How to spray paint a surfboard

In this post today, I will teach you the whole method with a step-by-step guide to spray paint your surfboard with an eye-catchy look which will be an eventual treat for the eyes.

This step-by-step guide will help newbies sure to get satisfactory results after spray painting surfboards.

Follow each step explained in this guide in order to get the best results. This guide will be a very easy-to-understand guide with easy-to-understand language.

Whether you are new to skateboarding or have been riding for years.

Starting out with a complete skateboard deck is a really good way to get your footing and will make the learning process so much simpler.

But one thing you might not know is that it’s also easier than ever to design your own deck art by airbrushing on the fiberglass surface of your board.

I’ve decided to share our tips with you so hop onto your board, don’t fall off, and give this a try.

Table of Contents

How to spray paint a surfboard?

Tools you need to spray paint surfboard

Here is the list of those tools which you need to do the job by your own self. Newbies should have all of these tools. The list is below:

Wax Scraper

Mineral Spirits and Acetone
Cloth
Spray Paint

UV-Resistant Acrylic Clear Coat Spray
Masking Tape to prevent overspray
Cardboards/Paper

Razor blade for removing
Well ventilated area
Acrylic sealant

Clean the surfboard

One thing you have to do though is to make sure the surfboard is clean. You have to make sure there is nothing on it.

The best way to do it is to get a little bit of soap and water. Then all you have to do is literally scrub it really hard and really well with soap and water.

Then you have to rinse it really well. Then you have to get a towel and pat it dry.

Then you have to put a little bit of water on it and wipe it down. Then get a little bit of soap and water again.

Soap and water, soap and water, soap and water. You don’t want it to be too wet or else it’s going to mess up the paint job.

Then get a towel, pat it dry and then paint it with spray paint. Hopefully, that works.

Apply masking tape

The best way to prepare surfboards for painting is by masking the areas that you don’t want the paint to get on. The easiest way to do this is by using masking tape.

There are different methods to use masking tape, but the most common method is to place masking tape around the board.

You should do this before you paint the board. If you are doing multiple coats, you should consider putting masking tape on the board before you apply the final coat.

Start spraying process

The first thing to keep in mind is to know the wash process which will be used to clean the boards.

To know how to spray paint boards, you need to check the surfboard in the water to get an idea of its flex and maneuverability.

It would be a good idea to carefully clean the surface of the surfboard and shake the can well to avoid clogging the spray paint nozzle.

The next step would be to use a mask and goggles to protect your eyes and lungs from the spray. You can start by spraying half the board to test out the spray paint nozzle.

You will have to use a rag to wipe off any excess paint. The next step is to clean off the nozzle and spray the other half. Let the boards dry overnight.

Spray paint will look stunning on your custom surfboard.

Apply clear coat

You can apply a clear coat for protection and for a shiny finish. There are three different ways of applying a clear coat, brushing on, spraying, and dipping.

But the most common and best way of applying a clear coat is by brushing on it. The clear coat should be at least 3-4 mils thick.

Make sure that the surfboard is clean of impurities and sanded well before you start to apply the clear coat. After that start to apply the clear coat with a good-quality brush.

Rub the brush on the surface of the surfboard in a back-and-forth motion evenly and apply the clear coat in small sections at a time.

Apply only a small number of coats, which will dry fast. If you want to add more coats without having to wait for them to dry, then wipe them off with a soft cloth.

Applying several coats will cause the clear coat to dry harder and smoother. After the last coat is applied give it time to dry and check it for any bubbles.

If there are no bubbles then you have successfully applied the clear coat, but if there are bubbles then you can use a heat gun to pop them.

Short steps to spray paint surfboard

A masking tape is an essential tool for spray painting. When you are planning to spray paint your surfboard.

You need to make sure that the surfboard has a smooth surface to ensure a better paint job.

Therefore, you need to apply masking tape on the surfboard to cover sanded or rough surfaces.

Clean the surface of the surfboard with soap and water.
Put masking tape on the surfboard.

Sand the surface of the surfboard with medium-grit sandpaper.
Clean the surfboard with soap and water again.
Put masking tape on the surfboard again.

Spray the surfboard with the paint.
Remove masking tape.
Clean the surfboard with soap and water again.

Sand the surfboard with a fine-grit sandpaper.
Clean the surfboard with soap and water again.
Put masking tape on the surfboard again.

Spray the surfboard with the paint.
Remove masking tape.
Let the surfboard dry and enjoy your new surfboard.

Will spray paint stick to surfboard?

Spray paint can stick to a surfboard, but it is not the recommended method for painting a surfboard.

Spray paint can be difficult to control and may not provide a smooth, even finish.

Additionally, the solvents in spray paint can damage the foam and fiberglass of a surfboard.

A better option would be to use a brush or roller to apply paint specifically designed for surfboards, such as epoxy or polyester resin-based paints.

How do you prepare a surfboard for painting?

To prepare a surfboard for painting, you will need to follow these steps:

Clean the surface of the board: Use a mild detergent and a sponge or cloth to remove any dirt, grime, or wax from the surface of the board. Rinse the board thoroughly with water and let it dry completely.

Sand the surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit) to sand the surface of the board. This will help to remove any imperfections and create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
Apply a coat of primer: Apply a coat of epoxy or polyester resin-based primer to the surface of the board. This will help the paint to adhere better and provide a smooth base for the paint.
Sand the primer: Once the primer is dry, use fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit) to sand the surface of the board. This will help to create an even surface for the paint to be applied.

Clean the surface: Use a clean cloth or rag to remove any dust or debris from the surface of the board. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Apply the paint: Use a brush or roller to apply the paint to the board. Make sure to apply the paint in thin, even coats. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats.

Note: If you are using spray paint, it is important to use a mask and work in a well-ventilated area.

It is also important to keep the spray can moving and avoid applying too much paint to one spot as it can cause drips and runs.

How do you paint a surfboard after glassing?

Painting a surfboard after it has been glassed, or covered with fiberglass, is a bit more complicated than painting an unfinished board.

However, the process is still relatively similar. Here are the general steps you should take:

Clean the surface of the board: Use a mild detergent and a sponge or cloth to remove any dirt, grime, or wax from the surface of the board. Rinse the board thoroughly with water and let it dry completely.
Sand the surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit) to sand the surface of the board. This will help to remove any imperfections and create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Be sure to sand the surface evenly, paying extra attention to the areas around the rail and nose.
Apply a coat of epoxy or polyester resin-based primer: Apply a coat of epoxy or polyester resin-based primer to the surface of the board. This will help the paint to adhere better and provide a smooth base for the paint. Be sure to apply the primer evenly, paying extra attention to the areas around the rail and nose.

Sand the primer: Once the primer is dry, use fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit) to sand the surface of the board. This will help to create an even surface for the paint to be applied.
Clean the surface: Use a clean cloth or rag to remove any dust or debris from the surface of the board. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Apply the paint: Use a brush or roller to apply the paint to the board. Make sure to apply the paint in thin, even coats. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats.

Note: If you are using spray paint, it is important to use a mask and work in a well-ventilated area.

It is also important to keep the spray can moving and avoid applying too much paint to one spot as it can cause drips and runs.

It’s important to note that it’s best to use a paint specifically designed for surfboards, such as epoxy or polyester resin-based paints, as regular paint may not adhere properly or last as long.

It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, application, and curing times.

FAQ’s of How to spray paint a surfboard

It is possible to paint a surfboard, so long as it is not old . Spray painting a surfboard can be very difficult, since the outer surface is generally a skin of epoxy resin, which is typically very difficult to bond. In order to get a good finish, it is necessary to put a good primer coat over the surface, sanding it down to ensure a good bond before applying the final coat.

There are a few important steps to painting a fiberglass surfboard. You need a good adhesion promoter for the base layer of the paint you are using. Epoxy surfboard paint works well for this. You can find epoxy surfboard paint at home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Make sure to clean the board well before painting. Use a good quality fiberglass cloth as well. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Apply gloss surfboard gel coat over the base layer of epoxy surfboard paint, then sand it smooth. After that, apply multiple coats of gloss surfboard gel coat over the fiberglass. Use a marine grade primer for this. Allow the primer to dry well before applying color coats. Allow the last coat to dry for a few days before using the board.

Painting surfboard rails is one of the best ways to add a little extra style to your board. Railing is not only functional, but also gives your board a unique look. It comes in handy when trying to identify your board in the water after multiple wipeouts, or when showing off at the beach. Painting rails is fairly easy and doesn’t take any special tools or additional materials other than your board and paint. Take a look at these steps to learn how to paint surfboard rails.

Before you paint your surfboard epoxy, it is very important to sand it to make it smooth. Use a fine grain sandpaper to do the job. After that, wipe the whole board with a rag soaked in denatured alcohol. Make sure you wear rubber gloves while doing this. This will ensure that the epoxy will stick properly on your surfboard. Now you should use a non-fibrous cloth to apply the resin. You can buy an all-in-one epoxy kit online.

When it comes to the surfboard paint, you can choose whatever you want. Of course, there is a variety of surfboard paint available in the market these days, but there are only a few paint which are used by surfers. Most of the surfers prefer using a paint which is called as Polyurethane paint. This is the most popular kind of surfboard paint which is used by most of the surfers. When it comes to the Polyurethane paint, there are many benefits associated with it like it is a lot thicker compared to the other paints, it does not get chipped or scratched easily and it gives a glossy finish. This kind of paint is also used to paint various things like your vehicle, your trucks and many other things.

Conclusion on How to spray paint a surfboard

In this post, I have explained everything which was required to spray paint a surfboard in your home.

Newbies should not miss any point explained in this guide because it is a very easy-to-understand guide and with step by step process it is easier to apply and get satisfactory results.

With this guide, you will have an eye-catchy look on a surfboard. If you still find any issues in following this guide.

Then let me know in the comments section and I will try my best to clear it out.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.