How to Wax a Snowboard by Andrew Cho

How to Wax a Snowboard by Andrew Cho


Waxing is the easiest tuning job for snowboards and offers immediate results. Since wax makes it easier for snowboards to glide over snow, a waxed board will slide faster and turn easier. Waxing also protects the base form the harmful effects of moisture, UV rays, snow contaminants, and dirt.

If you’re a recreational snowboard, waxing your board every two or three times you go should do the trick. If you’re looking to have the smoothest rides, you can always wax more often. Some spray or wipe-on waxes can be used between wax applications and even when you’re on the slopes.

To wax your board, you will need wax, an iron (or waxing machine), a plastic scraper, and a brush.

1) Before waxing your board, make sure that the base is clean.

2) Using an iron, hold a bar of wax against the base of the iron and let the wax drip onto the base. Run a bead of wax along the base without ever letting the iron touch the base. The iron should be hot enough to melt the wax, but not so hot that the wax smokes. (250 degrees Fahrenheit is normal)

3) Once the wax has been applied along the entire length of the base, smooth it out with the iron, being careful not to let the iron stall or touch the plastic base. Spread a thin layer of wax evenly over the entire base.

4) Once the wax has completely cooled, scrape off the excess wax by pushing or pulling the scraper from the tip to the tail. Next, use a soft nylon brush to buff the remaining wax. Brush with small, quick strokes until there are no more little white balls of wax.

5) Finally, polish the base lightly with an abrasive pad that can make riding smoother and more enjoyable. Whatever you do, make sure to scrape excess wax from the steel edges so they can cut into the snow.


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