appearance. The paint that is most recommended by both experts and customers is acrylic spray paint, which enables you to cover the entire sanded surface efficiently. However, if you want to avoid painting some areas, such as the edges, you can cover them with special tape. To give the snowboard a glossy and long-lasting finish, apply two or three coats of paint. It is imperative to allow the initial coat of paint to dry before applying the next coat.
About the finish: After applying the paint coats, the snowboard should be sealed with a water-resistant polyurethane varnish. Make sure to not over-apply for it will accumulate and stain and thereby compromise the aesthetic look of the snowboard.

Things Required to Paint Your Snowboard

Paint is not the only thing that you’ll need. Below are some essentials that you must have to fulfill the task of snowboard painting: 

  • Sticker-removing solvent
  • Razor blade
  • Rags
  • Sandpaper with a grit between 180 and 220
  • Acetone
  • Painter’s tape
  • Spray paint
  • Stencils
  • Cardboard (optional)
  • Clear acrylic coating
how to paint snowboards

A Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Paint Your Snowboard

  1. Remove any stickers, existing paint, or designs that have been applied to the snowboard with the aid of solvent and a razor blade. After that, you have to clean the surface with a dry cloth. 
  2. The second step is to scrub the snowboard with a fine strip of sandpaper to give the snowboard a rough surface. You must persist until the board feels porous and rough to the touch. 
  3. Use a rag dipped in acetone and wipe the board with it. Wait until it has completely dried out. This may take some minutes.
  4. The fourth step is to cover the snowboard with masking tape, keeping in mind not to miss the edges. This tape will act as a protective case in preventing the paint from smearing any part of the snowboard that you do not want. 
  5. You must spray the paint on the snowboard from at least a distance of arm’s length and shake the bottle well before use. Spray along the entire surface of the board and move the spray from side to side, slowly and steadily to ensure that the color is evenly applied. Make sure to give the sprayed paint 2 to 3 minutes to dry before spraying it again. 
  6. You can use adhesive to cover parts of the board that you don’t want to paint or part where you want a specific layout. You can even use cut-out cardboard to cover large parts and to create stylistic designs. 
  7. Let the snowboard dry for at least a day then remove the adhesive tape. This must be done slowly and patiently as if done in a hurry, you risk the chances of ruining the edges of the design and paint.
  8. To properly seal the new paint in, properly shake a can of clear acrylic coating. Holding the can 6 to 12 inches from the snowboard, spray the coating over the entire board steadily with even strokes. Let the snowboard dry for 24 to 48 hours before using it. 

Conclusion

It is vital to have proper knowledge before you paint your snowboard. When attempting to improve its appearance and customizing it to express your individuality, you want to be sure to make no mistakes and be safe at all times. It is a creative and exciting way to elevate the look of your snowboard and give it a personality. Proper preparation, choosing suitable materials, being careful, and sealing it for durability are essential whether you want to express your style, improve visibility on the slopes, or simply have a fun DIY project. 

Photo of author

Author

Tessa Reynolds
Tessa is a Denver-based Skier who likes to do skiing in the mountains of Colorado, and sometimes in the Ski Resorts. Recently, she visited Switzerland, and she got the chance to ski on the majestic Swiss Alps.