I acquired a longboard while garage saling in our local area for $10. It was a little rough around the edges but still useable. We had discussion about making a board from scratch but instead gave my daughter the option to refinish and customize this board. Perhaps a board build will be in our future, just not right now.

Step 1: Preparing the Surface

The first thing to do is remove all hardware, being mindful of which direction things face and how they were placed. We kept all our nuts and bolts together in a ziplock baggie next to the trucks and wheels (once they were removed).

With the hard ware removed my daughter was able to freely sand the surface of her board, removing old varnish and stickers. A quick wipe down and it would be ready for designing.

Step 2: Put Down Your Design

We taped off the area she wanted to remain free of paint, and she free handed the art she wanted onto the tape. We cut away the excess carefully to reveal her design. Be mindful of where you cut as grooves without paint will still show when the finish is applied. This results in a messy looking finish.

Step 3: Apply Paint

She used a spray paint to quickly and easily lay down a base layer of colour. She then went over that with splashes of acrylic to make things look "spacey".

The tape was carefully peeled away once the paint had dried to reveal her design.

Step 4: Hang to Seal and Apply Urethane

The first coat we applied was Spar Urethane for waterproof protection. On the second coat we applied one side at a time so that I could add sand grip to the top of the board to stick in the urethane. Two layers were applied this way to be sure the entire top surface was covered.

Step 5: Reassemble

Once dry, the trucks, wheels and all other hardware can be reassembled...hopefully you remember how they go back together.

Step 6: Take It for a Spin

Once the urethane had cured for 24 hours it was ready to ride.

One customized board down.