The Appeal of Bright and Colorful Skateboard Designs

The Appeal of Bright Skateboards

Skateboarding has always been a visual, eye-catching sport. From the daredevil tricks skaters perform midair to the artistic graphics on the underside of the boards, skateboarding captivates attention. In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward incredibly vibrant, neon skateboard designs guaranteed to turn heads as skaters cruise down the street or launch themselves off ramps at the skatepark.

What is a Bright Skateboard?

A bright skateboard is any board featuring neon, glow-in-the-dark, or other high-intensity colors and patterns. These boards stand out with their radiant rainbow hues or electric luminosity. Popular colors include neon green, bright pink, laser lemon yellow, and luminous galaxy prints that shine under blacklights.

The deck is usually where the most dramatic designs are showcased. However, the wheels and trucks may also incorporate flashy details like highlighter colors or metallic finishes. Custom grip tape can also utilize creative shapes and vibrant shades to enhance the overall dazzling aesthetic.

The History Behind Bright Decks

In the early days of skateboarding, most boards were simple brown decks with the occasional basic graphic like a logo. But as skating culture evolved and demanded greater personal expression, wilder and more creative artistry started taking over bottom deck surfaces. By the 80s and 90s, many pros like Mark Gonzalez were riding boards covered in stylized graphics.

The early 2000s brought an explosion of color from brands like Element Skateboards. Brightly colored decks helped skaters stand out from the pack and show off their individuality. Neon pinks and greens also added a rebellious, "anti-establishment" vibe. If colored hair and tattoos weren't enough to upset conservative parents, a glowing skateboard might just push them over the edge.

Why Choose a Bright Board?

Aside from making a statement, bright boards offer a number of advantages:

• Increased visibility - Eye-catching colors are easier for drivers to see, helping prevent collisions.
• Unique personalization - Custom colors help you put your own creative stamp on your gear.
• Attention grabbers - Vibrant designs stand out at the skatepark and draw positive attention from other skaters.
• Improved deck grip - UV-reactive grip tape can help you see and reposition your feet better at night.

Of course, aesthetics and self-expression are the main motivators. Bright boards simply look awesome speeding and spinning beneath your feet. Many skaters also appreciate how the colors create a trippy optical effect.

Choosing Your Bright Board and Components

If you're ready to build your ideal luminous skateboard, you'll first want to decide on a deck brand and graphic that speaks to you. Consider your personal style and the types of colors and visuals you're drawn to.

Some top bright deck brands to check out include:

• Element - Known for fluorescent pops of color and graffiti-style imagery.
• Enjoi - Bold artwork and hilarious graphics (like pandas drinking beer).
• Moose Blank - Synthwave and vaporware graphics featuring neon colors.
• Santa Cruz - Classic palm tree logo on trippy graded backgrounds.
• Powell-Peralta - Vintage 80s-style fluorescent patterns.

You'll also want to pick wheels, trucks, grip tape, and other components to match your deck theme. Choose vibrant shades for a cohesive look, or intentionally contrast with your deck colors to make them pop even more.

Putting It All Together

Once you select your gear, it's time to assemble. Combining complementary or matching components creates a visually seamless style. But don't be afraid to also mismatch loud colors for an eye-vibrating effect.

To make neon colors really glow, consider completing your setup with glow in the dark grip tape. It'll create stunning visuals as you jump and flip under blacklights at the skatepark. You can also experiment with metallic truck colors like chrome, rainbow oil slick treatments, or gold.

Tips for Maintaining Your Bright Board

The downside to bright colorful graphics is they show dirt, scratches, and wear more easily. Luckily a few simple maintenance steps can keep your glow going strong:

• Apply clear grip tape sealant to protect artwork from shoe scratches.
• Spot clean surfaces with skateboard cleaning solutions instead of using water, which can damage the wood.
• Use wax to fill in light scrapes on the deck surface.
• Rotate wheels to evenly distribute wear and maximize longevity.
• Store boards inside, out of the sun, to prevent fading.

With proper care, a bright skateboard can maintain its luminous appeal and eye-catching qualities for many years of attention-grabbing rides.

FAQs

What are the most popular bright skateboard color schemes?

The most popular bright colors for skateboards include neon pink, lime green, laser lemon yellow, galaxy colors with UV reactive prints, and '80s inspired combinations like purple and teal.

Where can I buy bright and colorful skateboard components?

Many online skate shops like CCS and Tactics carry products from brands known for bright boards and parts like Element, Santa Cruz, Powell-Peralta, Enjoi, and Moose Blank.

What is glow in the dark griptape?

Glow in the dark griptape contains luminescent pigments that absorb light during the day and emit an eerie glow when dark. It's a popular way to make skateboards look even more vivid and eye-catching at night.

Do bright boards cost more than basic skateboards?

Typically bright, colorfully graphic decks cost a bit more than simple logo boards. But basic complete skateboards can still be upgraded with vibrantly colored wheels, trucks, or grip to achieve a brighter look.