What Even Is Grip Tape?
Grip tape is that gritty, sandpaper like sheet stuck on top of your skateboard deck. Its job? Keeping your shoes locked in while you ride, pop, and land tricks. Think of it as traction control for your board — no grip, no flick.
Made with an adhesive backing and a rough surface (silicon carbide), grip tape gives you stability, control, and confidence. It’s the foundation for everything from your first ollie to your next stair set.
Why Grip Tape Actually Matters
Good grip tape doesn’t just stick. It connects. It keeps you grounded on your deck so every movement translates directly into your board.
Performance: More grip means better control and cleaner tricks.
Safety: It reduces slip-offs and bails.
Style: We also make high quality graphic printed griptapes.A cleanly cut, well-applied grip looks as good as it feels.
Grip tape might look simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked parts of a setup. You’ll feel the difference between cheap tape and pro-grade grip the second you step on.
How to Choose the Right Grip Tape
1. Grit Level
Not all griptapes are the same.
Coarse grip feels rougher and is perfect for heavy-duty street skating.
Fine grip is slightly smoother and ideal for cruisers or longer rides.
Cheap grip has paper backing and isn't ideal for skateboarding.(often found in skateboards in the range of 1k-4k inr)
If you’re skating ledges, parks, or stairs, go with coarse. Dankies Grip Tape hits that perfect middle ground — strong grip without tearing your shoes to death.
2. Size & Fit
Standard grip tapes are 9" x 33", which fits most decks. Always make sure it fully covers your deck. Trimming is easy, but missing corners aren’t.
3. Design & Cutouts
Some skaters love clean black sheets, others customize with cutouts or printed designs. Whatever fits your vibe, we've got you covered with og black and printed griptapes.
4. Brand & Quality
You don’t want grip that peels after a week or smooths out too fast. Go for tried and tested. Dankies Grip Tape is built for real sessions with high traction, easy application, and a clean finish.
How to Apply Grip Tape Like a Pro
You don’t need a workshop. Just patience, a blade, and your board.
Prep the Deck:
Make sure your board is clean and dry.
Peel and Stick:
Start from one edge. Slowly lay the tape down while pressing from the center outward to avoid bubbles. Dankies griptapes are perforated with small invisible holes for a bubble free application.
Smooth It Out:
Use your hands or backing paper to press the grip down evenly.
File the Edges:
Run a file or screwdriver or your truck around the edge of the deck. This marks your cut line and helps the grip stick cleanly.
Trim the Excess:
Use a sharp blade to carefully cut around the deck following your file line. Smooth, steady cuts only. Then sand off the excess with your leftover griptape.
Pop the Holes:
Use a pin, screwdriver or your hardware to poke through the holes.
That’s it. Fresh, clean, professional grip ready to shred.
Common Grip Tape Mistakes
Air Bubbles: Avoid buying non-perforated griptapes but If you get one, poke a small hole and press it out.
Uneven Cuts: Always mark your outline first.
Dirty Decks: Dust kills adhesion, so clean it first, always.
When to Replace Grip Tape
If your grip feels slick, starts peeling at the edges, or looks shiny, it’s time. Old grip reduces board control and makes tricks less consistent. Most skaters re-grip every few months, depending on how often they ride.
Final Words
Grip tape is one of those small things that make a huge difference. The right grip helps you ride harder, safer, and smoother. Choosing the right one and Applying it right means you’re skating like a pro before you even drop in.
Ready to re-grip your deck?
Shop Dankies Grip Tape (click here) — made for real sessions, trusted by pro riders.