Fleeced (aka Cold Apply) Application

Wool-Apply Glide Waxing (aka fleecing or cold-apply)

Wool-Apply aka 'Fleecing' or 'cold-apply' is a quick and easy way to get amazingly fast skis. The system uses friction-heat generated by a roto wool applicator to apply a perfect, thin layer of wax to the ski base. The kilometrage you get out of waxes applied by this method tends to be good, but the standout feature is the raw speed of the skis it produces - particularly in warmer temperatures. Fleecing leaves the bare minimum amount of product on the base. This is fantastic because the ski bases' natural structure or stone grind is maximally exposed to the snowpack. Fleeced waxes can be applied either on a completely bare, clean base or a paraffin base melt wax. As temperatures get colder, it's recommended to fleece over a hard base melt wax. Fleecing produces very little dust or fumes and uses wax very efficiently. The number of steps involved in preparing a fast pair of skis is reduced when compared to other application methods. The speed of skis, speed of application, health and safety, and cost of the wool-apply system make it one of the best ways to prepare skis.

How-To Video

Step-by-Step

1) Begin by scraping a brushing out your ski base as thoroughly as possible. Use steel brushes if you have one. Bronze brushes are second-best. Wool-apply waxes do not go on the 45cm to 70 cm kick zone on classic wax skis.

2) Clean your glide zone with a base cleaner or wax remover. Wipe as much dirt and dust off with Fiberlene or a shop towel.

3) Using a piece of Fibertex, energetically rub down the entire glide zone to remove any microscopic hairs or burrs in the base. Pink paper is also great for this. Then, repeat step 2 with a liquid base cleaner or wax remover and wipe away the dirt & dust. Let the solvents dry before continuing.

4) If temperatures outside are below -7C, it is recommended to iron, scrape and brush a layer of very hard paraffin melt wax. Green wax is best but blue wax is also good.

5) Mentally divide your wool applicator or roto fleece in half. Load up half the applicator with wax by gently touching the block to the rotating applicator. Leave the other half of the applicator clean. The clean side is for buffing later on.

6) Taking the clean ski and using medium force, run the loaded side of the applicator up and down the ski a few times to apply the wax.

7) Once the ski is loaded, switch to the clean side of the applicator and using slightly more pressure, buff out the ski several more times.

8) Your ski should now be shiny and ready to go fast!

Products for Wool-Apply Glide Waxing (aka fleecing or cold-apply)

57 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.