Custom Skateboards for Artists and Illustrators
Turn Your Artwork into a Collectable and Rideable Canvas
If you want to showcase your art in a bold and unique format, custom skateboards are the perfect medium. Whether you are creating a limited run of decks, building a collection to sell, or producing one off pieces for exhibitions or personal projects, our custom skateboard printing service helps bring your artwork to life on boards made to be displayed or ridden.
At Back and Forth Prints, we specialise in custom skateboard printing for artists and illustrators at every stage of the creative journey. From emerging talent to established names, we have helped turn original artwork into high quality skateboards using premium materials, hand finished decks and eco friendly production from start to finish.
Why Choose Custom Skateboards for
Your Artwork?
Skateboard decks have become a powerful format for creative expression. More than just tools for skating, they are now collectable art pieces, gallery displays and limited edition merchandise. Here is why artists and illustrators choose custom skateboards to showcase their work.
Unique Artistic Medium
Printing your work on a skateboard deck transforms it into something physical and unforgettable. It's a chance to move beyond canvas and present your art in a form that speaks to culture, movement and identity.
Perfect for Collectors or Display
Whether displayed, sold as a signed edition or offered as a collector's piece, custom skateboards make your work tangible in a way that prints cannot. They are ideal for fans who want to own something rare.
Premium Look & Feel
We print on Canadian maple decks using professional grade materials to ensure your artwork looks sharp and vibrant. Each board is hand finished with care, making sure the final piece does justice to your original design.
Who We Print Custom Skateboards For
Our custom skateboard printing for artists is ideal for:
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Illustrators wanting to turn their work into physical pieces
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Fine artists exploring new formats for exhibitions or galleries
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Street artists and muralists creating limited edition decks
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Designers producing collectable items or art drops
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Creatives looking to offer unique merchandise to their audience
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Emerging artists building a portfolio of printed work
What’s Included in Our Custom Skateboard Printing
We’ve made it easy to go from idea to reality. No stress, no fluff, just high-quality skateboard graphics.
Custom-Printed Skateboard Decks
We print on 7-ply Canadian maple decks, offering a smooth, durable surface for crisp graphics and colour depth.
Artwork Support & Templates
We provide easy-to-use templates ensuring your artwork prints perfectly, with correct sizing, DPI, and bleed.
Flexible Order Sizes
We support short runs for small brands or test drops, as well as bulk orders for large campaigns or retail needs.
Fast Turnaround & Shipping
Once your artwork is approved, we aim to print and ship within the next business day. Need a rush job? Just ask and we’ll do our best.
Trusted by Leading Artists, Built for Your Work
We have worked with respected names across skateboarding and the creative world to produce custom decks that meet the standards of professionals, collectors and galleries.
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Every board we print is made from 100 percent Canadian maple, sourced from responsibly managed forests. That means your artwork is presented on a surface that is both durable and environmentally conscious.
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Whether your goal is to create limited edition art pieces, sell signed decks or exhibit your work in a new format, you can trust our craftsmanship and attention to detail to bring your vision to life.
Our Custom Skateboard Printing Process
Here’s how it works, step by step:
Printing Techniques
Screen Printed Custom Skateboards
We use custom built screen printing presses that we designed and engineered ourselves to print directly onto skateboard decks. This allows us to apply artwork from truck to truck or nose to tail, creating bold full coverage graphics that are perfect for limited edition releases, exhibitions or personal collections.
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As with all screen printing, there are some limitations to what can be printed, but we work closely with each artist to bring your vision to life and make sure the final result stays true to your original design.
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All screen print jobs are quoted individually based on artwork and quantity. Get in touch to talk through your ideas and we will help guide you through the process.
Printing Techniquies
Heat Transfer Custom Skateboard Graphics
Heat transfer is another method we use to apply artwork to skateboard decks. This technique allows for more detailed and intricate visuals than traditional screen printing, making it a great choice for artists who work with fine lines, gradients or photographic elements.
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Each colour is printed separately onto a transparent application film using specialist inks. The film is then applied to the deck using heat and pressure at around 200 degrees Celsius, bonding the design directly to the wood.
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If your artwork includes subtle textures, tonal shifts or complex layers, heat transfer may be the most suitable option. We are happy to guide you through the best approach for your specific design.
Why work with Back & Forth?
Back & Forth is a screen printing studio based in Dorset, specialising in custom skateboards, art prints and garments. With over 10 years of hands-on experience, we bring genuine knowledge and passion to every project.
Experienced and Independent
Based in Dorset with over a decade of screen printing experience
Supportive at
Every Step
Happy to offer advice and guidance at any stage of your project
Specialists in Skate and Apparel
Focused on skateboards, art prints and clothing for creative brands
Trusted by Big and Small Brands
Proud to print for global companies, local labels and pro skaters
Collaborative Process
We work closely with you to bring your ideas to life
Quality You
Can Feel
Every board is printed with care, precision and creative respect
Real Artists. Real Boards
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of artists and illustrators to bring their designs to life on custom skateboards.
Here are a few examples that highlight the range of what we can create.
Skateboard GB
Paris 2024 Olympic Boards
We hand-screened these seven-colour graphics on eco-friendly HLC decks in anticipation of skateboarding's second-ever Olympic Games. These boards were featured in an ad on TikTok for the games.
Camp Rubicon
UV Printed Skateboard Decks
We printed these pirate-themed boards for the kids enrolled in the Rubicon Skate Camp. For these, we used UV DTF (Direct-To-Film) transfer; a digital printing technique used to transfer designs using UV-curable ink.
June Skateshop
10th Anniversary Decks
We printed June Skateshop’s special 10th-anniversary decks. These graphics were done using water-based inks at our new solar-powered studio, keeping the environmental impact as low as possible.
Want to see more?
Got Questions?
We’ve Got Answers
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What kind of skateboard decks do you use?We use professional quality 7 ply Canadian maple decks, suitable for both display and riding. They are available in a range of shapes and sizes.
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What shapes and sizes are available?We offer a wide range of shapes and sizes, including popsicle and cruiser styles. A full shape catalogue is available on request. Get in touch and we can send it through.
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Do you provide a template for artwork?Yes, we will send you an easy to use template that includes the correct dimensions, bleed areas and safe zones to help you set up your artwork properly.
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How should I prepare my artwork?We will send you a template to help you set up your artwork correctly. For best results, we recommend high resolution files with bleed and safe zones accounted for.
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Can I print a single custom skateboard?Yes, we offer one off prints which are perfect for gifts, portfolios, or testing out a new design.
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Do you offer bulk pricing for larger orders?Yes, we quote every project individually based on the quantity, print method and complexity of the design.
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What type of wood do you use for the decks?We use Clutch wood, made from 7 ply Canadian maple. Clutch Distribution. Clutch is a top-quality woodshop, supplying boards to Alltimers, Free Dome, Flip, Toy Machine, Pizza, Plan B, and many other world-renowned skateboard brands.
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What is the difference between screen printing and heat transfer?Screen printing creates a bold and slightly textured finish, ideal for flat colours and simple designs. Heat transfer is better suited for artwork with fine detail, gradients or photo based imagery. Let us know what you are planning to print and we will recommend the best method for your design.
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Can I choose the veneer stain for my custom decks?We can offer a range of veneer stain options depending on your order size and print method. Let us know what you are looking for and we will confirm what is available.
Learn More About Custom Skateboards Printing
