How To Wax Your Snowboard

Here at First Tracks Boardstore we understand that not everyone has the time or the budget to drop their snowboard in for a professional wax (especially when the traffics backed up and it puked 20cm's last night). To make things easier for you guys we've come up with some tips to help you execute the perfect DIY wax. Waxing your board doesn't need to be an intimidating task if you know what your doing. If you do have the time and you really can't be bothered with a home job check out our prices and waxing options 

 

What Your Going To Need

First things first, your going to need somewhere to wax your board so find an area in the garage or carport you can make a little mess. Then your going to need the following equipment. 

Alternatively purchase a tuning kit that will have most of these items such as the Anticorp Tuning kit or the Dakine Deluxe Tuning Kit. Okay no you are ready to get started!

Choosing the Right Iron 

Now we know it might sound tempting to use mums clothes iron but we recommend not to (one because it's not made for the job and two, we don't want you to get in severe trouble when the iron is no longer usable). Once you use a regular Iron for a snowboard wax, unless you want to ruin everyones threads that guy has got to go into retirement. We recommend using a Waxing Iron as they are entirely flat and are made for the job. 

How To Pick The Right Wax For You

When picking the right wax it's important to consider where your skiing and snowboarding and what the average temps are likely to be. Picking a universal temp wax is a good way to have most weather conditions covered. However, if your going abroad and are likely to be riding in consistently sub zero temperatures it's best to pick a cold climate wax. You can can read temperatures recommendations on wax packaging and decide what's best for where you are travelling to.   

Waxing Tips & Tricks

Metal or plastic wax scraper?

If you really think you know what your doing a metal wax scraper is more precise and will do a better job. However, they can also easily damage your board so it's best to use a plastic scraper unless your feeling pretty confident. Plastic does the job just fine. We usually use a plastic scraper in our workshop. 

Is base prep necessary? 

Using base prep is a good idea. Starting with a smooth clean surface will ensure you get the best wax results. Scrub the base of your board with base prep and a scourer then finish with a cloth to remove final dirt and grime. 

Do I need much wax?

Short answer, No. If you use too much wax you are just going to be scraping more wax off. If you wax your board and it still looks dry then chuck another coat on and repeat the process. 

Applying Wax

Okay so now your ready to start applying the wax, your base is prepped and ready to go. Turn on your iron on to a low setting and hold the wax to your iron and dribble wax all over your board in a diagonal motion until there is a zig zag pattern from tip to tail. No more than 50-80ml of wax is generally required. 

Now smooth the iron over the board in a tip to tail motion until wax is smoothly and evenly distributed across the board. If you need more wax now is the time to add a bit here and there if you couldn't quite make what you had reach the distance. Now leave wax for 10-15 minutes while it cools. 

Scraping Your Board 

Now the wax has cooled, grab your scraper and hold it to the board at approximately a 90' angle. Now scrape your board repeatedly in one direction, from tip to tail. Try to scrape from tip to tail so you are scraping in the direction the board will ride to ensure that little extra glide and slide. 

A common misconception is that you need to see the wax on there. No you don't. The whole point of the base is to absorb the wax into it's pores. Leaving to much wax on your board will actually slow you up. Your board should not have any visible wax lumps or bumps on it at the end of the scraping process. It should like shiny, smooth and the colour should be nice and saturated. 

Buffing Your Board

Grab your soft buffing brush and stroke the brush from tip to tail ensuring your brush is following the same direction you scraped. This will ensure your board again.. Glides smoothly but also looks professional. Once you've motioned tip to tail a number of times your board should look smooth and shiny. Finally grab your scourer and finish off the board with a few wipes tip to tail and your done! Now you have structured your board base and your ready to beat your mates down the slopes!

Now you know! You're as good as a professional tuner!