Applying Sticky Kick Waxes

Applying Sticky Grip Waxes

Some warm weather grip waxes come in kick wax tins are very soft, stringy, or tacky. This doesn't lend themselves well to the easy crayon and cork application. Although there's not much difference in the process of applying sticky hardwaxes, there are a few tricks to applying them correctly. You'll run into snow conditions requiring sticky hard waxes if the snow is wetter, or icier but not wet or icy enough for klister. Often, these sticky hardwaxes have some klister mixed in the recipe to help bridge the gap between hardwax and klister snow conditions.

How-To Video

Steps may differ in the video from what we recommend!

Step-by-Step

1) Check your skis for grip zone markers on your classic wax skis. Kick wax is only applied to the zone under the binding of the ski leaving the tips and tails of the ski free for glide waxing. A good grip zone is between 40cm and 60 cm long but will vary depending on the stiffness of your skis (the camber). Your local ski shop can help you find your grip zones, or you can use the zones pre-marked on the sidewalls of your skis. Use a permanent marker to redefine your grip zones as often as you can and experiment with extending your grip zone further forwards or backward to find the right feel while skiing.

2) Prepare your grip zone by cleaning it with wax remover and roughing it with sandpaper. If you're unsure how to do this, check out the instructions here: https://skiwax.ca/collections/cleaning-grip-zones. To prevent grip and glide wax from mixing, use masking tape to separate your grip zone from your glide zone.

3) If the snow is coarse or you plan on skiing more than 10km, consider applying a base binder by following the steps here: https://skiwax.ca/collections/base-binder-application

4a) At room temperature, apply the sticky hardwax by dabbing the wax on the ski with twisting motions (not by dragging it along the ski base. Dragging this type of wax will cause them to glob). Continue down the ski, twisting as you go, until the entire grip zone is evenly covered with stringy wax. The more wax you put on the ski, the harder it is to even out with a cork. It is better to do lighter and more layers with this type of wax, than it is to do thick layers. Avoid globbing it in the groove as that just creates more work for later.

4b) In cold temperatures, you may be able to get away with lightly crayoning the wax onto the base. Keep the wax cold and hard as possible by sticking the tin in the snow. If the wax is too warm, it will glob up and you should resort to the process in 4a. Many race teams will multiples of each grip wax so that they can cycle the wax out with a cold one once the wax begins to get warm and globby.

5) Use a synthetic cork dedicated to either warm kick wax. It's a good idea to have a couple of corks: one for warm wax and another for cold wax to avoid cross-contamination between sticky and not-so-sticky waxes. Cork in the layer of wax with even strokes. The goal is to make each layer of wax good and smooth. Some waxes will become transparent when they are adequately corked. Opting to use the skinnier side of the cork, or even one edge, may tickle your fancy. This generate less heat and will make the cork less likely to cause ripples or bumps in your wax.

6) Apply and cork a few layers of the sticky hardwax until you reach the desired thickness. As warmer waxes are thicker, you only want to wax out to mid-way point between your hardwax and klister grip zone lines. Progressively wax a shorter and shorter pocket with each layer to simulate the "curve" of the ski camber.

7) Optional: If you find your wax to be dragging, you may want to put on a cover wax. A cover wax is a grip wax that is harder/ colder than your grip wax of choice for the day. Apply this layer on VERY thin and cork it lightly! It is only meant to speed up your warmer wax and not replace it.

You're now ready to head out and ski!

Products for Applying Sticky Grip Waxes

8 products

Ski Waxing Safety Measures

Safe Ski Waxing: Protect Yourself While Prepping Your Skis

Ski waxing is key to great performance on the snow, but it involves chemicals, heat, dust, and fumes that require careful handling. Prioritizing safety protects your health and ensures the waxing process is both effective and responsible.

Follow these essential safety practices every time you wax:

1. Maximize Ventilation: Fresh Air is Crucial ๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ

  • Why? Hot waxing, solvents, and brushing release fumes and fine dust particles that shouldn't be inhaled.
  • Best Practice: Wax outdoors whenever possible.
  • Indoors: Ensure excellent air exchange.
    • Work near open windows or doors.
    • Use powerful exhaust fans (like range hoods or dedicated extraction systems) vented directly outside.
    • Simple fans just circulating air within the room are not sufficient.
  • Speak Up: If you're in a shared facility (like a team wax room or event) and ventilation seems poor, notify staff or organizers immediately. If you can strongly smell fumes or wax, ventilation isn't adequate.

2. Protect Your Lungs: Use a Respirator ๐Ÿ˜ท

  • Why? Waxing generates harmful airborne particles and fumes from multiple sources:
    • Smoke/fumes from hot waxing irons or machines.
    • Dust from scraping and brushing wax.
    • Vapors from evaporating solvents in liquid waxes and cleaners.
    • Dust from fleece/wool application methods.
    • Fumes from heating grip waxes and klisters.
  • Action: Wear a respirator suitable for both particulates (dust) and organic vapors (fumes/solvents).
    • Look for respirators with P100 particulate filters combined with organic vapor cartridges.
    • Ensure a proper fit. Facial hair can prevent a good seal.
    • Replace filters and cartridges according to the manufacturer's recommendations or when you notice smell/taste breakthrough or increased breathing resistance.

3. Protect Your Eyes: Wear Safety Glasses ๐Ÿ‘“

  • Why? Dust, flying wax particles, and potential splashes from cleaners can irritate or injure your eyes.
  • Action: Always wear safety glasses or goggles. A full-face respirator also provides eye protection.

4. Protect Your Skin: Wear Gloves ๐Ÿงค

  • Why? Waxes and solvents contain chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or cause irritation.
  • Action: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile gloves are a common and effective choice). This keeps your hands clean and prevents direct skin contact with potentially harmful substances.

5. Maintain a Safe Wax Room Environment ๐Ÿšซ

  • Control Access: Only those actively involved in waxing should be in the immediate waxing area to minimize exposure for others.
  • No Food or Drink: Never eat, drink, smoke, or store food in the waxing area. This prevents accidental ingestion of harmful residues.
  • Cleanliness: Keep your workspace tidy. Clean up spills immediately and manage wax scrapings (see next point).

6. Handle Wax Waste Responsibly โ™ป๏ธ

  • Why? Wax shavings and dust contain the same chemicals you're protecting yourself from during application. Proper disposal protects the environment and prevents contamination.
  • Action:
    • Collect all wax shavings, dust, and used cleaning materials (paper towels, rags).
    • Place them promptly into a sealed plastic bag or designated waste container.
    • Dispose of according to local regulations. (Note: Regulations for fluorinated wax disposal might be stricter in some areas โ€“ check local rules).

7. Control Your Iron Temperature ๐Ÿ”ฅ

  • Why? Overheating wax creates significantly more fumes and can damage your ski base.
  • Action: Always use the wax manufacturer's recommended temperature for your specific wax. Don't guess!

8. Handle Cleaners & Solvents with Extra Care ๐Ÿงช

  • Why? Base cleaners and liquid waxes often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are easily inhaled and can be flammable.
  • Action:
    • Use solvents and cleaners sparingly.
    • Ensure maximum ventilation when applying them.
    • Keep containers sealed when not in use.
    • Crucially: Keep solvents far away from heat sources like your waxing iron, space heaters, or open flames.

Your Health Comes First!

By consistently following these safety protocols, you protect yourself from potential respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health effects. Safe waxing allows you to focus on getting the best performance from your skis and fully enjoy your time on the snow.