Did you remove all the graphics from the frame? If so, what did you use? This is actually the 3rd pair of skates I've had this frame one. The first time, I used 1.5/2inch black electrical tape then used an x-acto knife to trim everything up. This worked well for a while but then it started to get scuffed up an such from pucks. I had them mounted inside out on my next pair. This works great, the only "problem" is using the skate tool is a little harder when your skates are on... This was a small price to pay for the look I wanted. Now I just re-due the tape on the inside every couple months or so.