Snowboarding is a fun sport, but it can be risky if done incorrectly. In order to ensure that you are safe while boarding, there are many different things that need to be taken into consideration.
One thing that you have to make sure you pay close attention to is waxing your snowboard. Snowboarders wax their snowboards in order to improve their performance on the slopes.
The wax helps the board move faster and more smoothly over the surface of the snow. It also creates a layer of protection against moisture and dirt.
Waxing a snowboard is not difficult, but it can be tricky if you don’t have an iron. In this article, we will show you a step-by-step guide on how to wax your board without using an iron.
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Waxing a Snowboard Without Iron at Home
One of the main reasons that people are unable to wax their boards at home is because they do not have an iron. But even if you don’t have an iron, there are other ways to get the job done.
You can use a variety of different tools or items in order to successfully wax your board without using an iron. Here are some common household items that you can use to wax your board: Snowboard Wax, Heat gun, base cleaner, etc.
Now that you know the variety of items you can use to wax your board, it is time for us to tell you exactly how to do so.
Step 1: Preparation Before Waxing
In order to wax your snowboard correctly, a metal scraper or a plastic scraper will be used to remove old wax, dirt and other debris from a snowboard.
In order to complete this step, simply brush the snowboard with a very fine horsehair brush. This will allow for a smoother application of the wax.
Step 2: Apply Wax to Snowboard
After brushing your snowboard, you are now ready to begin applying your wax. Using either your fingers or an application tool, simply rub the wax over the entire base in a circular motion.
It is important to note that not all snowboard waxes are the same, so you may need to experiment with various types of wax until you find what works. Some cheaper models may require an extra layer of wax after the first has dried.
If your model is designed for additional layers, it should be written on the board somewhere.
Step 3: Wait For Wax to Dry
Once the wax has been applied, you will need to wait for it to dry. This process can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Buffing The Wax
After the wax has dried, it is now time to buff it. This can be done using a fresh cloth or a brush. Be sure to rub the wax until it is completely smooth.
Step 5: Finishing Up
Now that your snowboard base is waxed, cleaned, and buffed you are ready to hit the slopes! Make sure to store your board in a cool, dry place when not in use.
How to Wax a Snowboard With a Heat Gun
A heat gun is a tool that can be used to heat up various materials. It is often used in industrial and construction settings for tasks such as bending metal or drying concrete.
However, a heat gun can also be used at home for a variety of purposes including waxing a snowboard. In order to wax your board without iron, you will need a heat gun.
If you do not have access to a heat gun, you can use a regular hair dryer instead. Just be sure that the hairdryer is set on high and hot.
Directions
- First, scrape off old wax with an iron. You will then want to freeze your board for at least 24 hours.
- After the board has been frozen, place it near a heat source such as a space heater or open flame. Be sure that you are working in an area with good airflow so that the hot air is not concentrated on one spot of your board for too long.
- Hold the heat gun or hair dryer about 8-10 inches away from the surface of your board and move it around in a circular pattern.
- Be sure to keep a close eye on your board as you are heating it. You will want to stop heating it when the wax begins to bubble. Allow the board to cool completely before using it.
How to Wax a Snowboard with Hot Water
If you are not able to find or do not have access to a heat gun or hair dryer, there are other application methods you can use instead.
For example, using hot water is another method for waxing your snowboard without an iron. All you need is some boiling water and a container to hold it.
Simply pour the boiling water over the wax on your board and wait for it to melt. After the wax has melted, use a brush or cloth to rub it into the board. Be sure to let the board cool completely before using it.
Using a Stovetop
You can also use a stovetop to heat your board. Just be sure to use an oven mitt or towel to protect your hand from the heat.
Remember to always take safety precautions while waxing your snowboard especially when using alternative methods. Be cautious when learning new tricks and always wear the appropriate safety gear. Have fun!
Benefits of Waxing a Snowboard
Now that you know how to wax a snowboard without an iron. You may be asking yourself what is the purpose of waxing a snowboard? Well, there are plenty of reasons why you should want to maintain your board so that it’s always ready for use.
- First off, wax helps you stick to the ground more easily on snowy surfaces, allowing you to gain more control over your board.
- Another reason to wax your snowboard is that it creates more friction between you and the surface of the mountain which will help you stay on top of that sheet of ice.
- Without proper waxing techniques in place, not only are you at risk of slipping when riding down a hill, but you are also increasing your chances of an accident.
- One of the last reasons to wax your snowboard is because it simply makes the board look nicer and more polished. Although this may not seem very important, keeping up with general board maintenance can be the difference between a good ride and a great one.
What Type of Snowboard Wax Should You Use?
There are many types of snowboard waxes available in the market. The one you buy heavily depends on what your preference is and the type of snow conditions around you.
Depending on their specific qualities, snowboard waxes are broadly categorized as:
- All-temperature wax
- Temperature specific wax
- Fluorocarbon wax
- Environmentally friendly (green) wax
All-Temperature Snowboard Wax
An all-temperature wax is the most universally used snowboard wax. It works well in every temperature or snow condition.
It’s a great choice for people who ride in areas where the temperature fluctuates a lot. It’s also great if you ride in different geographical areas with unpredictable weather and don’t want to wax your snowboard often.
Temperature Specific Snowboard Waxes
On a surface level, all snow looks the same. However, its temperature can vary depending on the weather, moisture levels, and other factors.
Temperature-specific waxes are best used to maximize performance if you know the snow conditions in advance. Using them requires you to follow the weather reports and anticipate changes in the snow’s temperature. Otherwise, when the snow temperatures change, you might find yourself re-waxing your board often to match.
For example, the pink Swix 8 Series waxes are designed for use in snow temperatures that range between 34˚F to 25˚F (1˚C and -4˚C). If you use your snowboard in temperatures outside those ranges, it could hinder your performance.
On the other hand, the violet Swix 7 Series is designed for temperatures between 28˚F and 18˚F (-2˚C to -8˚C) providing some overlap between both temperature ranges.
Despite how finicky temperature-specific waxes can make your snowboard, they’re still a better option for use in mismatched temperatures than foregoing waxing entirely. For better performance, you can combine two different temperature-specific waxes to cover for borderline temperature changes.
If you’re still not quite sure about what range of temperature-specific wax to get, the safest bet is to always choose the colder range. Colder temperature waxes work better on warm snow than a warmer temperature wax would on cold snow.
Fluorocarbon Snowboard Waxes
Fluorocarbon snowboard waxes also have different ranges which are:
- Hydrocarbon wax (basic versions)
- Low-fluorocarbon (faster versions)
- High-fluorocarbon (fastest versions)
All of them provide different glide speeds to your board with hydrocarbon being the slowest and high-fluorocarbon being the fastest. These changes in glide speed can be very dramatic, especially in snow with high water content.
The faster the wax, the more expensive it is. For recreational boarders, whether beginner or intermediate, hydrocarbon and low-fluorocarbon waxes are best. More competitive riders use high-fluorocarbon waxes to gain a speed advantage over their opponents.
However, note that fluorocarbon fumes and particles in the air have been tied to several health risks. Also, the perfluorochemicals (PFCs) used to make them can accumulate in your body for a long time.
If you wax your board with fluorocarbon wax, do it in a place with very good ventilation and wear a mask or respirator to protect yourself.
Environmentally Friendly (Green) Snowboard Waxes
Some of the chemicals used to make traditional waxes, like fluorocarbon, have great environmental impacts. Depending on how often you wax your snowboard, you could be released excess harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. If you prefer an environmentally-friendly wax for your snowboard, more companies have begun producing them. Look out for the warning on the labels.
Safety Precautions to Take When Waxing a Snowboard Without an Iron
While waxing your snowboard is an important step in ensuring your safety on the slopes, you also need to take other precautions as well. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure that you are wearing the proper safety gear, such as ahelmet with a speaker, knee pads,snowboard mittens with wrist guards,ski goggles, and other safety equipment.
- It is important that you take your time while waxing the board. Don’t rush through this step in order to avoid any mistakes or accidents.
- If you are just beginning to snowboard, it might be helpful for you to practice on an old board before waxing your own. This will help you become familiar with the process and ensure that you are doing it correctly.
- Be sure to read the instruction manual that comes with your waxing supplies. This will give you more detailed information on how to wax your snowboard correctly.
FAQs
You should always test the temperature of your snowboard before applying wax. To do so, place your hand on the bottom of the board. If it is too hot to handle comfortably with your bare hands, then it’s probably time to apply wax.
If the bottom of your board has not been waxed for a long time, then you’ll want to consider re-waxing every time you go out riding. Also, if the board feels more slippery than usual while you’re skiing or snowboarding, then it’s time to give it a good waxing.
You can, but you will need to use a lot more of it since this type of wax is not specifically designed for the purpose of snowboard waxing. It’s also important to note that car wax can cause your board to become slippery.
In order to get a rapid performance boost, rub-on wax might be used. Hot waxing your bases, on the other hand, will be far more effective and long-lasting. Unlike a rub-on wax, it will last longer, but it won’t improve performance as much as a temperature-specific wax
Yes! Hot wax is easier to apply and usually lasts longer than cold wax, which requires higher maintenance. However, cold wax is better at sticking to the surface of your board.
Snowboard wax and skateboard wax are not the same. Snowboard wax is designed specifically for snow conditions while skateboard wax is designed to work in a variety of climates.
That depends on the climate you’ll be riding in. If you’re going to be skiing or snowboarding in a colder climate, then you should use hard wax. If it’s going to be warm where you live, then try using a soft wax instead.
Conclusion
Waxing a snowboard is an important step in ensuring that you will be safe while riding. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to wax your snowboard without an iron.
There are a variety of household items that can be used to complete this task such as candle wax. No matter what supplies you use, make sure that you take your time and avoid rushing through this process.
If you found this helpful, make sure you check our article on whyyou need to wax a new board before use.