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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
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    Painting Topsheets

    Got some cheap skis with topsheets I don't think I'll be fond of. Was thinking of painting them black. Any recommendations on how to do so? I was thinking of sanding, primer, then spray paint, and maybe some sort of protective coating? I'm thinking this runs the risk of changing the characteristics of the ski, but nothing significant. Thoughts? Suggestions?

  2. #2
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    Mar 2008
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    it will look great

    until you scratch the paint

    then it will look like ass

    insted get a bunch of stickers
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    the ham
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    For less than $10 you can get a roll of adhesive backed vinyl (like oracal 651). Way less work, and won't kill the resale value.

  4. #4
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    Mar 2017
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ted Striker View Post
    For less than $10 you can get a roll of adhesive backed vinyl (like oracal 651). Way less work, and won't kill the resale value.
    +1 on this, or using automotive vinyl. For touring skis, I'd recommend high gloss white. I've seen this done before and it not only looks good, but does a great job at shedding snow. Don't go black or dark colors, unless you're in it for the leg workout.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
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    I've painted a few pairs of skis, and vinyl wrapped a pair. No matter what you do, or how you paint them, they're going to chip a little. That's just the way she goes. If you paint a busier design on them (like I do) you don't really notice those chips / scratches at all. If you paint them just black, wear is gonna be obvious and gross.

    I tried a vinyl wrap and HATED it. It was one of those ones specifically made for skis, it was a huge PITA to install, and then it started to peel immediately and got really beat up in like three ski days. Never doing that again.

    Personally. I really don't understand covering up a graphic because you don't like it. What's on there that's so terrible? I'm all for adding your own personal look to gear, but you never end up with a really clean, professional product with any of the DIY versions.

  6. #6
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    This^^ cuz a painted ski will look like a painted ski, not like its a custom top sheet on a custom ski

    its just a ski with paint on it so YMMV but I personaly don't think it's cool
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
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    6,643
    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    This^^ cuz a painted ski will look like a painted ski, not like its a custom top sheet on a custom ski

    its just a ski with paint on it so YMMV but I personaly don't think it's cool
    Yeah, I'd stay away from paint. I don't care much about topsheets, but my kid does. He has a vinyl cutter, exterior grade high quality vinyl and time, and he makes some pretty damn cool stickers/designs/detailing that he puts on skis. Seems to last a long time, and when it finally looks like shit, you peel it off and do it again. Any color you like.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
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    Where the climate suits my clothes.
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    I've painted a couple pairs of skis, and the only thing that didnt chip off and immediately look like shit has been textured truck bed paint from a rattle can. For sure added some weight, but I didnt care. I did an old pair of PEs with it to ski carpet laps with my kids and they were run over plenty with minimal damage.

    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum-...SABEgIfrvD_BwE

  9. #9
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    i knew a guy at whistler who painted his skis but that was so nobody would steal them

    same guy was famous for using the line with a customer at the glass house

    " you have me at a disadvantage sir, I can't tell you to fuck-off "
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
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    Quote Originally Posted by JayPowHound View Post
    I've painted a couple pairs of skis, and the only thing that didnt chip off and immediately look like shit has been textured truck bed paint from a rattle can. For sure added some weight, but I didnt care. I did an old pair of PEs with it to ski carpet laps with my kids and they were run over plenty with minimal damage.

    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum-...SABEgIfrvD_BwE
    How much added weight? I'd be doing it to wide skis that I may turn into touring skis. Bad idea?

  11. #11
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    Mar 2018
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    Make them red
    aerospace eng with a gravity fetish
    ig

  12. #12
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    I duno if itcomes in bed but how about spray on truckbed liner ?
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  13. #13
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    Nov 2016
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    I duno if itcomes in bed but how about spray on truckbed liner ?
    I was thinking the same thing. But I imagine that could change the flex of the ski.

  14. #14
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  15. #15
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    Mar 2008
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    Quote Originally Posted by brundo View Post
    I was thinking the same thing. But I imagine that could change the flex of the ski.
    I on the other hand was attempting a Pithy/Facetious comment but it appears I may have been too deadpan
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

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