Surfboard inlays
Pressed flowers, shells, feathers or your own photos, set into the board beneath the fibreglass so they become part of it. Planned with you before the board is shaped, and laid in by Joe at the glassing stage.
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What can go in
An inlay sits under the glass, not on top of it. Once the resin cures you can run your hand over it and feel nothing but glass. Shells and feathers work too: flat pieces are best, since the glass has to drape over them.
Petals laid out as a whole new flower, set under the glass beneath the Cross logo.
A single flower near the nose, pressed flat and fully dried so nothing traps air or moisture.
A small picture, or a full image like the LAYR exhibition board below.
How an inlay is done
An inlay cannot be added later, and it only gets one attempt. That is why it is done by the person glassing: the person who talks to you about where it goes is the person who lays it into the board.
Plan it with Joe
Before the board is shaped: where it sits, how big it is, what colour is behind it, and whether a fin box, logo or pin line will cross it.
Prepare it
Flowers and leaves are pressed flat and fully dried, so nothing traps air or moisture. A photo is usually printed onto a very thin sheet that turns clear when the resin soaks through, so only the ink shows.
Lay it in at glassing
The glass cloth goes over the top and the whole lot is laminated in one go. The skill is keeping everything flat and in place as the resin flows.
Wild Brumby #3
A board built to hang in an exhibition first, with a photo inlay made for the LAYR exhibition.
It is a Clapton, 5'11" x 18.75" x 2.50", with a photograph of a wild horse under the glass.
Read more
The line of carbon dashes runs up to the photo, disappears under it and carries on below, so the structure becomes part of the picture.
If you want one
A few practical notes before you talk to Joe. He will tell you straight if something will not work.
Bring the real thing
Flowers pressed and fully dry: a few weeks in a heavy book does it. For photos, send the highest quality file you have.
Think about what is behind it
An inlay shows best on a white or pale board. On a dark tint it can disappear. See the colours.
Mind your feet and wax
Deck inlays near the nose stay visible. For a large piece, the bottom of the board is often the better place.
Keep it flat
Thick shells and chunky objects are difficult, because the glass has to drape over them.
Inlay questions
What does an inlay cost?
Inlays are quoted with the board, because the price depends on the size and how much hand work is involved. Joe confirms it in the free consultation.
Can you add an inlay to a board I already have?
An inlay goes in at the glassing stage, so it is planned as part of a new custom board. It cannot be added to a finished board later.
Will it peel or fade?
It is sealed in under the glass, so wax will not lift it and sun will not peel it. It will be there as long as the board is.
What can go into an inlay?
Pressed flowers and leaves, shells, feathers or your own photos. Flat pieces work best, since the glass has to drape over them.
How should I prepare flowers or a photo?
Press flowers until they are fully dry: a few weeks in a heavy book does it. For photos, send the highest quality file you have.
Keep reading: surfboard colour: tints, pigments, swirls and sprays, twenty hours on Bec's 8'6" longboard, or more answers in the Cross Design FAQ.
On the finished boards
Best Team, so much passion and love goes into every board. Can only recommend!
Great place, Joe is so friendly and helpful, and his custom boards are just totally beautiful! Highly recommend.
Joe from Cross Design surfboards has done a fantastic job on many boards for me. Old restoration work through to new boards, all super professional and I'm a very happy customer. I would highly recommend!
Put something of yours in the glass
Start a custom order and tell Joe what you would like inlaid, or bring it in to 2/14 Nuban St, Currumbin Waters. Shop open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm. Contact 24/7, 7 days a week.
