Homemade Hot Waxing

Regular maintenance of our ski bases is essential to ensure smooth, trouble-free descents.
During the season, ski bases tend to dry out, reducing glide (especially on wet snow) and increasing the risk of snow sticking or skin glue getting stuck. This can leave us struggling to keep up with our companions before they steal the best line!

To prevent these issues, all it takes is adopting a simple habit that requires minimal effort: regularly waxing your skis. For optimal performance, this should ideally be done before every outing, but even waxing every 4-5 trips can be more than enough. In this tutorial, Danilo from XL Mountain shows you step-by-step how to hot wax your ski bases using a waxing iron!

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

• Wax suitable for the snow conditions (temperature and humidity);
• A waxing iron specifically designed for ski waxing;
• Scraper (plastic or metal, specifically for skis);
• Brushes (horsehair, nylon, and/or brass, for polishing the base);
• Soft cloth (optional, for an extra finish);
• Protective cover or a well-ventilated workspace to protect surfaces and minimize inhalation of fumes.

PROCEDURE:

1. Preparation:

   • Clean the ski base thoroughly to remove any old wax, dirt, and debris. You can use a degreaser or a specific cleaner. Ensure the surface is dry.

2. Heat the Iron:

   • Set the iron to a medium temperature (120-150°C, typically indicated by the wax manufacturer), avoiding overheating or burning the wax. The wax should melt, not smoke.

3. Wax Application:

   • Hold the wax against the iron plate and let it drip onto the ski base, distributing it evenly over the entire surface.

4. Wax Distribution:

   • Move the hot iron slowly over the base, spreading the melted wax in a thin, even layer. Avoid staying too long in one spot to prevent overheating the base.

5. Cooling:

   • Let the wax cool for at least 30 minutes, allowing it to bond to the base.

6. Scraping:

   • Use the scraper to remove excess wax, following the direction of the base (from tip to tail).

7. Polishing:

   • Use brushes on the base to remove microscopic wax residues and polish it. Each brush has a specific purpose:
     • Brass: To open the pores of the base.
     • Nylon: To remove residues.
     • Horsehair: To polish.

8. Finishing (Optional):

   • Use a soft cloth for a flawless finish.