Back to Projects

Oil-Based Skateboard Paint Pens V2

Researched and developed a custom line of oil-based paint pens optimized for skateboard deck and griptape customization.

Product Development Materials Research E-commerce Consumer Goods Product Developer & Founder Oct 2019 – Dec 2021
Oil-Based Skateboard Paint Pens V2

The Challenge

Skaters lacked a dedicated, high-quality tool for customizing their boards. Standard paint pens quickly lost their vibrancy, faded, and deteriorated when applied to rough griptape and exposed to dirt and wear.

The Approach

Formulated and rigorously tested custom oil-based paint solutions engineered for high adhesion, heavy-duty durability, and sustained color vibrancy specifically on skateboard surfaces.

The Results

Successfully launched the brand, sold over 3,000 units, and achieved a 4.5-star rating on Amazon — validating both the product-market fit and the formulation.

Overview

The Oil-Based Skateboard Paint Pens project addressed a clear gap in the skate accessories market. Existing paint pens weren’t formulated for the unique demands of skateboard surfaces — rough griptape eats through standard ink, and constant exposure to dirt and moisture left designs looking faded within days.

Product Development

  • Custom Formulation: The oil-based paint was specifically engineered for adhesion to coarse griptape surfaces, providing lasting vibrancy that standard water-based or acrylic markers couldn’t achieve.
  • Applicator Design: The pen tips were selected to work with — not against — the rough texture of griptape, enabling clean lines and consistent paint flow.
  • Durability Testing: Each batch was stress-tested against real-world skating conditions, including abrasion, moisture exposure, and UV fading.

Market Performance

MetricResult
Units Sold3,000+
Amazon Rating4.5 ★
Price PointCompetitive with art-grade markers
DistributionAmazon (FBA)

Key Takeaways

This venture taught me the full lifecycle of a consumer product — from R&D and formulation through branding, Amazon listing optimization, inventory management, and scaling. The 4.5-star rating validated that the core thesis was right: skaters wanted a purpose-built tool, not a repurposed art supply.