how hard is it to remove a deck pad? and then how hard is it to put a new one on? this is for a 14 foot board.
Where would I find a new pad?

anyone painted a board before? what type of paints used?
I have a close friend who is a spray painter and I am sure he would enjoy doing a custom job on something that isn't a car or a bike.

any tips or info be great as I am just brainstorming what to do..

Removing a pad can be easy, see my post on www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/How-to-remove-deckgrip-rubber-pads/

Here's a few pages of ideas from over at the 'zone

www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,1119.0.html

I also recall Someone over there having some success with one of those "as-seen-onTV" home renovator tools with thin, flat blade attachment...can't find that thread though...

www.buyrenovator.com.au/