10 ways to customize a fretboard

There are several easy and inexpensive ways to customize a standard tech deck fretboard.

1.Paint the deck: One of the easiest things to do is get a piece of sandpaper or a nail file and lightly scratch the image on the fretboard deck. Once the deck is smooth and the old graphic is removed, acrylic paint can be applied.

2. Reshape the deck: A standard finger skateboard can be reshaped using a heat source. First remove the grip tape and then slightly heat the platform to soften the plastic. With your fingers, bend and shape the board to create higher kicks and curves.

3. Paint the trucks: Painting the trucks is a great way to personalize a fretboard and make it really stand out. Separate the upper and lower trucks, sand them lightly. Carefully paint all parts of the truck except the threaded part where the wheels attach.

4. Paint the bolts/screws – Painting micro-bolts and small bolts are often overlooked on custom fretboards. Small parts can be painted by tying them to a thread and dipping them in the desired color of paint.

5. Dye Wheels – The wheels that come with the tech covers can be dyed with regular fabric dyes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the dye. But leave the wheels longer than suggested to ensure a brighter color.

6. Change the wheels – Anyone serious about customizing their fretboard will eventually look to get new wheels. Completely custom wheels can be purchased that feature high-tech micro ball bearings that increase speed.

7. Add Risers – Risers are the little plastic pieces that go under the bottom of the truck. Adding risers can increase the pop of the board and make tricks easier.

8. Change bushings: Tech decks come with hard plastic bushings that don’t allow much give. Soft PVC bushings can be found in a variety of colors and add a great custom look.

9. Add Pivot Cups – Pivot cups are used when the contact between the king pin on the upper shaft and the king hole on the lower shaft do not connect. The pivot cup covers the gap between the two and holds the truck firmly together. They come in a variety of colors.

10. Custom Grip Tape – Customizing the grip tape on a fretboard is easy. Using a pencil, draw a design on the paper side of the tape. Cutting of the design arranging different colors to form different patterns.