Griptape is the sandpaper-like sheet on top of your deck that keeps your shoes locked in. It's one of the cheapest parts of a setup and one of the most important: it's what lets you flick, catch, and stay on the board. Choosing grip comes down to size, the type of grit and backing, and whether you want plain black, clear, or a graphic.
This guide covers all of that, plus how to apply grip and keep it clean, with quick picks led by Black Diamond Black 9" x 33".
How Griptape Is Made
A sheet of griptape has three layers: a grit surface, a backing, and an adhesive. Standard skateboard grip uses a stiff, durable backing built for impact and flip tricks, with silicon carbide grit (commonly 80 grit) that stays sharp and bites into your shoes. Some brands add tiny perforations that let air escape, so the grip goes on without bubbles. Mob is the best-known example.
Types of Griptape
| Type | What It Is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Standard black | Silicon carbide grit on a stiff backing: the everyday choice | Black Diamond Black 9" x 33", Mob Standard Black, Jessup Black |
| Perforated | Tiny holes let air escape for bubble-free application | Mob Grip, Pepper G5 |
| Clear | Clear grit so your deck graphic shows through | Mob Clear, Black Diamond Clear, Pepper Salt Clear |
| Screen-printed graphics | A design printed over standard grip | Black Diamond Caution, Black Diamond Checker, Powell Peralta and Mob graphic sheets |
| Full graphic (PVC) | The graphic is printed first, then the grit is applied, on a thicker, flexible PVC film, so full-color art is possible | Black Diamond Full Graphic sheets |
| Glitter and glow | Glitter that catches the light, or grip that glows in the dark | Black Diamond Glitter, Black Diamond Glow (made in the USA) |
| Rubber | Non-abrasive rubber that grips through friction and won't rip your shoes | DKL Rubber Griptape |
| Foam | A soft EVA foam top for young skaters | Bro Style Soft EVA Foam |
Sizes: Match the Sheet to Your Deck
Pick a sheet at least as wide and long as your deck. Most street decks take a standard 9" x 33" sheet.
| Size | Fits | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 9" x 33" | Decks up to 9" wide and 33" long | Black Diamond Black 9" x 33", Mob Standard Black |
| 9" x 33.5" | Decks up to 9" wide, with a little extra length | Pepper G5 Black |
| 10" x 33" / 10" x 34" | Decks up to 10" wide, including old school shapes | Black Diamond 10" x 34", Mob 10" x 33" |
| 10.5" x 33.5" | Wide decks up to 10.5" | Pepper G5 10.5" |
| 11" x 33" | Wide and old school decks up to 11" | Mob 11" x 33" |
| 12" x 34" | Big shapes and old school boards | Black Diamond 12" x 34", Bro Style Extra Large |
| 10" x 48" | Longboards and long decks | Black Diamond 10" x 48" |
| Rolls (60') | Gripping lots of boards: about 21 to 22 decks per roll | Black Diamond rolls, Mob perforated rolls |
For deck sizing, see our sizing guide.
Choosing by Riding Style
| You Want | Look For | Good Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday street and park | Standard black 9" x 33" | Black Diamond Black 9" x 33", Mob Standard Black |
| Your deck graphic to show | Clear grip | Mob Clear, Black Diamond Clear |
| A board that stands out | Graphic, glitter, or glow | Black Diamond Full Graphic, Black Diamond Glitter, Black Diamond Glow |
| Grip that's easy on shoes | Rubber | DKL Rubber Griptape |
| A setup for young kids | Soft foam | Bro Style Soft EVA Foam |
| Longboards and big boards | 10" x 48" or 12" x 34" | Black Diamond 10" x 48", Black Diamond 12" x 34" |
How to Apply Griptape
The Black Diamond Grip Application Kit, Pro has every tool you need: a roller, a file, a knife, and an awl.
- Peel the backing and lay the grip evenly on your deck.
- Roll it down firmly to push out air bubbles and get a full bond.
- File along the top edges of the deck to create an outline.
- Cut along the outline to trim off the excess.
- Poke through the bolt holes with the awl and pop any leftover bubbles.
How to Keep Your Griptape Clean and Fresh
Dirty grip loses its bite. The Black Diamond Dirt Remover works like a sanding belt cleaner in a hand-held design. Removing dirt and debris mostly restores your grip to its original feel and flick, so it lasts longer, looks better, and keeps your shoes cleaner.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Black 9" x 33" | Best overall | 80 grit silicon carbide, waterproof, industrial-grade glue |
| Black Diamond Black 10" x 34" | Wider decks | Same grip, sized up for decks up to 10" |
| Black Diamond Black 10" x 48" | Longboards | Fits virtually all longboards and old school boards |
| Black Diamond Grip Roll 10" | Gripping lots of boards | Up to 22 decks per roll |
| Mob Standard Black | Bubble-free application | Perforated grip Mob calls the number 1 choice of the pros |
| Mob Clear | Showing off your graphic | Optically clear and perforated |
| Pepper G5 Premium Black | Extra length | 9" x 33.5" premium grip |
| DKL Rubber Griptape | Saving your shoes | Flicks like sandpaper but won't rip your shoes |
| Black Diamond Glow | Night sessions | Glows in the dark, made in the USA |
| Jessup Black | The original | The first silicon carbide grip made for skateboarding |
Shop by Brand
- Black Diamond: Solid colors, screen-printed designs, full graphic, glitter, glow, big sizes, and rolls
- Mob: Perforated black and clear grip, plus Thrasher, Shake Junt, and other graphic sheets
- Pepper: G5 Premium, XG Extra Grippy, and Salt Clear
- DKL: Non-abrasive rubber griptape
- Jessup: The original, Ultragrip, Ultra NBD, and TGM-exclusive squares
- Powell Peralta: Classic graphic grip printed by Skate One
- Mini Logo: Sheets and rolls
- Bro Style: Standard, extra large, and soft foam
- Graphic brands: DGK, Hard Luck, Spitfire, Toy Machine, World Industries, Krooked, Enjoi, and more
FAQ
What size griptape do I need?
A 9" x 33" sheet fits most street decks. Go bigger for wide, old school, or longboard decks. The sheet should be at least as wide and long as your deck.
What grit is best?
80 grit silicon carbide is the industry standard for skateboards. It stays sharp and keeps a strong bite on your shoes.
How do I avoid bubbles?
Roll the grip down firmly from the middle out, and use an awl to pop any leftovers. Perforated grip like Mob lets air escape on its own.
Can I see my deck graphic through griptape?
Yes, with clear grip.
How do I clean griptape?
Use a grip cleaner like the Black Diamond Dirt Remover to pull dirt and debris out of the grit and bring back the feel.
Keep Building Your Setup
- Sizing Guide for Decks, Trucks, Wheels, Hardware, and Risers
- How to Choose a Skate Tool
- How to Choose Skateboard Hardware
- Powell Peralta Flight Decks Guide
- Skateboard Wheels Guide
- How to Choose Skateboard Bearings
Ready to regrip? Shop all skateboard griptape.