How to Wax Your Snowboard Like a Pro
Want smoother turns, faster glides, and better control on the slopes? Regular waxing will keep your snowboard in peak condition, reducing friction and extending the life of your base.
Waxing is easier than you think, and doing it yourself saves money while ensuring your board performs at its best.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
What You'll Need:
Wax – Choose the right wax for your conditions (see below).
Waxing Iron – A snowboard-specific iron is best, but an old clothing iron works (just don’t use it on clothes afterward).
Plastic Scraper – Removes excess wax without damaging your base.
Brushes (optional but recommended) – Helps polish the base for max glide.
Base Cleaner & Cloth – Removes dirt, old wax, and grime.
Workbench, Sawhorses, or Tuning Vises – To hold your board steady.
Razor or Edge Scraper – Cleans wax from the edges for better grip.
Choosing the Right Wax:
All-Temperature Wax – A solid choice for most conditions.
Cold Wax (-10°C and below / 14°F and below) – Harder wax for dry, cold snow.
Warm Wax (above -5°C / 23°F) – Softer wax for wet, slushy snow.
Fluorocarbon Wax – Provides extra speed; excellent for racing but expensive.
Eco-Friendly Wax – Made from plant-based materials; better for the environment.
Step-by-Step Waxing Guide
Prep Your Board
Secure your snowboard base-up on a stable surface.
Remove bindings to prevent trapped screws from expanding due to heat.
Clean the base using a base cleaner and a clean cloth to remove dirt and old wax.
Let the base dry completely before waxing.
Apply the Wax
Heat the iron to a low setting (around 260°F / 125°C or the "Wool" setting).
Hold the wax against the iron and let it drip onto the board in a zig-zag pattern from tip to tail.
Less is more! You only need a thin, even layer—too much wax makes scraping harder.
Spread the Wax
Use the iron to spread the wax across the base in long, smooth passes from tip to tail.
Keep the iron moving constantly (about 2-3 inches per second) to avoid damaging your base.
The goal is to cover the base fully without overheating any one spot.
Let the wax soak into the base for at least 20-30 minutes until it cools to room temperature.
Scrape Off Excess Wax
Use a plastic scraper (never metal) at a 45-degree angle and scrape from tip to tail.
Keep scraping until only a thin layer of wax remains—you don’t want clumps of wax slowing you down.
Use the narrow edge of the scraper to clean excess wax from the board’s edges.
Brush for Maximum Glide (Optional but Recommended)
Brushing removes micro wax layers that slow your board down.
Nylon Brush (Coarse) – Removes bulk wax and adds texture.
Horsehair Brush (Fine) – Polishes the base for maximum glide.
Brush in tip-to-tail strokes with medium pressure until you see fine white flecks.
How Often Should You Wax Your Board?
Every 3-5 days of riding for sintered bases (they absorb more wax).
Every 7-10 days of riding for extruded bases (they hold wax longer).
If your board looks dry or has white patches, it's time for a fresh coat.
Final Tips:
Use a sharp scraper for the best results.
Store your board with a layer of wax in the offseason to prevent drying out.
Don’t overheat the base—keep the iron moving!
Choose the right wax for the snow conditions.
Now your board is ready to rip! Whether you're carving groomers or sending it in deep pow, a fresh wax job will make your ride smoother and faster. Ride on!
Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvv3euaY5gE
