For years I used to order my surfboards solid white. My reason was pretty simple: why pay the extra money and have to wait longer for a board that was only going to last a few months anyways.
I still order my boards solid white, but started messing around with custom paint jobs after I got the board. It’s fun, and a great way for the wife and kids to see you out in the water. Before I did my first board, I googled “how to paint a surfboard” and really didn’t get any good tips. So I asked my shaper – who is also an amazing artist – and he gladly shared with me what to do. Based on his tips and my lessons learned, I offer this quick tutorial on how to customize a new surfboard:
1. Start with a clean surface. A brand new board helps, but if you want to spruce up an old board, make sure it is really clean.
2. Pick a design and colors. Since I have zero artistic abilities, I use PowerPoint to develop an idea in my head.
3. Tape off the area you want to paint with painters tape.
4. Spray lightly, and only add a second coat if you want the color darker. The cheaper the spray paint the better, as it isn’t as thick and won’t make a hump on your board.
5. Finish with two coats of an acrylic clear coat. Lightly sand after each coat with a plastic pad.
Step 1 – The PowerPoint Concept
Step 2 – Taping Off The Rails
Step 3 – Taping Off the Design
Step 4 – Spray With a Blue
Step 5 – Pulling Off the Tape
Step 6 – Add a Second Color
Lastly – All you Need for the Job. Paint, Plastic Pad and Paint
