Installation Instructions

Installing your custom Sick Grab is easy!

Installing your Sick Grab protective graphics is easier than you’d think. We’ll step you through the process of preparing the surfaces, aligning your graphics, installing the film, trimming, and setting the adhesive.

Things you’ll need for a flawless installation:

• Lint-free towel (microfiber or similar)
• Surface cleaner (isopropyl alcohol, dish soap, or wax & grease remover)
• Masking Tape
• Plastic squeegee (included)
• Razor blade knife (included)
• Hair dryer or heat gun
• Screwdriver for removing bindings (optional)

Important Note About Binding Removal

Your ski or snowboard bindings are both for retention of your boots, and also safety devices to protect you from injury. If you don’t understand how they work or are uncomfortable with the removal or installation of the bindings, you should have a professional reinstall them. Installation and adjustment are very inexpensive at any ski or snowboard shop. Binding removal is not required, as your Sick Grab film can be trimmed around the bindings with a bit more time and effort.

Step 1 - Preparing skis/snowboard

1. Remove bindings (optional)
1. Use an appropriate screwdriver (usually #3 Pozi, or #20 Torx), turning the screws counterclockwise to remove the mounting screws. Make a note of the location of the screws removed, as different length screws can be used on each binding part.
2. This is a great time to inspect the mounting holes. Over time some of the mounting holes can get stripped or enlarged. If you find this, have it fixed by a professional, and be happy you found it now.
2. Inspect the top and sidewall of your skis/board for any raised material from scratches or gouges (often at the top edges). Anything you find can be trimmed down with a razor blade. Depressions in your topsheet will be slightly noticeable through your Sick Grab protective graphic, but they won’t affect the installation or adhesion.
3. Thoroughly clean the top and sidewall using a surface cleaner and a lint-free towel. It’s important to remove any wax or oils from the surface. If you use dish soap or other cleaners, be sure to remove all of the residues. You want a clean and dry surface for the Sick Grab adhesive to bond to.

Step 2 - Aligning the graphics

1. Before removing any backing paper, you should lay out the Sick Grab film over the ski/board to get the graphics aligned with the edges, tip, and tail as you want it. You can temporarily use masking tape to hold it in place. Be sure you have at least half a centimeter of extra material around the edges.
2. Apply a tape “hinge” across the Sick Grab near the center lengthwise.
1. The tape should extend beyond the edge of the film and onto the table or work surface.

Step 3 - Begin applying the film

1. Work with clean hands to avoid getting dirt or oils on the adhesive
2. Peel the backing paper from one side of the tape hinge, laying the freed film on the opposite side of the ski/board

4. Use one hand to hold the film perpendicular to the ski/board, while using the other hand to gently squeegee the film onto the ski/board. The squeegee motion should start from the center and work outward. You’re trying to get the film to lay down smoothly and without air bubbles.
    a. If bubbles form, just pull the film back and reapply it. Small bubbles can be removed later.
    b. Continue all the way to the end of the ski/board
    c. Don’t pull or stretch the film when applying it.

5. Repeat this process with the film on the other end of the ski/board. The tape hinge can be removed at this point.

Step 4 - Trimming the excess film

Step 5 - Setting the adhesive

The special adhesives used for Sick Grab are pressure and heat activated. To get the best installation and durability, applying pressure and heat is required.

1. Using a hair dryer or heat gun, apply heat to the surface of the Sick Grab and then apply significant pressure with the squeegee
1. You don’t need to get the film hot, just warm to the touch. The heat allows the adhesive to “flow” and bond well.
2. Heat the edges and use your fingers wrapped in the lint-free towel to press the film to the edges firmly.
1. Wrapping your fingers in the towel allows your fingers to move smoothly while pressing. Bare fingers don’t slide well on warm film.
3. It’s best to allow at least 24 hours before using your skis/board as the adhesive is still bonding.

Step 6 - Reinstall Bindings

Reinstalling bindings on snowboards is simpler because the mounting holes are machine threaded. Simply mount the binding in the original locations and torque the screws as directed by the manufacturer (usually ¼ turn beyond the point where the mounting screw is seated).

For ski binding reinstallation, you’ll want to follow these guidelines:

As mentioned above, have a professional reinstall your bindings if you’re unfamiliar with binding installation and adjustment.

1. Put a small drop of wood glue into each of the mounting holes of the ski. The glue acts as a lubricant for the screws during installation and provides some bonding strength when dried.
2. Slowly rotate each screw counterclockwise while pressing down until you feel the screw drop into the existing thread grooves. You want to use the existing thread grooves, not create new ones, as you risk stripping the mounting hole.
3. Tighten the screws by turning them clockwise until you feel it fully seat, followed by 1/8th turn. Do not over-torque the screws.

Step 7 - Go show off your custom skis/board!

Please share your photos. We can’t wait to see your Sick Grab!