How to Make Custom Grip Tape From a Template for Your Electric Skateboard

This is a template to create custom grip tape for many popular eSkate boards. If your board's template isn't here, don't worry! Go to this page's sister Instructable. These templates use an Adobe Photoshop file, but can also be edited in Gimp, a free and open source photo editor. For more info and where to download Gimp, check Step 2. These templates are intended to be used with Splattergoat's custom grip tape, although as long as the grip sheet is the same size, any manufacturer should work.

Made by Reddit user u/lightswitchgirl28. I do not work for SplatterGoat. If you have questions for them, contact them directly at: https://splattergoat.com/pages/contact-us. Additionally, if these instructions have gone out of date please contact me.

The following templates are included for popular boards:

Boosted Board V3 Stealth & Plus
Boosted Mini
Boosted V2/V1 (Loaded Vanguard)
Exway Flex
Exway X1
Evolve Bamboo GTR
Backfire G3/G3+/Zealot
Wowgo 3X
Meepo V3
Meepo NLS Pro
Ownboard Bamboo AT 39”

If your board is not on this list, don’t worry! Go to this page's sister Instructable. I'm also working to add more decks over time, if you'd like to request one DM me on Reddit. Please keep in mind my priority is to make templates for the most popular boards to help the maximum amount of people. If you have an incredibly niche board, it's probably wiser to do it yourself and share your template via the corresponding Reddit thread to this Instructable.

Please Keep in Mind:

Nearly all of these templates were created without physical access to any of these boards - therefore they rely on measurements from manufacturers and third party sources. Due to this, there is a margin for error. If you encounter especially incorrect sizing issues, please DM me here or on Reddit. While these templates aren’t perfect, they’re very likely better than an eyeballed guess.

Instructions.pdf
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Step 1: Pick Your Template

Download your board's template.

Step 2: Using Gimp Instead of Photoshop

The instructions in this Instructable are designed for Photoshop. If you are using Photoshop, you can skip this step.

Gimp is an open source photo editor that has the ability to open .psd files. It’s pretty straight forward, but it does divulge from the above directions in a few minor ways. Gimp is available for free download here: https://www.gimp.org/downloads/

Opening PSD’s and Other Images

When opening the template in Gimp, you may be asked to convert the color space to sRGB. Since the template is monochromatic and will be removed anyway, you can click ‘Convert’.

Disabling the ‘DISABLE ME’ Layer

I’ve found that on occasion the ‘eye’ icon to the left of the ‘DISABLE ME’ layer is unresponsive. If this is the case, you can simply delete the ‘DISABLE ME’ layer instead.

Saving & Exporting

While it’s recommended that you save your .psd file in case you want to change and reprint in the future, you’ll need to export your design as a JPEG to upload. To do so, go to ‘File>Export As’. Click to expand the section labeled ‘Select File Type (By Extension)’. Select JPEG and export in full quality.

Step 3: Open the Template for Your Board

Step 4: Create Your Design

Make a new layer (⇧⌘M) and create your design. It’s important to be sure you don’t accidentally create your design on the ‘DISABLE ME’ or ‘REFERENCE TIC’ layers as they may be removed later. Note the design hints in the corners.

Within the outline, keep in mind that your print will probably have a margin of error around 1/2 inch. Extremely precise designs that interact with the edges of the deck may be difficult. It’s recommended all text/essential graphics stay within a ~1/2 inch ‘safe area’ around the edge of the deck.

Step 5: Disabling Unused Layers

Disable the layer titled ‘DISABLE ME’. You will now be left with your design minus the template guides.

Step 6: Save & Export

Navigate to 'File>Save As'

Under ‘Format’, select JPEG. Save in full quality.

Keep your .psd around for future use or reprints; your JPEG is not editable after the fact.

Step 7: Upload to Manufacturer

All of these templates currently use Splattergoat's 11x44 custom grip tape. While Splattergoat is recommended, any manufacturer will do as long as their grip tape is 11x44 inches.

Now, read Splattergoat’s design guide, specifically step five: https://splattergoat.com/pages/how-to-upload-a-design-software-file

Once you have a good understanding of how it works, navigate to: https://splattergoat.com/collections/custom-grip-tape-products/products/custom-longboard-grip-tape-11x44

Upload your template and span it to fill the work area in the browser. Note that pixilation in the work area is normal.