Can You Just Rub Wax On A Snowboard?

Can You Just Rub Wax On A Snowboard?

Wax is an essential complement to any snowboard because it adds gloss, hydrates the board, and improves performance. If you're new to waxing snowboards, it's easy to confuse "rub-on wax" with "rubbing on wax," but they're not the same thing. Neither is a viable alternative.

Waxing a snowboard keeps it from drying out, but applying rub-on wax is not the best approach. Rub-on wax is a sort of temporary wax that lasts two or three usage before needing to be reapplied. Instead, choose an all-season, cold-weather, or warm-weather wax.

This article will address all of your burning beginner's concerns regarding waxing a snowboard, such as why you should wax, how long wax lasts, and whether or not your new snowboard need waxing. Let's start with a closer look at rubbing wax on a snowboard.

Can You Rub Wax On A Snowboard?

When you mention rubbing wax on a snowboard, we'll presume you're talking about rub-on wax, which has a thicker consistency than hot wax.

Rub-on wax is ideal for beginners because it only takes around five minutes to apply. Its use is also rather straightforward. So, what is the disadvantage?

Rub-on wax, on the other hand, does not last very long on your snowboard. It's only intended to coat the board momentarily, so after two or three usage, the board will be dry and in need of rewaxing.

Consider a couple more possibilities while buying for snowboard wax.

All-Temperature Wax

All-season wax is intended to endure a wide range of snowboarding situations. However, the term "all-season" might be deceptive because it is simply supposed to operate well in a wide range of temperatures, rather than all weather situations.

Nonetheless, all-season wax is a useful tool for every snowboarder since it allows you to retain speed and control in a range of circumstances.

All-season wax will keep you focused on the task at hand whether you're blazing down the slopes on a bright day or carving through fresh snow.

Although we wouldn't go so far as to state that any snowboard wax is completely universal, all-temperature wax is as near as you can go.

Cold-Rated Wax

If you intend to snowboard in temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need a particular type of wax on your board to avoid problems. That's where cold-rated wax comes in; it's made to endure extremely cold temperatures while still providing a smooth ride.

Whether you're hitting the slopes or just spending time in the snow, cold-rated wax can help you relax and enjoy the experience.

Warm-Rated Wax

If you couldn't tell from the cold-rated wax, temperature is a crucial consideration. If the weather is warm, you should use a warm-rated wax. This wax is intended for use in temperatures over 25 degrees.

It is constructed of a blend of synthetic, microcrystalline, and paraffin waxes, giving it resilience and suppleness.

The microcrystalline gives durability, while the paraffin imparts softness to the wax.

What Happens If You Don’t Wax A Snowboard?

If you don't wax your snowboard, you'll notice a decrease in general performance, specifically agility and speed, as well as a shorter lifetime over time. Your snowboard, like your skin, can dry up and break if it goes too long without moisture.

Without wax, the board is more vulnerable to sun and wind damage, as well as moisture damage.

In its most basic form, wax protects the board from the weather and keeps it from drying out.

Let's take a deeper look at how not waxing your snowboard affects agility, slows you down, and shortens its life.

Reduced Agility

Waxing your snowboard makes it more nimble. Waxes make the board feel alive and sensitive to turns, which is very useful for learning new tricks. However, the most significant benefit is simply receiving comments from your board that are relevant to your movement.

Waxing your snowboard will improve your performance while also making you more nimble. Long durations without wax can diminish a board's agility and responsiveness.

Sure, that's crucial for contests or tricks, but any kind of delay in reaction, or a board that doesn't move the way you want it to, may be harmful as well.

Slower Speeds

Waxing the bottom of the board provides a slippery surface that allows the board to travel effortlessly through the snow. Without wax, the board tends to adhere to the snow, slowing you down and making turning and navigating more difficult.

Furthermore, a dry board is more prone to collect moisture from the snow, which might lead it to freeze, exacerbating the problem.

For these reasons, waxing your snowboard on a regular basis is essential for maintaining top performance.

Consider why people used to use Crisco shortening on sled blades. Although it is now considered an extremely unsafe technique, the idea was that the oiled blades would go quicker on the snow.

When properly waxed, a snowboard goes faster, similar to a sled going down a slope.

Less Longevity

While speed and agility receive all of the emphasis when it comes to reasons for waxing a snowboard, a coating of wax helps protect the snowboard from scratches and abrasions, keeping it looking new and lasting longer.

Small scratches on your snowboard will soon turn into severe gouges if you don't wax it.

This will not only make your board appear ugly, but it will also shorten its longevity. And, with the cost of lift tickets on the rise, the last thing you need is the added expense of a new board.

Do You Need To Wax A New Snowboard?

When you buy a new snowboard from a store (or online), the board will come with factory wax. Factory wax is both a blessing and a burden.

On the one hand, it's fantastic that you can go right from the store to the slopes with your new board. On the other side, the wax doesn't last very long, so you'll have to reapply it somewhat frequently.

However, if you intend to use your new board right away, there is no need to wax it again; the factory wax will enough. If you don't plan on hitting the slopes right away, it can be worth your time to give your board a fresh coat of wax.

How Long Does Factory Snowboard Wax Last?

Most factory waxes for snowboards will survive multiple rides with careful care, but they have a rather short lifespan. The lifespan of a factory wax is determined by several factors, including the brand of wax, the type of wax, how it was applied, and how frequently the board is used.

However, if you live in a humid environment or often ride in damp circumstances, you may find that you need to reapply your wax more frequently.

Furthermore, if you ride hard and subject your board to a lot of punishment, the factory wax will wear off faster.

Factory wax is often simply spray-on or rub-on wax - and based on what you just read about rub-on wax, you already know it has a rather short lifespan. It is then your job to apply another coat of wax to avoid the situations described above.

Avoid rub-on wax, as it will take far too many reapplications to provide the necessary layer to maintain your board in excellent form. Use heated wax instead of rub-on waxes.

To retain top performance, reapply wax every few rides if you snowboard frequently.

However, if you only ride a few times a season, you can definitely get away with simply waxing your board once or twice.

Waxing A Snowboard

Waxing a snowboard is a vital element of maintaining and keeping your board in good shape. A well-waxed board, as you know, will ride faster and last longer than one that hasn't been waxed.

Taking your board someplace to be waxed, on the other hand, can be cumbersome, and you may not want to pay to have it done.

Can I Wax A Snowboard Myself?

Waxing a snowboard isn't difficult, and anyone can handle it at home in a few simple steps. Clean your board, melt your wax, iron wax to the board, let it cool and dry, then scrape off excess wax.

What Supplies And Tools Do You Need To Wax A Snowboard?

• If you're thinking of waxing your snowboard, you'll need a few materials first, including:
• A base cleaner
• Material for packing (newspapers or rags)
• An iron - You can use your laundry room iron, but it cannot be used for garments afterwards.
• A scraper for vinyl
• A excellent quality wax - all-weather is a smart choice if you don't know what conditions you'll be snowboarding in.

How To Wax A Snowboard In 5 Steps

1. Clean your board using a base cleaner to remove any dirt, oil, or grime that may be on its surface.
2. Pack the space surrounding your desk with packing material to prevent wax from getting everywhere.
3. Warm your iron to medium-high heat before pressing the wax against it. Allowing the drops of melted wax to fall onto the board, working from the edges first, then the center.
4. Working from the tip to the tail, iron the wax into the board in a circular motion (Karate Kid "Wax on, wax off" method). You want the wax to be dispersed as evenly as possible.
5. Allow the wax to cool and cure for a half-hour before scraping off any excess with your vinyl scraper, making sure to double-check the edges of the board.

You're ready to hit the slopes after the wax has cooled and solidified!

Waxing Your Snowboard Matters

Any seasoned snowboarder will tell you that waxing your board is vital for keeping it in top shape.

Wax not only extends the life of your board, but it also improves your speed and performance on the slopes.

While new snowboards come with a coating of factory wax, it does not stay long. Yes, you may ride it right immediately, but you'll want to apply a better wax on it soon after.

Continuing to apply rub-on wax is neither cost-effective nor an efficient use of your time.

Warm-weather, cold-weather, and all-temperature waxes are the best types of wax for a snowboard. You can do it yourself in just five simple steps with a few simple tools and resources.

There are times when no amount of wax will suffice, and your only alternative is to get a new snowboard.

Other indicators that it's time to replace your board include the pop, camber, and rocker of your board, as well as its usage. So, beyond merely waxing, learn to know the condition of your board.

Waxing your snowboard is a crucial component of keeping it in good condition and will allow you to enjoy many seasons of fantastic snowboarding!