Ironed Paraffins (aka Hot Wax or Melt Wax) Application

Ironing Melt Glide Waxes (aka Hot Waxing)

The bread and butter of glide waxing. Using an iron to apply paraffin blocks of melt wax is the classic, timeless way to get your skis going speedy. Using an iron is a skill and takes a bit to master, but if you work at it you won't have to on the trails! This is a glide waxing procedure so be sure not to glide wax the grip zones of your classic wax skis!

How-To Video

Step-by-Step

1) Begin by making sure your skis are clean. Scraped then brush gently with a steel or brass brush.

2) Clean your entire base with a liquid 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. Your ski is now clean and prepped for the hot wax.

4) Preheat your iron to the temperature recommended by the wax manufacturer for the particular wax you will be using. Temperatures for melt waxes are usually between 110C and 160C.

5) Melt a thin bead of the melt wax of the day down the ski on one side of the groove and back up the other side. Hold the iron with the plate vertically and touch one of the iron's bottom corners to the ski base. Hold the block of wax in the other hand and touch it to the iron to melt it. Move quickly to apply the right amount of wax. Make sure the iron's electrical cord isn't going to get caught or knock anything over. We do not recommend holding the iron above the ski and letting drips fall onto the ski. It is very difficult to wax consistently and you are more likely to use more product than you need when you miss the ski entirely and drip hot wax onto your feet. Another method to get the wax on the ski is one we use when we're applying precious, expensive melt waxes, Quickly tap the paraffin block to the bottom of the iron and in a quick motion drag the still-hot block along the base until all the liquified wax has stuck to the base. Repeat by quickly touching the block to the iron again and repeat until the entire glide zone is covered with a thin layer of wax.

6) Once the wax is on the ski set aside the block of wax and use the iron to melt the wax into the base. Hold the iron with a light pressure and run it down the ski from tip to tail careful not to let the iron rest in one place for too long. The paraffin should liquify for a couple of seconds but harden after a few seconds. If the wax is liquified for more than a few seconds you are not moving the iron fast enough. If you move the iron too fast the wax will become solid after a second or less. Try to completely cover one side of the ski's groove with the paraffin on the first pass by angling the pressure of the iron with your hand. Cover the other side of the groove on the second pass. On the third pass, apply pressure evenly across the ski.

7) Use a groove scraper to remove wax from the sidewalls and the ski's groove(s).

8) Let the ski cool. 5 minutes.

9) Using a sharp scraper, scrape off the excess paraffin. Scrape like you mean it, but don't press too hard. Angle the scraper forward and place your thumbs behind and at the bottom of the scaper. Scrape from tip to tail.

10) After scraping, pass a steel or brass brush 5-6 times using light pressure. Start at the tip and move to the tail.

11) If you like, you can polish the base using a horsehair and/or nylon hand brush or nylon roto brush.

12) Consider finishing your ski by adding structure with a rill tool if there is a lot of moisture in the snow, or if it is very cold or dry, finish the ski with pink paper or a structure tool for cold snow.

Products for Ironing Melt Glide Waxes (aka Hot Waxing)

63 products

Ski Waxing Safety Measures

When applying ski wax products, it's crucial to prioritize safety to minimize exposure to potentially harmful dust, fumes, or residues. By implementing proper safety measures, you can enjoy a safe and successful waxing process.

Follow these Safe Waxing Guidelines:

  1. Choose a Well-Ventilated Space: Opt for outdoor waxing whenever possible to ensure proper ventilation. If indoors, make sure there's adequate air exchange, such as using range hoods or fans. Notify waxing facility staff or race organizers if ventilation is lacking.
  2. Use A Respirator: The ski waxing process produces smoke, dust and fumes. Respirators that cover your eyes are best and check the cartridges for a fluorocarbon rating. Be mindful that smoke from waxing irons & waxing machines, dust from scraping and brushing, evaporating solvents in liquid waxes, dust from wool-apply waxes, and fumes from heating grip waxes and klisters are all present in the wax room. 
  3. Minimize Skin Exposure; Wear Gloves: Chemical compounds present in various wax types can be absorbed through the skin. Wearing gloves not only keep your hands clean, but it is essential to reduce exposure to potentially harmful compounds.
  4. Limit Wax Room Access: Ensure that only authorized individuals involved in the waxing process are present in the wax room.
  5. Proper Wax Waste Disposal: Dispose of wax shavings and dust responsibly by collecting them in a plastic garbage bag.

Prioritize Safety for Your Well-Being and the Environment

With a commitment to responsible practices, any wax can be utilized safely while minimizing harm to both your well-being and the environment. By adhering to the recommended safety protocols every time you enter a wax room and equipping yourself with the appropriate safety gear, you can confidently achieve optimal results and fully enjoy the performance of your fast skis.

Remember, your safety is paramount, and responsible waxing ensures a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Enjoy your skiing adventures to the fullest!