Cleaning off Grip Wax

Cleaning and Preparing Grip Zones

Often neglected, this step will ensure the peak performance of classic wax skis! There are 3 main reasons why you will want to clean your grip zones: either the temperature/snow conditions are changing drastically, you are preparing them for a race, or your skis are being traveled with/put in storage. Make sure they are ready for their new grip wax by following these steps!

How-To Video

Steps may differ in the video from what we recommend!

Step-by-Step

1) Use a grip wax scraper to remove as much of the wax as you can. If the wax is not coming off nicely, you can try heating it with a heat gun before scraping. If you aren't afraid of using a little extra product, you can roll fiberlene along the grip zone, heat or soak it, and then scrape it. This helps to keep the wax all contained in the paper.

2) Apply a decent amount of wax remover on the grip zone and let it sit for a minute or two.

3) After the short wait while the grip zone is still wet, use a designated piece of fibertex to scrub the remaining kick wax still stuck to the base until the wax remover is a slurry. Be sure to thoroughly clean the sidewalls and groove of the ski with the fibertex. Do not use this piece of fibertex in your glide zones later.

4) Use a piece of Fiberlene or shop towel to wipe off the slurry from the grip zone and sidewalls.

5) If there is remaining grip wax, use a remover-dampened piece of fiberlene or shop towel to wipe down the grip zone and sidewalls until there's no more stickiness.

6) Let dry for several minutes! This will often leave your base looking white and dry.

7) Remark your grip pocket zones with a marker. Wax remover will slowly degrade the marks on your grip zone, best to keep on top of it each time you do this process!

8) Use a 100 grit sandpaper-capped cork or block and resand your grip zones. Use light-moderate pressure in a diamond/cross-hatched pattern going both ways down your grip zone. Only do this as far as your grip zone is marked to. This helps grip wax and base binders adhere to a grip zone!

9) Wipe any dust off the grip zone with a dry piece of fiberlene or shop towel.

Your skis are now ready for the next kick wax application wherever and whenever that may be! Your future self will thank you for taking care of business!

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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.