How Do You Wax A Snowboard At Home: Explained with Tips and kits

I've been snowboarding for quite some time. And, having met 'boarders from other states, I've discovered that we're vibrant but occasionally sluggish.

Most boarders would take the easiest path and pay $30 - $40 to have their snowboards waxed (or tuned), despite the fact that it's quite simple to do on our own.

Sure, the individual in the shop is an expert with a wealth of expertise. The irony is that waxing does not necessitate "professional experience." You only need a little practice to master DIY snowboard waxing. And who knows, you might even take better care of YOUR snowboard than a stranger.

How Do You Wax A Snowboard At Home

This article will show you how to wax your Snowboard using the best waxing kits available (my honest recommendation, of course).

Let's address your doubts first if you're new to snowboarding. "Why do you need to wax your  snowboard?" I'm frequently asked. Isn't the ground already slick? What's more, isn't snow already slippery?" All valid points, but...

In general, all snowboards must be waxed (or tuned) on a regular basis. Snowboarding works by reducing friction between the board and the ground, but it does not eliminate it. With a protective layer of wax on the board, the residual friction might easily destroy it.

Regular waxing not only protects the base of your board but also improves your snowboarding experience. Because of the reduced friction, a properly waxed snowboard will slide more smoother and much faster.

So, how should you wax your snowboard? Lets Get Started 

Steps to wax your snowboard at home?

You'll need a snowboard wax kit from a reputable provider, or you can assemble your own waxing kit. Here are the necessary tools: An iron, wax, scraper, cloth, structuring brush, and a base cleaner

Step 1: Take Off the Bindings

If possible, untie the bindings before using the hot iron. However, you should remove them completely to be safe, especially the first few times. The binding screws are the true problem, as they can conduct heat and cause structural damage to the board.

Step 2: Clean The Board

The next step is to carefully clean your board, whether it was recently used or stored in the attic until the snowboarding season. This is done to remove dirt and old wax (or muck) before applying a fresh coat, much to cleaning a bike chain before lubricating it. You can accomplish and get it done in one of two ways:

Using a scraper, apply a thin coat of hot wax to the base so that it adheres to the old muck. Then, using a scraper, quickly remove it.

Using a base cleaner: Apply a degreaser-containing base cleaning solution to the base.

Finally, use the cloth to clean (or wipe) the board. Ideally, you can use either method, but depending on the quantity and type of gunk and how hard it's adhered, you might want to use both.

Step 3: Wax Preparation

Preparing the wax just entails melting it before using it. After all, it's called the hot wax procedure.

I recommend avoiding marketing gimmicks and simply purchasing a "waxing iron" because your household iron is perfectly capable. The only catch is that it will no longer be suitable for clothing. In summary, only buy a new iron if you don't already have an old one. Of course, if you get a waxing kit, you won't have this difficulty.

Heat the iron to its lowest setting and keep the wax close by (and above the board). Hold it motionless until the wax begins to drip slowly, then move your hands around the board. Cover the corners in a straight line, then zigzag across the board to cover the middle.

Pro Tip: Get the farthest edges because they are the most prone to friction.

Step 4: Iron the base

Allow the ironing to commence. Check that the iron is not too hot (unless you have one of those fancy automatic irons). Use it in a circular motion on your board, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Even if the iron is "nearly" no longer hot, do not leave it on the surface. Keep it moving or set it aside at all times.

Allow the wax to cool.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Finally, use your scraper in a straight line and consistent action from the nose to the tail of your snowboard to achieve a smooth coat. The goal is to remove excess (unabsorbed) water so that it does not collect dirt and evens out your coating.

Again, pay close attention to the edges as you scrape.

Step 6: Set Your Base

After scraping, use a brush to polish the base of the snowboard. Start at the tip of the board and work your way down to the tail. Brush in a back and forth motion, and make sure you cover the edges and the tip and tail of the board. This will remove any remaining wax and give your board a smooth finish.

Tips for preventing wax from burning while using an iron

Waxing your snowboard at home can be an easy and cost-effective way to maintain your board's performance. However, one of the most common mistakes people make when waxing their snowboard is burning the wax while using an iron. This can damage your board's base and reduce its lifespan. In this article, we'll give you some tips for preventing wax from burning while using an iron.

1. Use the right temperature

One of the most important things to keep in mind when using an iron to wax your snowboard is to use the right temperature setting. Different types of wax have different melting points, so you'll need to adjust the temperature accordingly. Follow the instructions on your wax package to determine the right temperature for your specific wax.

2. Keep the iron moving

Another important tip is to keep the iron moving at all times. If you leave the iron in one spot for too long, it can burn the wax and damage your board's base. Instead, keep the iron moving in a circular motion to distribute the wax evenly and prevent burning.

3. Use a waxing pad

Using a waxing pad can also help prevent burning the wax. Place a waxing pad between the iron and the snowboard's base to distribute the heat evenly and prevent hot spots. This will also make it easier to move the iron around and prevent burning.

4. Use a temperature-controlled iron

Investing in a temperature-controlled iron can also help prevent burning the wax. These irons have adjustable temperature settings, which makes it easier to find the right temperature for your specific wax. They also have a thermostat that regulates the temperature, which reduces the risk of burning.

5. Be patient

Waxing your snowboard takes time and patience. Rushing the process can lead to burning the wax and damaging your board's base. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to prevent burning.

Common mistakes to avoid when waxing a snowboard at home

Waxing your snowboard is an essential part of its maintenance, and doing it at home can save you money and time. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when waxing their snowboard that can lead to damage to the board and poor performance on the slopes. In this article, we'll go over some of the most common mistakes to avoid when waxing your snowboard at home.

1. Not cleaning the base properly

Before you wax your snowboard, it's crucial to clean the base properly. Any dirt or debris on the base can prevent the wax from adhering correctly and can even damage the base. Make sure to use a base cleaner or hot wax remover to clean the base before applying wax.

2. Using the wrong type of wax

Using the wrong type of wax can also lead to poor performance on the slopes. Different waxes are formulated for different temperatures and conditions, so it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs. Check the label on the wax to see what temperature and snow conditions it's best for.

3. Applying too much wax

Applying too much wax is a common mistake that can lead to poor performance on the slopes. Excess wax can slow you down and make your board harder to control. Use a moderate amount of wax, and make sure to spread it evenly across the base.

4. Not letting the wax cool properly

After you apply the wax, make sure to let it cool properly before scraping it off. If you scrape the wax off too soon, it can damage the base and reduce the effectiveness of the wax. Let the wax cool for at least 30 minutes before scraping it off.

5. Using an iron that's too hot

Using an iron that's too hot can burn the wax and damage the base. Make sure to use the correct temperature setting for the wax you're using, and keep the iron moving at all times to distribute the heat evenly.

6. Overheating the wax

Overheating the wax is another common mistake that can lead to damage to the base. If the wax starts smoking or bubbling, it's too hot and needs to be removed immediately. Use a scraper to remove the wax and start again with a lower temperature setting.

7. Not buffing the base properly

After you've scraped off the excess wax, it's important to buff the base properly to ensure a smooth and fast ride on the slopes. Use a nylon or horsehair brush to buff the base, and make sure to brush in the direction of the base structure for optimal performance.

it's important to avoid these common mistakes to ensure that your snowboard is in top condition for your next trip to the slopes. 

Best Snowboard Wax Kits

Now for the part you've been waiting for: the greatest kits in 2023. My top picks are as follows:

1. Demon Hyper Snowboard Tuning Kit

Demon Hyper Snowboard Tuning Kit is not cheap, costing a hefty $160. But if you have the cash, it's the best and most self-contained snowboard wax kit I've ever used.

It includes a high-quality base cleaner, edge tuner, wax iron, and multi-tool with three diamond files. You can choose between a 1lb wax and a 2lb wax ($200).

This kit is ideal for any situation, whether you're waxing your board at home or tuning it on the road.

RaceWax Elite Snowboard Waxing Kit is another outstanding kit in this price range. I recommend getting whichever one is less expensive because they are both as good.