How to Wire Brush an Alpine Ski Base
Wire brushing the ski base is the final step in tuning skis. The brush smooths any hard ridges leftover from scraping and removes excess wax. Brushing also applies the final texture to the ski, which allows the water created from the friction of the ski against the snow to flow away from the ski base. Three types of brushes varying in stiffness and diameter are frequently used to penetrate the grooves of the ski and set the wax into the base structure. Racers brush their skis directly before entering a race course to maximize speed.
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Things You'll Need
- Nylon or nylon/copper combination brush
- Horsehair brush
- Brass brush
- Paper towels
Instructions
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1
Place the base of the waxed and scraped ski facing up.
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2
Position the nylon or nylon/copper combination brush at the tip of the ski. Using steady, firm pressure, slide the brush down the ski starting at the tip and ending at the tail. Strokes should be about 1 foot in length and overlap. Repeat this motion about 10 times or until the bulk of the wax is removed.
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3
Place the horsehair brush at the tip of the ski. Use the same motion as the nylon brush to brush the ski. Repeat this motion about five times.
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4
Set the brass brush at the tip of the ski. Using light pressure, brush the ski three to five times.
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5
Wipe off any excess wax particles with a damp paper towel.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For the most effective brushing, make sure that the ski has already been waxed and scraped.
Brush your skis over a tarp or outside to avoid leaving wax particles on the floor.
Brush a few times between waxing to reapply texture to the ski.
