Choice of wax and lubrication

Do you want to know the types of wax and be able to lubricate your skis all by yourself, every time you need it? Then we have prepared this article full of useful information and tips for beginners.

We can start applying waxes to the cleaned slide. There are many types and variations of individual waxes. We are satisfied with the basic range, which contains approximately 5 different colours of ski waxes.

green - designed for the coldest weather (from about -7°C and below)
blue (-3 to -8°C)
purple (-1 to +1°C)
red (0 to +3°C)
yellow - designed for warm, mostly spring weather (+1 to +5°C).

However, the temperature ranges are only indicative, as each manufacturer uses slightly different temperature ranges range and, more importantly, they produce several shades of certain wax colours that cover a different range of temperatures.

It is also good to know that waxes can be lubricated in several layers on top of each other. This method of lubrication increases the durability of the wax layer in the slide. Cold wax (e.g. green) is harder than warm wax (e.g. red) and lasts longer in the slide.

So if the outside temperature is, for example, -4°C, we will probably choose blue wax. But if we want to, the wax will last a little longer in the slide, we'll apply the green wax first and then the desired blue wax. In this application we try to keep the principle of applying warmer waxes on top of colder waxes (e.g. purple on blue, blue on green).

Wax application procedure

To apply downhill waxes correctly, we need basically 5 things.

well cleaned slide
wax
iron - Special electric ski wax irons are sold, but it is also possible to use an old home iron, which can be set to a hot temperature, it must not be steam iron. This is because the iron has to heat the wax to melt it thoroughly, but not burn it on the ski slide. Irons other than electric irons are not recommended, because they require a greater degree of experience and their operation is not entirely trouble-free.
plastic squeegee
Nylon brush or polishing cloth

The ski should be placed in a horizontal position with the ski slope up.

Now we can apply the selected wax to the slide. We have basically 2 options.

apply cold wax - special waxes and paraffins are made for this purpose, but this method can be used with hot waxes, but it reduces the effect of the application
apply the wax with an iron - the wax can be dripped on the slide or just painted on just melt it and rub the soft part of the whole wax cube on the slide.

Whichever method of application is chosen, it is important to apply the wax evenly along the entire length of the slide. Particular care is then taken on the slide at a width of about 2 cm from the edges.

Iron over the wax so that it starts to dull about 3 cm behind the iron. Pull the iron again from the tip to the base. It is important to have the right temperature setting so that the wax does not burn. The exact temperature for processing wax can be found on the packaging or in the package insert. The iron should also never be touch the dry slide, so care should be taken to apply the wax evenly. Repeat the ironing several times, the pores of the slide will open and the wax will flow properly. Then let the skis cool down, preferably at room temperature. at room temperature, the pores will tighten again and squeeze out the excess wax.

Use a plastic scraper to remove this wax from the surface of the slide. On this part of the wax application we put very carefully. The wax that remains on the surface of the skis will eventually brake the skis because it will start to quickly absorbing dirt from the snow.

After thorough removal of the wax is followed by removal of small wax particles with a nylon or combined (nylon, copper - nylon first) brush. If two coats are applied, i.e. the base wax (colder) and the slip wax wax (one degree warmer, corresponding to the weather conditions for which the skis are being prepared), repeat the whole procedure again with the second wax. When the lubrication is complete, polish the skids with a fine brush and polish cloth.

So now you're almost experts at waxing skis. But if you still need our expert help, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.