How do you waterproof a skate ramp?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 22, 2026
The standard way to waterproof your ramp is to paint it using a paint designed specifically for use on skate ramps. Coating your deck with paint protects it from various weather conditions such as heat, humidity and sunlight, as well as rain.
What should I paint my skate ramp with?
Two types of paints that work well for this is Spar Urethane and Polyurethane Paint. In addition to painting the ramp, a giant tarp is also a good idea, the last thing you want is water pooling up on your ramp (painted or not).
How do you protect a wooden ramp?
Protect Your Ramp with Paint or Stain
Wood stain penetrates the wood, blocking its pores so small particles can't enter. Paint, on the other hand, coats the wood's surface, which still offers plenty of protection. Make sure you apply a new coat of paint or stain to our ramp every two to three years, or as needed.
What is skate seal?
SkateSeal is a premium quality protective coating specifically formulated for timber skate ramps. SkateSeal was developed for skateboarding with just the perfect amount of grip & slip. SkateSeal provides a hard & fast surface with awesome feel under wheel & will protects your ramp from the elements.
Is plywood good for skate ramps?
We recommend using any type of smooth and sanded plywood. Particle board is quite possibly the worst type of wood you could use! A halfpipe outdoors with plywood will need something such as Skatepaint to help protect the wood from rain/snow.
32 related questions foundIs Skatelite waterproof?
Fast and super strong, professional grade Skatelite Pro is the supreme riding surface for outdoor skateparks and backyard ramps. The solid material is weatherproof and withstands the constant punishment inflicted by determined riders.
Can you paint over Skatepaint?
If you'd like, you can apply a colored (flat) latex paint over the Skatepaint after its cured. This you can buy from any hardware store.
What wood is used for skate ramps?
The quality of wood dictates how strong and durable the plywood is. For instance, birch has phenomenal surface hardness, therefore birch plywood is one of the best. And a great choice as the riding surface for many indoor ramps.
What is Skatelite made of?
Skatelite products are made from a super-durable paper-composite material that is designed to stand up to the daily punishment inflicted by skateboards and BMX bikes.
How long does Skatelite last outdoors?
Skatelite that has been in place at some parks for over three years and is still in good shape. It has weathered severe winters in a several locations without any ill- effects. If properly installed with sufficient substrate, five to ten years seems reasonable.
Can Skatelite be painted?
Made with paper that is either post consumer waste recycled or sustainably harvested rapidly renewable paper, Skatelite can be used raw or can be painted, custom printed or customised with vinyls. It's also an excellent for making Longboard decks.
Can I use plywood for a wheelchair ramp?
Can I use plywood for a wheelchair ramp? For an indoor ramp, plywood might work, but when building a wheelchair ramp outdoors, use pressure-treated lumber.
Can I use OSB for ramp?
Using two thin layers allows the tight radiuses to be formed easily. “The 18mm OSB takes screws very well and very close to the edge of the board while the 9mm beds extremely well,” says David. A 6mm birchwood ply is fixed over the 9mm OSB to create a dead-smooth wearing surface for the ramps, says David.
How thick should plywood be for a skateboard ramp?
Slightly under two feet (1'10”) high, 16 feet long, 8 feet wide. Which is small. This allowed us to use one sheet of ¾” plywood for all 4 sides of the ramp, with 4 pieces of 3/8” ply topped with 4 pieces of 1/8” ply for the surface.
What is ramp armor made of?
Unlike the other guys out there, Ramp Armor is more affordably priced and lasts just as long while riding just as good, if not better. Made with high-quality materials and 100% cotton.
How do you paint roller skates?
[DIY] How to Prepare Roller Skates for Painting
- Deglaze your skates. Rub Angelus Leather Preparer&Deglazer (or acetone) generously over the boot leather with cotton balls or a rag. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Perform this step in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves. ...
- And you're good to go!
Does OC Ramps use Skatelite?
Pre-Drill Option: Get your Skatelite pre-drilled and countersunk, for a small convenience fee. This special option is only valid for OC Ramps products (sorry DIY ramp builders). It takes the additional headache and hours of drilling away for a small convenience fee.
What are skatepark ramps made of?
The vast majority of skatepark bowls and ramps are made from concrete, and while this is the ideal material due to its smoothness and durability, it is by no means the only suitable construction material. Other options include wood, composite wood, steel, or fiberglass.
How do you cut Skatelite?
Use a thinner kerfed (skinny) - carbide tipped blade for cutting the ramp surfacing and make sure it is very sharp! You don't need to tape the cut line if your blade is sharp and the blade depth is set just a little deeper than 1/4". Since this ramp surfacing is very expensive, make sure your measurements are accurate.
What is the correct slope for a wheelchair ramp?
Maximum slope for hand-propelled wheelchair ramps should be 1" of rise to every 12" of length (4.8 degree angle; 8.3% grade). Maximum slope for power chairs should be 1.5" rise to 12" length (7.1 degree angle; 12.5% grade).
How do you make a simple wheelchair ramp?
How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp
- Step 1: Select a Location. ...
- Step 2: Determine the Length of Your Ramp. ...
- Step 3: Determine the Shape of Your Ramp. ...
- Step 4: Measure and Lay Out the Landing. ...
- Step 5: Adjust the Batter Boards. ...
- Step 6: Mark the Ground. ...
- Step 7: Install the Footings. ...
- Step 8: Pour the Concrete.
How long should a wheelchair ramp be?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope ratio for commercial ramps (ramps used in public spaces). This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long.
What wood are skate parks made of?
Wood skateparks include structures built from lumber and plywood but also includes paper-composite products like Skatelite. Steel is another type of commercial product usually sold as a prefabricated kit that is assembled on-site.