How to Wax a Snowboard

Regularly waxing your snowboard will prolong its life and keep it quick.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Heavy-duty Scouring Pad
• Ski Waxing Tools
• Snowboard Bag
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Leash
• Snowboards
• Wax Scrapers
• Waxes
• Waxing Irons

1. Secure your snowboard in a well-ventilated area with the base facing up.

2. Remove old wax from the base of your snowboard using a metal or plastic wax scraper. Use long, lengthwise strokes.

3. Turn on your iron to the lowest temperature needed to melt the snowboard wax. Test the iron by holding the block of wax to its base; if it begins to smoke, the iron is too hot and it's burning the wax.

4. Hold the iron above the base of your snowboard and press the wax into it. As the wax begins to drip off the iron, move the iron around, evenly distributing the wax from tip to tail.

5. Apply the iron directly to the snowboard's base and spread the wax in a thin layer, keeping the iron moving continuously.

6. Allow the wax to cool for 30 minutes.

7. Remove excess dried wax from the base with your scraper, using full-length strokes. Go over problem spots with short, quick strokes until a thin layer of wax remains on the base.

8. Buff the base using a stiff cleaning brush or a heavy-duty scouring pad. Make short, quick strokes from tip to tail.

Tips & Warnings

• Irons made especially for waxing are available for purchase; however, an old clothes iron will do the job. Don't use it again on clothes!

• For best results, use wax designed for the type of snow (soft and slushy, cold and hard) you'll be riding on.

• Be careful when working with the iron and hot wax; not only can the wax burn skin, it can damage clothes and carpets.