So you've put down the cash for a brand new surf board but you still want a bit of color for your stick. Instead of paying shapers and artists to paint their boards in factories, many surfers opt to paint their own boards to ensure a unique paint job. If this is your first time painting a board, there are a couple of easy steps you should follow so you don't make a mess of your board. Epoxy surfboards have glassing features similar to standard polyurethane boards and can be painted in the same manner.

Use the wax scraper and cleaner to completely remove any wax and oils left on the board's glass. Any oils will hamper the paint job so be sure to clean the board thoroughly. Wipe the board clean and let it set for a couple of minutes before painting.

Use the masking tape to cover the rails, logos, traction pad and any other part of the surfboard that you do not want to paint. You can also use the tape to make designs and different patterns in the paint.

Shake the paint pen or spray paint vigorously to mix up the paint. If you are using a pen, hold the pen upright to get a substantial flow of paint from the pen's reservoir to the tip. For spray cans, hold the can 4 to 6 inches away from the board and apply multiple thin coats to get the best coverage.

Wait for the paint to cure to the touch before removing any layers of tape or adding another color.

Spray a layer of clear coat over the painted area to lock in the color, protect the surface of the paint and ensure the colors do not run.

Gently peel the tape off of the board to reveal your custom paint job. Spray another light coating of clear coat for added protection and wait overnight before reapplying the wax and taking your board for a surf.

Tips

Stick your board in the sun or under a hairdryer to warm up the wax. This will help ensure you get the board as clean as possible.

You can also use dish or hand soap to add different designs in the paint. Put down a design in soap before spraying the board. Once the paint is dry, wash it clean with water to remove the soap and reveal the design.