How to Paint a Surfboard

Painting a Surfboard

Whether your painting your surfboard for the water, or creating home decor – some blue painters tape to create a personalized pattern that fits your style and a paint sprayer will get you there. Marine paint comes in a plethora of colors, and with a bit of painter’s tape you can create a multicolored pattern all your own.

Before

After

What paint to use when painting a surfboard

Select Your Colors

Select two or three colors that work well together. We used a plaid summer shirt as color inspiration.

Prepare Your Board

First – make sure to wear gloves, a mask, and protective eyewear. Also make sure to find a space where you won’t accidentally spray furniture, floors, or other objects. Laying a large painting tarp is advised.
Next, remove any stickers, and repair any dings, etc. Once that process is done, use a wax comb to remove all the layers of wax that are caked to the board. If needed, us a craft heat gun to help melt the wax. Lastly, wash, wipe and dry your surfboard.
If you’re preparing your surfboard for the water, make sure to use painters tape, and mask the areas that will not be painted (such as traction pad & fin boxes).

Step 1

Painting a surfboard

With a ruler, mark and tape off a design. Line the front end detail nozzle sprayer cup with a plastic liner to make cleanup a breeze, and then fill with paint. Spray an even coat of paint over a taped-off surface. Let dry and repeat with second color.
If your taking it to the water, you’ll want to finish by spraying a premium acrylic clear coat. However, if you’re using it as decoration, then decide if you want that glossy finish or not.
Pro Tip: To ensure you get a smooth finish, use high quality paint and spray thin base layer of paint and let it dry before moving onto your colors. White primer ensures the colors you select look the same on the board. But darker colors, such as black, can create shades.

Step 2