6 Best Grip Tape Templates For Custom Designs For Skaters

A custom skateboard deck is a canvas that reflects personal style while enduring the constant friction of the streets. Choosing the right grip tape template determines not only how that art looks, but how effectively the design survives heavy foot traffic and technical flip tricks. Selecting the proper base material ensures the difference between a crisp, clean aesthetic and a peeling, muddled mess.

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Mob Grip Clear Tape: Best for Showing Deck Art

Mob Grip Clear is the industry standard for skaters who refuse to hide the wood grain or graphic of their deck beneath a layer of black grit. Its transparency allows the original board art to shine through clearly, making it an excellent choice for custom paint jobs or high-end artistic decks. The grit is embedded into a clear, durable plastic sheet that offers consistent traction without sacrificing visibility.

While standard black tape often requires aggressive filing to reveal edges, Mob Clear provides a clean, window-like finish right to the perimeter. This makes it ideal for layering additional vinyl stencils underneath, effectively sealing them against the board for a multi-dimensional look. Users should note that clear grip tends to show dirt and dust more readily than darker alternatives, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its sharp appearance.

For those prioritizing the visual integrity of their board, Mob Clear is the most reliable option on the market. It bridges the gap between high-performance friction and aesthetic preservation, ensuring the setup remains a centerpiece rather than just a tool. It is the definitive choice for anyone who considers their deck a work of art.

Jessup Original Grip: Easiest to Cut Stencils

Jessup Original has earned its reputation as the most user-friendly grip tape for those who enjoy precision-cutting their own designs. The material features a slightly thinner, more pliable backing compared to heavy-duty options, which makes it remarkably easy to maneuver a blade through when creating complex stencil patterns. It offers a forgiving texture that holds tight to the board while remaining flexible enough for detailed, intricate cuts.

Because the adhesive is reliable but not overly aggressive, adjustments during the initial application are much easier to manage. This makes it perfect for beginners attempting their first custom template or advanced skaters creating elaborate geometric cutouts. The uniform grain size provides a predictable cutting surface that won’t tear unexpectedly when dragging a utility knife across the sheet.

If the goal is to spend more time designing and less time fighting with stubborn material, Jessup Original is the superior choice. Its ease of use does not come at the expense of performance, as it remains a functional, competition-grade tape. It is highly recommended for any skater who values precision and wants a stress-free customization experience.

Grizzly Blank Grip Tape: Ideal for Die-Cut Shapes

Grizzly is widely recognized for its iconic bear cutouts, but their blank sheets are a secret weapon for those creating large-scale die-cut designs. The material is thick and robust, standing up to heavy foot pressure without losing its shape or tearing at the corners of intricate patterns. It is specifically formulated to retain the structural integrity of custom shapes, even after repeated exposure to humidity and rain.

When creating large, negative-space designs or stylized logos, the density of Grizzly tape provides a clean, sharp edge that resists fraying. This durability is crucial when the design involves multiple small cutouts that could otherwise peel away during aggressive skating. The tape is slightly more rigid, which translates to a very stable feel underfoot on transitions or large park obstacles.

Grizzly is the best bet for skaters who demand a heavy-duty product that can handle rigorous, daily use while keeping a complex design intact. While it requires a bit more effort to cut through than lighter tapes, the final result is far more durable for long-term wear. For those who want their custom work to survive a full season of street skating, this is the definitive option.

Splattergoat Custom Grip: Top Pre-Printed Pick

Splattergoat eliminates the need for manual stenciling by offering high-quality, pre-printed designs that maintain full grip functionality. Instead of relying on traditional sandpaper, these sheets utilize advanced printing techniques to ensure the graphics are embedded directly into the grit. This means the design won’t rub off, fade, or lose its texture, even under the intense friction of repeated ollies.

The variety of patterns available makes this an excellent choice for skaters who want a professional, artistic aesthetic without the labor of cutting custom templates. It balances style and substance, providing the same reliable traction as premium blank tapes while doubling as a vibrant design element. This is a massive time-saver for those who want a unique setup immediately.

Splattergoat is perfect for the skater who appreciates a polished, artistic look but lacks the time or desire to master stencil-cutting. It represents a significant upgrade in durability for printed tape, which historically has been known to lose grip prematurely. For a blend of convenience and high-end visual flair, Splattergoat is the premier choice.

DKL Non-Abrasive Tape: Best for Drawing Custom Art

DKL Non-Abrasive tape is a revolutionary alternative for skaters who prioritize custom illustration and board longevity. Unlike traditional sandpaper, this material is made from a rubberized, high-friction polymer that provides grip without destroying footwear. Its surface is perfectly suited for markers, paint pens, and custom screen-printing, making it the top choice for those who view their grip tape as a blank canvas for original artwork.

Because it is non-abrasive, the tape doesn’t “sand” the drawing away as it would with standard grit. This keeps custom illustrations crisp and vibrant long after a session, as the material resists the typical wear and tear associated with abrasive surfaces. It is an excellent choice for technical skaters who want to preserve both their art and their shoes.

DKL is a specialized product that shifts the focus from traditional grip to artistic customization. While the feel underfoot is different—softer and more dampened—it is an incredible tool for creators. If the primary focus is producing intricate, lasting art, there is no better medium in the skating world.

Shake Junt Grip Tape: Best for Simple Outlines

Shake Junt offers a high-traction, straightforward grip tape that is perfect for skaters who prefer bold, simple designs and clean outlines. The material is known for its aggressive grit, which makes it ideal for high-impact skating where secure footing is non-negotiable. Its reliable, no-nonsense texture provides an excellent base for simple stencil designs or large, minimalist cutouts.

The tape’s thickness is perfectly balanced, allowing for easy trimming along the edges of the deck without requiring excessive force. This makes it a great choice for those who want to create clean, high-contrast silhouettes or logo-based designs. It adheres firmly to the deck, preventing any bubbling or lifting at the corners, even in varying temperature conditions.

Shake Junt is recommended for skaters who value raw performance and want a reliable, easy-to-customize surface. It is less about intricate detail and more about functional, bold design that stands up to the pressure of street skating. For a balance of aggression and ease of customization, it remains a staple for a reason.

How to Choose the Right Grip Tape for Your Board

Choosing the right grip tape requires a balance between the level of detail in the design and the type of skating being performed. For highly technical flip tricks, a finer, more consistent grit like Jessup allows for precise control during complex maneuvers. Conversely, if the focus is on transition or bowl skating, a coarser, more aggressive grip like Grizzly ensures the feet remain locked in place during high-speed air and carving.

Consider the environment in which the board will be used. Thru-hikers or trail-based skaters might not be common, but those riding in dusty or rainy environments should prioritize tapes that are easy to clean or resistant to water-driven degradation. Adhesive strength is also a critical factor; ensure the tape has a high-tack backing that can withstand the vibrations of rough concrete or asphalt surfaces.

Finally, evaluate the design goals against the material’s properties. Clear tapes are superior for showcasing wood grain, while rubberized non-abrasive options excel for hand-drawn art. Always prioritize durability for everyday commuters or daily park riders, while leaving room for experimental aesthetics on show-piece boards.

Essential Tools for Cutting Custom Grip Templates

• Utility Knife or Box Cutter: Use a brand-new blade for every application to ensure clean, precise edges without jagged tearing.
• Metal Ruler or Straight Edge: A rigid metal guide is essential for keeping lines straight and preventing the knife from slipping during long cuts.
• Fine-Grit Metal File: This is the most critical tool for finishing edges, as it creates a smooth transition between the grip and the deck, preventing the corners from lifting.
• Plastic Smoothing Tool: A firm squeegee or even a rounded screwdriver handle helps press the tape down, removing trapped air bubbles for a long-lasting bond.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Custom Grip Tape

1. Prep the Surface: Ensure the deck is completely clean and free of dust or oils to allow for maximum adhesive contact.
2. Rough Placement: Peel the backing slightly and align the tape, ensuring the graphic or template is perfectly centered before pressing down the entire sheet.
3. Removal of Air: Start from the center and work outward using a firm, flat tool, pushing trapped air toward the edges to avoid bubbles.
4. Edge Filing: Run a metal file along the deck’s rail at a 45-degree angle to “score” the tape, making it easy to snap off the excess cleanly.
5. Final Trimming: Use the utility knife to cut away the excess along the filed line, ensuring the tape is slightly recessed from the edge of the wood to prevent peeling.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Custom Grip Design

Custom grip tape is a magnet for dirt, which can quickly hide complex designs and reduce traction. Use a dedicated grip tape cleaner or a stiff-bristled brush to periodically scrub away debris. For non-abrasive or clear tapes, a damp—not wet—cloth is often sufficient to restore clarity without damaging the adhesive.

Avoid using excessive water, as moisture can compromise the adhesive bond and cause the wood deck to swell, which leads to peeling. If corners start to lift, a small dab of clear superglue applied directly under the edge can prevent further degradation. Consistent, light maintenance is far more effective than trying to rescue a neglected, heavily caked board.

Proper maintenance not only keeps the artwork looking fresh but also extends the functional life of the setup. By treating the grip tape as a piece of performance equipment that requires occasional care, the design remains a point of pride for the duration of the deck’s life. Keep the grit clear, keep the edges tight, and the board will perform as well as it looks.

Customizing a skateboard deck is an investment in both personal expression and board utility, so take the time to match the tape material to the design requirements. Whether choosing clear tape for a graphic or non-abrasive surfaces for hand-drawn art, the right choice ensures the setup stands up to the rigors of the pavement. Now that the gear is dialed in, head outside and put that custom design to work on the street.