Ski Waxing
Waxing Videos - Swix School (Click on the links below)
Diagram of a classic ski
Glossary of waxing terms
Term
Glide Wax
Definition
Glide wax is applied to the base of your skis. It is used to make the skis glide faster and refresh the ski base.
For skate skis, the wax is ironed onto the entire base of the ski and for classic skis it it put on the front and back glide zones of the ski.
Kick wax is grip wax that is tacky in consistency. It is applied to the grip zone of the classic ski.
Klister is an extremely sticky kick wax that is used in the grip zone of classic skis when temperatures are very warm or wet.
New skis need to have several layers of warm glide wax (yellow) applied then taken off in order for them to be broken in properly. You can do this on your own or get it done at the ski store for a cost.
After the ski season is over, it is important to seal up your skis with a layer of warm wax (yellow wax) so that the bases stay nice over the summer and will be ready to go for the next season. This is a coat of wax that you leave on and do not scrape off until the next season.
This is used to remove the wax from the groove in the middle of the ski. This is done before scraping the base of the ski.
After you iron in your wax and let it cool, take a scraper and remove all of the excess wax from the base of the ski until you can't scrape anymore off.
A cork is used to rub in the kick wax on classic skis.
This scraper is used to remove old kick wax on classic skis.
This is a spray used to take off old kick wax and klister on classic skis.
Brushes are used to take excess wax off of skis after scraping. They come in different degrees of stiffness. Softer bristles are for warm wax and stiffer bristles are for cold wax.
Kick Wax
Klister
Hot Box
Summer Coat
Groove scraper
Scraper
Cork
Kick Wax Scraper
Wax Remover
Brushes
Glide Waxing
1. Choose your wax. Decide what color of wax you are using. If it is 25 degrees or above use yellow wax and if it is below 25 degrees use green wax.
2. Heat the iron. Turn the iron on to the recommended temperature.
3. Drip the wax. Hold the wax block to the iron and let the wax melt and drip off onto the base of one side of the ski. Return to do so on the other side of the base.
When waxing skate skis you will put the glide wax over your entire ski, however, when waxing classic skis do not put glide wax in your kick zone
4. Iron in. After your whole ski is covered in wax drips, melt the wax into the base of the ski by running it tip to tail along the ski. Remember to keep the iron moving to prevent burning of the ski. Pass the iron just slow enough to melt the wax.
5. Cool the bases. Set the ski aside to cool; wait until the ski base is cool to the touch.
6. Scrape Skis. Scrape the groove first because the layer of wax will protect the ski if it slips. Remove the wax on the base with a plastic scrapper going from tip to tail with the scrapper angled toward the tail of the ski. Scrape the ski until most of the wax is removed from the base. The goal is to leave wax in the ski and not on it.
7. Brush. If your wax was warm (yellow) use brushes labeled Warm 1, Warm 2, and the polishing brush. If your wax was cold wax (green) use brushes labeled Cold 1, Cold 2, and the polishing brush. Brush the skis from tip to tail with multiple brisk strokes until your skis are smooth and you are no longer getting wax off. Start with brush labeled Number 1 and when you feel you are not getting as much wax off anymore switch to brush Number 2. After completing brushing with the metal bristle brushes, finish up with the white bristled polishing brush
Always remember to do everything from tip to tail.
Wax description from: Nordic Skier Sports.com
Kick Waxing
Wax is chosen based on snow condition and temperature. Use the chart below to help you determine the wax to use.
Applying Hard Wax
Hard wax (a.k.a kick or grip wax) is applied in 4 to 5 thin layers. Lightly "crayon" the wax onto the kick zone. Cork the wax in to the base between layers.
Tip : It is often best to chill your waxes before use. Leave you waxes outside or somewhere cold. This will help reduce the "globbing" of the wax.
Corking in the Wax
In between your layers of wax you will use a cork to press the new layer of wax in to the base. Firmly press the cork against the base and rub the cork back and forth across the wax zone. Do this until the wax has become smooth.
Removing Kick Wax
1. Tape off edges of kick zone as to not get wax remover in your glide zone. Remember to remove kick wax before you glide wax your classic skis.
2. Spray the wax remover on your skis.
3. Use a yellow kick wax scrapper to remove all of the old layers of kick wax from the skis.
4. Use a paper towel to remove any excess wax and to clean up the kick zone.