FIRST STEP: This page should give you the basics on how to paint a surfboard and how to care for the painting. First, of course, you need to start with a surfboard. A new board with sanded finish is best because it doesn't require any surface preparation. If the board is glossed you must first lightly sand the surface with 220 grit sand paper. If you're going to paint a used board the surface preparation is a little more comp;icated. First you must scrape the wax. Then strip the wax with Fire Water or other citrus based wax remover. Make sure to get all of the wax. Then sand the surface with 220 grit sand paper.     PENS: To paint the board you will want to use "water based paint markers". Do not use the oil based markers. There are three brands I have found to work well, Posca, Sharpie and Garden Craft. All are available for purchase online. The sharpie markers are most readily available and work just as well as the Posca markers. I suggest a mix of each brand as the colors vary and compliment each other.     PENCIL: I start with sketching the design out in pencil on the board. A kneaded eraser works well to erase mistakes.     COLOR: I then add the base color.     BLEND: Then begin to blend in the highlights and shadows while the base color is still wet.     OUTLINE: When the coloring and blending are done I then outline in black.     FINAL: After the painting is done I protect it with Krylon Crystal Clear Spray. Several light coats are best. Applying too heavy will cause your paint to bleed. Typically I use an entire can for a shortboard applied in light coats. The clear coat will protect the paint for the life of the board. However, you will no longer be able to use liquid wax removers to strip the wax off your board as it will also strip the clear coat and paint. I recommend leaving the board in the sun for a few minutes to soften the wax, then scraping the wax off, then finishing with The Pickle wax remover or more time in the sun and some paper towels.