There are several easy and inexpensive ways to customize a standard technology deck fretboard.
1. Paint Deck: One of the easiest things to do is get a piece of sandpaper or a cardboard file and lightly scratch the image on the fretboard. Once the deck is smooth and the old graphic has been removed, acrylic paint can be applied.
2.Reshape Deck: A standard finger skateboard can be reshaped using a heat source. Remove the grip tape first and then slightly heat the deck 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 customize 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 meet.
4. Paint the bolts / screws: Painting the micro screws and small bolts is often overlooked on custom tuning forks.
5. Dyeing wheels: Wheels that come with tech covers can be dyed with normal fabric dyes. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for using the dye. But leave the wheels on longer than suggested to ensure a brighter color.
6. Change wheels: Anyone serious about customizing their fingerboard will eventually look to acquire new wheels. Fully custom aftermarket wheels can be purchased that feature high-tech micro ball bearings that increase speed.
7. Add Risers – Risers are the small pieces of plastic that are placed under the bottom of the truck. Adding bands can increase the pop of the table and make tricks easier.
8. Replace bushings – Tech decks come with hard plastic bushings that don’t allow much sag. 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 kingpin on the upper truck and the main hole on the lower truck does not connect. The pivot cup covers the space between the two and keeps the truck firmly together. They come in a variety of colors.
Custom Grip Tape – Customizing grip tape on a fingerboard is easy. Using a pencil, draw a design on the paper side of the ribbon. Cut the design by ordering different colors to form different patterns.