Surfboard art is an excellent way to customize your hand-shaped board or add some style to an old, dingy looking surfcraft.
How to Paint a Surfboard
You’ve got a few options when it comes to surfboard art depending on what stage you plan on applying it to your surfboard. For example:
- You can apply artwork and paint directly to the foam if you’re shaping your own board using water-based tempera paint.
- You can use Posca water-based paint pens or acrylic paint and masking tape to apply art to a freshly hot coated board.
- You can add resin tints and pigments when you’re glassing a surfboard to give it color.
- Or you can use spray paint to paint an old board.
What kinds of paints to use for surfboard art:
- Water-based paint pens.
- Acrylic paint
- Spray paint
- Clear-coat (to protect your art)
To apply artwork to an old surfboard:
- Clean off all the wax and wipe the board down with acetone or mineral spirits.
- Give the surface a quick sanding with some medium-fine grit sandpaper.
- Wipe down any dust.
- Sketch your artwork or lay down your tape lines.
- Apply your art. (Posca Paint pens are a great choice here).
- Give it a light clear coat to protect it. About 8 to 10 really light passes with an acrylic clear coat should do.
Now you’ve got a real groovy board.
Check out some of art supplies and resin pigments you can use on your surfboard.
