How to Wax Skis: Cross Country & Alpine Ski Wax
At first waxing might seem like an impossible task - there's ski wax for cold weather, warm weather, wet snow etc. Then there's the iron, the brush and so on. How do you choose the right ones?
Don't worry, with a few basics down you'll be getting the hang of ski waxing in no time. As long as you follow the basic guidelines and test-wax your skis a few times before going on a long cross-country run you should be fine.
To start off you need to get ski wax. You can either buy it in a kit where you get waxes, brushes and scrapes all in one place. You can also buy them one at a time, and if you do so remember to get the most common ones; one for temperatures 10 F and colder, one for 15 to 25 F, and a warm wax for 25 to 35 F. You'll also need a wax iron, scrapes and brushes. I would not recommend going with the cheapest ones, get some good quality products and it will last longer than your skis.
Next up is to find a good work place. You should do waxing inside, so the ski wax is allowed to dry at a warm temperature. Also beware of any potential mess - don't do this on an expensive dining room table.
Find the appropriate wax and warm the iron to the correct temperature. Certain waxes might have different melting points, so make sure you read the instruction on the wax. Heat the iron approximately 20 minutes before you start to let it get nice and warm.
Always start at the tip of your ski, working your way down towards the tail. Hold the iron over the ski, and let the wax drip down on it as it's melting. Be sure to cover the entire base of the ski with wax.
Now take the iron and with a light movement move the iron from the skis tip to tail. Use common sense - if the wax gets too hot i.e. it start smoking, lower the temperature. When this is done allow the wax to completely cool down.
Once the wax has cooled down, use a plastic scraper to scrape off the wax. Once again, work from the tip of the ski, towards the tail. Make sure that all the wax is scraped off before continuing. You can repeat the process with waxing once again after this is done to get an even better result, but it's not necessary.
Use a soft brush and go over the ski with it. Then use a cloth to gently polish the newly waxed base on the ski.
There's a general rule that you can never wax your skis too much, so you should try to do this at a very minimum once a season. More often is preferred, especially if there are big ranges in temperature. Once you get the hang of how to wax skis, it's an easy job that doesn't require much time or effort.
I have always used Swix ski wax, and am very satisfied with it. There are many other brands out there as well, but to get ones for proper temperatures are more important than brand.
Good luck and have fun skiing!
Published by Cloudage
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Ski waxing should be done at least once a season.
5 Comments
Post a CommentIT IS ADVISABLE TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE PRESENT WHEN MAKING THIS WAX.MELT IT OUTDOORS AWAY FROM BUILDINGS TO AVOID FIRE.KEEP CHILDREN AND ANIMALS AWAY
Step1-Put the pie tins or tin bread molds in the freezer to get them cold.
Step2-With the butterknife grate the entire bar of soap into the bowl.(you could also use a wood rasp or cheesegrater to grate the soap into tiny pieces.)
Step3-With the butterknife thinly spread the spruce gum on one side of all the bars of paraffin.(To make this easier you may need to warm the gum near a gentle heat source)
Step4-Pour the paraflint into the small cooking pot,put it on the burner and turn on the flame(low heat).
Step5-Put a bar of paraffin in the big cooking pot(gum side up),put it on the burner and turn on the flame(high heat).When the bar melts put in another and when that melts another...until all are melted.(If any impurities rise to the top,skim them off with a spoon or mesh spoon.There shouldn't be any if the gum is clean.)
Step6-As soon
THIS WILL PUT THE SKI WAX COMPANIES OUT OF BUSINESS
Ingredients and formula for super fast ,all temp, racing ski wax:(1)5 lbs of paraffin wax(preferably 150degree or higher melt temp)
(2) 1/2 lb of paraflint wax hardener (3) a bar of Ivory soap (4) a regular size tube of Crest high fluoride toothpaste (5)a heaping tablespoon of spruce gum(resin from a spruce tree)
The paraffin and paraflint hardener can be easily and cheaply obtained from most candle supply companies.The soap and toothpaste should be easy enough.The spruce gum can be obtained from any specie of spruce tree.It exudes from wounds in the bark or broken branches.Make sure it is soft and clean,free from any dirt or bark.
In addition to these ingredients you will also need: An outdoor cookstove or grill,a freezer,a large and small cooking pot,stove mitts,a butterknife,a blender,a clock or watch,a bowl,and a few pie tins or tin bread molds to pour the liquid wax into.
CAUTION:MELTING WAX CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS.IT IS ADVIS
THIS WILL PUT THE SKI WAX COMPANIES OUT OF BUSINESS
Ingredients and formula for super fast ,all temp, racing ski wax:(1)5 lbs of paraffin wax(preferably 150degree or higher melt temp)
(2) 1/2 lb of paraflint wax hardener (3) a bar of Ivory soap (4) a regular size tube of Crest high fluoride toothpaste (5)a heaping tablespoon of spruce gum(resin from a spruce tree)
The paraffin and paraflint hardener can be easily and cheaply obtained from most candle supply companies.The soap and toothpaste should be easy enough.The spruce gum can be obtained from any specie of spruce tree.It exudes from wounds in the bark or broken branches.Make sure it is soft and clean,free from any dirt or bark.
In addition to these ingredients you will also need: An outdoor cookstove or grill,a freezer,a large and small cooking pot,stove mitts,a butterknife,a blender,a clock or watch,a bowl,and a few pie tins or tin bread molds to pour the liquid wax into.
CAUTION:MELTING WAX CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS.IT IS ADVIS
Good for those who ski.
I have never been skiing before but if I ever get into it I can refer to your suggestions!