How to Repair a Waterlogged Skateboard

Written By: Kunga
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How to Repair a Waterlogged Skateboard

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

8

Time Required

20 - 40 minutes

Introduction

A waterlogged skateboard is an ongoing issue within the skateboarding community that causes people to throw out their precious skateboards.

This short and simple guide will show you how to quickly and easily fix a waterlogged skateboard and will save the headache and cost of buying a new skateboard.

Applying new grip tape to a skateboard can be difficult as it is easy to make mistakes. However, with the right technique, mistakes such as creating air bubbles can be avoided.

A key reminder for Step 5 is that you ensure that the board is fully dried before proceeding. If the board is not dried properly, the adhesive on the new grip may not stick to the board. If the grip doesn't adhere properly you may have to repair the board again in the future.

After carefully following this guide, you should have a skateboard that is fully repaired from being waterlogged.

Note: If the skateboard is fully waterlogged, the original condition of the skateboard may not return. You can find out if it is fully waterlogged by stepping on the deck lightly and if it is dull or does not make a "pop" sound chances are it is fully waterlogged.

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    • Lay the skateboard upside down so the wheels are facing upwards.

    • Use the skate tool to remove the screws that secure the trucks to the board.

    • Two small screws on both ends of the board

    • One big screw on both ends of the board

    • Some boards don't have the same design for screws, however the process is the same and this should help you figure out how to remove it for your own board as well.

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    • Dry the board with a towel.

    • Put the hair dryer on heat mode and move the hot air over the grip tape until the adhesive softens.

    • Ensure that majority of the water is dried up.

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    • Use one hand to hold the board down and peel the grip tape off with your other hand.

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    • Use a dry paper towel or cloth to gently pat the exposed board and remove any remaining moisture.

    • Ensure that you flip the board every couple of hours and pat it down with the paper towel/dry towel until it is fully dry.

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    • Ensure the board is fully dried before proceeding with this step.

    • Use 150-grit sandpaper to remove any uneven rough spots.

    • Use the 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface until it feels even and smooth to the touch.

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    • Use a dry towel to wipe off any leftover debris or dust remaining on the board.

    • Clean the board with rubbing alcohol and allow the board to dry.

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    • Ensure that the board is fully dry before applying the new tape, or else the tape will not stick properly.

    • Line up the new grip tape and start applying it to the board.

    • Use one hand to lead the tape, and the other to press down while you move forward.

    • Carefully and evenly place new grip tape on skateboard and use your skate tool to trace the shape of the board.

    • Press down on the tape one last to ensure that it sticks properly.

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    • Reassemble the board, then leave it to air dry completely so the adhesive has time to set.

    • It typically takes 24–48 hours for the adhesive to fully cure. Make sure it’s secure before resuming normal use.

Author

Kunga

Member since: 01/02/25

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