I decided I like the faux suede style of bar tape, that is the surface is a little rough and "fuzzy". However, it looks to be just the typical foam, but the surface has been roughed up somehow. I have another tape that is more "regular" foam, in that the surface is kind of smooth and slippery. I tried to rough it up with sandpaper, but that didn't work so well. Any other ideas? (P.S. I can't find suede tape in the color I like)

I would look harder for the right stuff in the color you want. Bar tape is so cheap and I'd be really surprised if you can change the texture significantly while maintaining integrity without a huge amount of effort.

What color do you want anyway? Maybe we can help you find it.

Check out Fizik Microtex - it has a somewhat sueded texture.

orange

https://www.google.com/search?q=oran...9eMjViNErUoYM:
I wouldn't recommend soft, suede-like finish with bright colors - they absorb dirt - very difficult to keep clean.

Fizik comes in orange, but only the classic finish, which is more like a faux smooth leather feel. The upside is this tape is very easy to clean and very durable. I think the "soft touch" version is the texture you are looking for, but looks like that does not come in orange.

Maybe you'd like the feel of cloth tape like Newbaums? It's soft and comes in every color imaginable. You might want to double wrap because it's pretty thin.

I have the Fizik orange bar tape. Definitely not suede like but does clean up well and I like the feel of it.