We strive to make our website accessible and enjoyable for all users and are committed to achieving Level AA conformance for this website in conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and achieving compliance with other accessibility standards. However, if there is any information you cannot easily access, please call a Salomon customer service agent at 1-833-230-0292 or contact us through the contact form for alternate means of communication.
Find a store
Email sign up
- Order Tracking
- Returns
- Contact
- FAQ
-
1 833 230 0292
Ground delivery is free for S/Plus members.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate PO, FPO, or APO boxes at this time.
45-Day Returns
Sometimes it's just not meant to be. If you're not satisfied with your purchase from salomon.com, please returnitwithin 45 days of the original purchase to receive a full refund. We ask that you only return items that have not been used (worn or washed) and are still in their original packaging in good condition. Ready to get started? Click here
Exchanges
While we do not offer exchanges, you can follow the same return process as above and make a new purchase of the correct item you're looking for. Click here to get started
Warranty and Questions
Need to make a warranty claim or get any other information? Please contact our customer service team at1-833-230-0292 from 7 a.m. to 5p.m. MST, Monday to Friday.
Account
-
Men Men
-
Shoes
Shoes
- Hiking
- Trail Running
- Road Running
- Sportstyle
- Winter Shoes
- Sandals & Watershoes
- Accessories
- Forces
- See all
-
Tops
Tops
- Jackets
- Midlayers
- Tops & T-Shirts
- See all
-
Bottoms
Bottoms
- Pants
- Tights
- Snow Pants
- Shorts
- See all
-
Bags & Packs
Bags & Packs
- Running Packs & Belts
- Backpacks
- Flasks & Reservoirs
- Sports & Equipment Bags
- Accessories
- See all
-
Accessories
Accessories
- Headwear
- Socks
- Gloves
- Walking Poles
- Sunglasses
- See all
(Video) How to Wax a Snowboard | The-House.com -
Skiing
Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- Helmets
- Goggles
- Accessories & Parts
- Clothing
- See all
-
Snowboarding
Snowboarding
- Boards
- Boots
- Bindings
- Helmets
- Goggles
- Accessories & Parts
- Clothing
- See all
-
Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- Accessories & Parts
- Clothing
- See all
- Join S/PLUS
- New Arrivals
- Discover Forces
- Bestsellers
- S/LAB Ultra 3 Courtney Edition
- Sale
-
-
Women Women
-
Shoes
Shoes
- Hiking
- Trail Running
- Road Running
- Sportstyle
- Winter Shoes
- Sandals & Watershoes
- Accessories
- Forces
- See all
-
Tops
Tops
- Jackets
- Midlayers
- Tops & T-Shirts
- Sports Bras
- See all
-
Bottoms
Bottoms
- Pants
- Tights
- Snow Pants
- Shorts
- See all
-
Bags & Packs
Bags & Packs
- Running Packs & Belts
- Backpacks
- Flasks & Reservoirs
- Travel & Sports Bags
- Accessories
- See all
-
Accessories
Accessories
- Headwear
- Socks
- Gloves
- Walking Poles
- Sunglasses
- See all
-
Skiing
Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- Helmets
- Goggles
- Clothing
- Accessories & Parts
- See all
-
Snowboarding
Snowboarding
- Boards
- Boots
- Bindings
- Helmets
- Goggles
- Accessories & Parts
- See all
-
Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- Accessories & Parts
- Clothing
- See all
- Join S/PLUS
- New Arrivals
- Discover Forces
- Bestsellers
- S/LAB Ultra 3 Courtney Edition
- Sale
-
-
Kids Kids
-
Shoes
Shoes
(Video) HOW TO WAX YOUR SNOWBOARD!!! (The Easy Way)- Hiking
- See all
-
Skiing
Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- Helmets & Goggles
- See all
-
Snowboarding
Snowboarding
- Boards
- Boots
- Bindings
- See all
-
Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- See all
-
Socks
Socks
-
-
Sports
-
Trail Running
- Shoes
- Clothing
- Bags & Belts
- Flasks & Reservoirs
- Accessories
- S/LAB Premium Range
- Discover
-
Road running
- Shoes
- Clothing
- Bags & belts
- Flasks & Reservoirs
- Accessories
- S/LAB Premium Range
- Discover
-
Hiking
- Clothing
- Flasks & Reservoirs
- Accessories
- Shoes
- Bags & Packs
- Discover
-
Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- Helmets
- Goggles
- Clothing
- Sports & Equipment Bags
- Bags & Packs
- Accessories
- S/LAB Premium Range
- Discover
-
Snowboarding
- Snowboards
- Boots
- Bindings
- Helmets & Back Protection
- Goggles
- Clothing
- Accessories
- Discover
-
Cross Country Skiing
- Skis
- Boots
- Bindings
- Poles
- Accessories
- Clothing
- S/LAB Premium Range
- Bags & Belts
- Discover
-
-
Sportstyle
-
Shop all
- Sneakers
- ADVANCED
- Discover
-
Clothing
- Equipe
- Discover
-
Accessories
- Bags & Packs
- Socks
- Discover
-
Intersections
- Shoes
- Pas Normal Studios
- Discover
-
-
Sale Sale
-
Outlet
Outlet
- Shoes
- Clothing & Gear
- Last Chance
- See all
-
-
Explore
- Stories & Guides
Stories & Guides
- Trail running
- Road running
- Hiking
- Alpine skiing
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowboarding
- See all
- Free Events
Free Events
- Workshops
- How To Trail Run
- Plogga run
- See all
- Athletes
Athletes
- Trail runners
- Skiers
- Snowboarders
- Cross-country skiers
- See all
- TOMORROW IS YOURS
- Get to know Salomon
- Our Responsible Commitments
- Push Your Pace with Phantasm
- Discover the Index Family
- Salomon TV
- Share a photo
(Video) How to wax and sharpen your own skis at home | DIY Ski tune - Stories & Guides
- Account
- Find a store
- Email sign up
-
Your bag is empty
Free Shipping for S/PLUS Members. New members get 10% off next purchase + 50pts. Easy Returns Limited Warranty
Added to bag
No products are matching your search.
Top searches
Helpful shortcuts
- Sizing Charts
- Warranty
- Return Policy
- Ask a question on our chat
5 min read
53 likes
Keeping your snowboard waxed is all-important to its performance and helps it last longer. Think of your snowboard like a plant in a drought – unless it’s watered, it’ll wither right up. Wax keeps your base hydrated just like the water does for a plant.
You keep your snowboard base waxed for the same reason you wax a ski – it helps limit wear and increases glide and performance by reducing friction. A snowboard base is covered with tiny pores that are so small you can’t even see them. Fresh wax fills these pores, reducing friction and giving you the ability to glide on snow. When your base is dry and without wax, these empty pores increase friction, slowing you down and keeping you from maintaining speed as you transfer from edge to edge. This extra friction can also speed up wear on your base. Keeping your base waxed is really simple (and fun!), so we’re gonna to show you how you can do it yourself.
Snowboard Gear Snowboard Protection Snowboard Accessories
Do I need to wax a new snowboard?
Most snowboards, like ours, come with a factory wax and tune. This means they don’t need a hot wax before you take them out for their first spin. The quality of this wax varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. We suggest riding about 2-3 days before getting your board waxed for the first time. If you’re taking your brand-new board away on a trip, it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and put a fresh coat of hot wax on it, or make sure you have a way to wax it while you’re away.
How do I tell if I need wax?
Generally speaking, we recommend waxing your snowboard every 5 days of riding. However, if you’re riding in spring-like conditions or in heavy snow with high moisture, you may need to wax more often. Some conditions even call for adding a fresh coat daily.
You can usually tell if your board needs wax by the way it feels underfoot. If your base is very dry, you can tell just by looking. Here are a few more signs of a dry base:
- Glide resistance underfoot – If you feel resistance against the snow underfoot and have to compensate by shifting your weight back, you probably need a fresh coat of hot wax. You can especially feel this on cat-tracks, but without wax you’ll feel it everywhere once your base gets dry enough.
- Sluggish Edge to Edge – If you feel sluggish transitioning edge to edge, or if you feel resistance while on edge, you probably need a fresh coat of hot wax.
- Base Discoloration – If your base appears to be ‘losing color’ and feels dry, or almost flaky, it’s time to wax. Typically, you’ll see this most in the areas that have the most contact with the snow—along your edges, between your feet, and at the contact points just outside of your feet.
Snowboard Gear Snowboard Protection Snowboard Accessories
What tools do I need to wax my snowboard?
Here’s a list of things you’ll need to wax your snowboard:
- Waxing Iron – You can buy these at most snowboard shops. DO NOT use the same iron that you use for clothes.
- Wax – You can buy this at a snowboard shop. Make sure you have the right color for the conditions you’ll be riding in (more below).
- Scraper – Metal or plastic
- Buffing pad – A Scotch-brite scouring pad works great
- Base cleaner – Citrus-based
Another piece of equipment that can be extremely helpful (but isn’t completely necessary) is a pair of vice grips. These help you hold your board in place, which is very useful when you’re scraping.
What kind of wax should I buy?
Wax comes in a variety of types and colors, each made for different snow conditions. Generally, with warmer or spring-like conditions you’ll use a brighter wax color like red, yellow, or pink. Cooler conditions need darker wax colors like blue or green. These wax compounds are specially designed to work best and last longer in certain conditions, so make sure you’ve got the right wax for the conditions you’re riding.
Snowboard Gear Snowboard Protection Snowboard Accessories
How do I wax my snowboard?
It’s really simple! Pop some music on and follow these simple steps to keep your base waxed and happy.
- Remove excess wax and clean your base – Remove any old excess wax with a scraper. Scrape in the direction of tip to tail and keep pressure all the way through. If your base is really dry, you can skip this step. Still, you’ll want to clean your base with a simple citrus cleaner to free up those pores.
- Choose your wax and turn the iron on – Before you start make sure your board is room temperature. If your board is cold, the pores won’t be open enough to absorb the wax efficiently. Choose your wax based on the conditions you’ll be riding. Turn the iron on high enough to melt the wax without smoking.
- Drip – Touch the bar of wax to the iron, tilting the iron at a 45-degree angle upside down so that the melted wax drips onto the base. Drip around the edges, about an inch from the actual edge, then drip around the rest of the base. Each drop should have a few inches between it and the next.
- Iron and spread – Start moving the iron across the base and spread the wax evenly using a circular motion. Keep the iron moving so you don’t overheat or damage your base.
- Cool down – Let your board cool for 5-10 minutes. This lets the wax settle in the pores.
- Scrape – Once your wax is dry and set, it’s time to scrape. Scrape tip to tail pushing the scraper away from you. Make sure you scrape all the wax off. Remember, the pores that need wax aren’t really visible to the naked eye. If you see extra wax on your board, you need to keep scraping.
- Buff – Once you’ve finished scraping, treat your board to a buff using a scouring pad. This will help evenly spread any excess wax and give you a better glide. You can also buff the edges to make sure you’ve removed all the wax from the edges.
Many people find the thought of waxing their board scary or intimidating until they do it for first time. Waxing is easy, fun, and an important part of keeping your snowboard happy and healthy, plus it helps your own performance on the mountain. If you don’t feel comfortable waxing your board, no sweat. Most shops will be able to give you an exceptional tune job that includes a hot wax plus any other maintenance you might need before a big day up the mountain.
Check out to read more tips.
Snowboard Gear Snowboard Protection Snowboard Accessories
Related articles
-
Snowboarding
Buying guide
-
Snowboarding
Buying guide
(Video) How To Wax Your Snowboard
53
FAQs
How much wax should I put on my snowboard? ›
It usually takes about 12-15 grams to hot wax one pair of skis or one snowboard, therefore a 110 gram block should last approximately 7-9 services. Rub on wax provides many more applications on a per gram basis (approximately double), however it will wear off significantly faster.
What is the best way to wax a snowboard? ›Warm up the iron to a medium heat and then hold the wax against the iron until it starts to melt the wax at a slow drip. As the wax drips down onto the board, move it around the edges of the board before zigzagging up the middle – you're aiming for an even coating of wax across the board.
Can you just rub wax on a snowboard? ›There are a few different ways to apply wax to your snowboard. One popular method is to rub the wax onto the base of your snowboard with a waxing iron. Another method is to drip the wax onto your snowboard and then spread it evenly with a brush.
How long do you have to leave wax on a snowboard before scraping? ›Typical “cooling” times between ironing and scraping are overnight for very soft waxes, three hours for normal (pink, universal) waxes, one hour for cold range waxes, and around 15 minutes for extreme cold waxes.
Is 1/2 inch wax too long? ›The bottom line. Before waxing, grow your hair out to at least 1/4-inch long — 1/2-inch long at the most. If it's too short, you might want to reschedule your appointment. If it's too long, lightly trim the area or ask a technician to help you out.
Should you sharpen or wax snowboard first? ›Minor edge work is easy to do at home, but extensive repairs and sharpening are best done at a ski and snowboard shop. Always finish up your tuning by waxing your snowboard.
Is hand waxing better than machine? ›Safer: If you are new to detailing or working on a delicate car, a lot of people tend to feel safer working by hand. There is far less possible damage to be hand working by hand than by machine. There is not a possibility of your applicator burning through the paint like with a polisher, for example.
Do you need to remove bindings when waxing? ›3. Take Off the Bindings Before You Wax. Snowboards feature bindings, which are where you insert your feet. While bindings can help transfer energy when riding, they can make it difficult to wax a board, so you don't need them.
How long does rub-on wax last on a snowboard? ›Waxing a snowboard prevents drying, but using rub-on wax is not the most recommended solution. Rub-on wax is a temporary type of wax that lasts two or three uses before you must reapply.
How long does it take to wax snowboard? ›With all the necessary equipment it should take around 20-25 minutes to wax a board. Regular waxes keep your board running fast while providing a protective layer for your base. If you would rather skip the hassle, don't worry, we have a full tuning and repair shop in-store, here in Melbourne.
Should snowboard wax be hot or cold? ›
The universal snowboard wax can be applied hot or cold, depending on your preference and how much time you have.
What happens if you don't wax a snowboard? ›If you don't wax your snowboard you will not be able to ride as fast and your board will not be protected and at a higher risk for rust and abrasion or damage. If you have just gotten a new snowboard, there is already a factory wax on there.
Can you ride a new snowboard without wax? ›The short answer is no – you don't need to wax it before riding. If you just bought a brand new board and want to ride it right away, go for it. New boards do come with a wax, though it is generally going to be what is called a machine or factory wax.
How do you properly wax your balls? ›Wax your scrotum while pulling the skin taut.
Use 2 fingers to pull an area of the scrotum as smooth as possible, then apply the wax with a tongue depressor. Let the wax cool for about 30 seconds, then pull the wax off quickly, keeping your skin taut. Work in small, 1 in (2.5 cm) sections to wax your entire scrotum.
Using a green Scotchbrite pad or a horsehair brush, firmly apply pressure and buff the base of your snowboard from nose to tail. This will remove a fine layer of wax that will look like dust and will ensure an ultra smooth finish.
Is a 10 year old snowboard still good? ›Snowboards can be used or stored for up to 15 years before they begin to really deteriorate from age. As long as a board still has decent pop and flex, an old board purchased for $50-$100 and is a good option for riding in rocky spring or fall season conditions.
Can I use a clothes iron to wax my snowboard? ›Yes, you can use a traditional clothes iron to wax skis, but there are some things to be aware of. First, don't plan on using the iron on your clothes again - you'll almost certainly ruin them with wax.
Is it OK to wax every 2 weeks? ›How Often Should You Wax? You will gain the most benefits out of waxing when you schedule your appointments 2 to 5 weeks apart. For the legs, you will need to wax every 3 to 5 weeks. For the face, bikini line, and underarms, you will need to wax every 2 to 3 weeks.
Why does my wax only last 2 weeks? ›Catagen, or the transition phase. During this phase the hair stops growing, the follicle shrinks, and the hair is cut off from its blood supply. The catagen phase only lasts for about 2 weeks, and only 2 or 3% of pubic hair is in this phase at a time.
Can you wax twice in a row? ›Avoid multiple pulls in a row, even if they're necessary to get all the hair. We recommend pulling only once on your underarms/arms and a maximum of twice on your legs. If you wax one area and have hair left, move onto another to let that one rest, then come back and try again. For armpits, try a smaller wax strip.
Should edges be done before or after wax? ›
Waxing your skis is the best way to protect them and keep them performing at their peak. It's important to wax your skis after completing base repair and edge work, as well as throughout the ski season to ensure your skis glide smoothly.
Should I remove old wax snowboard? ›Make sure that any old wax and dirt is removed from the base so that the fresh wax can be absorbed properly. This can either be done by using a base cleaner and cloth, or by the hot scrape method.
How do I know if my snowboard needs wax? ›Yep, there is an easy way to tell when your snowboard needs a good wax. Look at the base of your snowboard. Does it look like there's a lot of white lines on the base of the snowboard? If so, it needs a good wax.
What is better than waxing? ›Sugaring tends to hurt less than waxing because it pulls less on the skin while still effectively removing the hair. This also means that you will have a lot less irritation and redness.
Is there something better than waxing? ›#1 Sugaring
The reason sugaring is first on the list, is that it is a natural and less painful alternative to waxing. All-natural and chemical-free products make sugaring perfect for those with sensitive skin. Sugaring uses an all-natural paste that is applied to the skin and removes the hair from the root.
Waxing to remove hair at home is cheaper and faster -- and less painful than tweezing.
How long do you let wax sit before pulling it off? ›Make sure you cool your wax down
One of the most common reasons why waxing at home doesn't go to plan is that people pull the wax off before it's ready, so you end up with a gooey mess. Let the wax sit for about 30 seconds.
- Avoid bathing or (too) hot showers.
- Avoid direct sunlight or sunbathing (or artificial tanning).
- Avoid saunas or steam baths.
- Don't swim.
- Don't wear tight or non-breathing clothes to avoid infection: waxed skin needs air.
- Avoid perfumed products on the waxed skin.
It's not a good practice to attempt reusing other types of wax formulas. Sticks and spatulas must be used one time and then thrown away. You cannot dip the stick into the wax pot more than once.
How often should I edge my snowboard? ›As a general rule, you should look to get it sharpened once a year, unless you are an avid snowboarder (in which case you may want it sharpened more often). Normally new snowboards come pre-sharpened so that shouldn't be a problem for new buyers – which is one less worry from your mind!
Can I iron rub on wax? ›
As the wax only sits on the base surface there is little or no nourishment to the base hence why iron on waxing is more common and protective.
Does waxing a snowboard make it faster? ›That extra wax that it absorbs means a properly waxed sintered base will ride much faster than an extruded base.
What to clean snowboard with before waxing? ›Use a splash of citrus-based cleaner like One Ball Jay Base Cleaner or Goo Gone, a rag, and some elbow grease to scrub the base clean. Wipe it dry and let it sit for about twenty minutes. This step is the most crucial come springtime, when there are a lot of contaminants in the snow that can stick to your base.
Do you tune or wax snowboard first? ›Minor edge work is easy to do at home, but extensive repairs and sharpening are best done at a ski and snowboard shop. Always finish up your tuning by waxing your snowboard. It's also recommended that you wax your snowboard throughout the winter season even if you're not doing base or edge repairs.
Should I wax my snowboard as a beginner? ›To keep your base fast and fresh, we recommend that you wax at the beginning and end of the season and after every 3-5 days of riding. Not only does waxing increase speed, but it also strengthens the base of the snowboard to protect against rocks, stumps, and other types of snow sharks you may encounter.
What is the best way to apply wax to wood? ›Using an Ultra Fine Steel Wool (Grade 0000), apply a thin coat of wax on the surface in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the wax to dry for about 20 minutes and then buff to a sheen with a cotton cloth or a Liberon wax polishing brush. If the wood is new or very dry you may need to apply another coat.
How long does rub on wax last on a snowboard? ›Waxing a snowboard prevents drying, but using rub-on wax is not the most recommended solution. Rub-on wax is a temporary type of wax that lasts two or three uses before you must reapply.
Is hard or soft wax better for beginners? ›Hard wax is gentler on your skin. It's better suited for sensitive areas, and is less painful to remove. Soft wax is better suited for large areas, like your legs or back. If you're new to waxing, you may want to start off with a waxing session from a licensed esthetician or dermatologist.
Is hand wax better than machine wax? ›With the correct training the technician can apply express wax much faster than by hand, yet the application tends to be more even and thorough. Moreover, since the orbital machine applies wax more evenly and in lighter coats, it uses as much as 75 percent less product than hand application.
Can I wax over raw wood? ›Can you wax raw wood? Yes, you can. Use a clear paste wax when you want a natural looking wood finish on a new piece of raw wood or a furniture makeover like I'm doing.
Do you oil then wax wood? ›
Wood wax can be applied over almost every finish, including paint, varnish, oil and stain. However, it's not advisable to use another finish over the top.
How many coats of finishing wax? ›If you're covering unfinished furniture, plan on applying a total of 3 layers, but remember to buff the wax between each application. Once you finish waxing and buffing the furniture, wait about 30 minutes before placing things on the furniture or using it.