How To

Mini Shaperz

Basic Shaping Instructions

1)    Place template on top of wooden blank. Use a felt tip pen to trace around perimeter of template. This will give you the outline of the surfboard.

2)    Using coarse sandpaper(100 grit), sand down to the outline of the surfboard that you have drawn. This will take some effort and about 15 to 20 minutes of continuous sanding. This is the most tedious part of the process. A sanding block will help speed things up.

3)    It is helpful to leave about 1/32” of the felt pen outline remaining.

4)    Using medium grit (220) sandpaper, begin shaping the rails (rounding off all sharp edges) of your surfboard. Be sure to stay away from the branded logo, or you will sand the image away.

5)    Once the rails are to your liking, you can use a fine (400) grit sandpaper to smooth down the entire board. Again, be sure to stay away from the branded logo, or you will sand the image away.

6)    Using 220 grit sandpaper, sharpen the edges of your fin. Be sure not to sharpen the flat side of the fin that will be glued to the board. Finish sanding with 400 grit.

7)    Use a soft cloth (such as a piece of an old t-shirt) to apply a small amount of oil/stain to the entire board. You will need to apply multiple coats, so use it conservatively. Plan on applying 3 to 4 coats, over the next few days.

8)    After you’ve applied a thin coat, let dry for 24 hours. After 24 hours, lightly buff, to remove any excess. Apply another thin coat and repeat the process, until you have used all of the oil/stain. Note: You will also need to stain your fin, so save enough oil/stain for this.

9)    IMPORTANT NOTE: Oily rags/cloths can self combust (catch fire) if stored/discarded improperly. Be sure to hang used rags in a well ventilated area, until oil has completely cured/dried. We recommend that you search online for “proper disposal of oily rags.”

10)   Once you are ready to install your fin, you should use a pencil to (very lightly) mark where you would like to place the fin. Make sure it is straight. The fin should be placed about 1/2″ up from the tail of the board.

11)   Use a household glue (such as Elmer’s) to adhere fin to board. A small continuous bead along bottom of fin is sufficient. Do not use too much glue, as it will squeeze out and become messy. You can use other types of (stronger) glues, but some types are not safe for children to handle and may not dry clearly.

12)   Apply glue and carefully place/balance fin in desired location. This takes a steady hand and should be performed on a flat surface. Let dry for a couple of hours before touching.

13)   Keep in mind that this is a “vintage” surfboard, so minor flaws (character) are to be expected/desired.

14)   Assemble stand and display your surfboard proudly!