The choice between a polished gloss coat and a sanded finish is not only visual. It also changes weight, flex and the way a board feels beneath your feet.
A coarse sanded deck holds wax effectively, while a finer nose-to-tail finish on the bottom keeps the surface clean and functional. Rusty favours this approach for performance boards because it avoids the additional resin and labour of a gloss coat. Less material means less weight and a more natural flex pattern.
Gloss and polish still have an important place. On classic longboards, collectorsâ boards and designs where appearance is part of the experience, the deep finish can be exactly right. It adds durability to the surface and highlights colour work, but it also makes the board slightly heavier and stiffer.
If performance and longevity are the priorities, consider investing in epoxy lamination before adding a cosmetic gloss. Epoxy can be used with PU or EPS foam and offers a meaningful improvement in strength for many everyday surfers.
Adapted with permission from Rusty Surfboards USA.
