Get crafty: how to paint your snowboard

Getting a snowboard design that's as unique as you is just a matter of following a few simple rules to get a paint job you love.

Snowboarding is a creative sport. You choose the tricks and the gear that you like best, and you get a chance to express yourself as you carve down the mountain. So why should you ride the same board as everyone else? Here’s a quick guide on how to customize your ride this season by painting your snowboard.

Know what design you want to paint before beginning the process. Sketch some stuff out, try some different colours. The simplest design is a geometric pattern, using layers of spray paint, and areas marked off with green painter's tape or stencils. However, if you want to sketch something up and then draw it on the board using permanent markers, you can do that too.

Before you start painting your design, you want a clean surface, so remove your board’s bindings, and peel off any stickers, decals or (heaven forbid) duct tape. If any sticker leaves a gummy residue, just take some tape or another sticker, and apply the sticky surface to the residue over and over. This will remove the gummy stuff bit by bit.

Once you've got your board down to its original surface, you can prep it for painting. A basic rule of thumb is that paint sticks better to a clean, rough surface, so it’s time to get rough.

• Use sandpaper and rough up the surface of the board
• Do the entire length of the board, but be careful around your edges
• Pour some acetone on a clean rag and wipe the surface of the board
• Let this sit and dry for six to 10 minutes

When you return to the board, slowly pull off your tape or cardboard. Next, take a can of clear acrylic coating and spray the entire surface, end to end, to protect it from the thrashing you'll give it on the hill. Again, shake the can for a while and go in slow, even strokes. Let this stand for 24 to 36 hours, and you're ready to set the board up again.

Next, apply painter's tape to your board's edges to make sure they stay free of paint. Once that's done, create the pattern you want using painter's tape, cardboard or stencils.

Give your spray paint rattle-can a good long shake, and then start spraying the colours you want. Hold the can about six to eight inches from the board's surface, and move in slow, even strokes. When you're finished spraying, store the board for at least 24 hours, lying flat.

Creating something as unique as you is simply a matter of thinking up a cool design and knowing how to paint your snowboard. Follow these tips and you'll be expressing yourself in all sorts of cool new ways in no time.