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 sped up. Ironing is a skill that takes a bit to master but is a necessary step in ski maintenance! This is a glide waxing procedure so be sure not to glide wax the grip zones of your classic wax skis!

How-To Video

Steps may differ in the video from what we recommend!

Step-by-Step

1a) If you are starting with a storage waxed ski, scrape and brush gently with a steel or brass brush to prep the ski for its next hot wax.

1b) If you are starting from a ski that was just skied on, begin by cleaning your glide zone. You can find that step by step here: https://skiwax.ca/collections/glide-zone-cleaning

2) 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.

3a) 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. Angle the warm iron in one hand in a mostly-vertical manner that the wax will drip down the iron to one of the corners on the bottom. Hold the block of wax in the other hand and touch it lightly to the iron to melt it. Run the iron at that angle down the length of the ski 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.

3b) If the product you are using is more expensive and a soft enough wax to allow for it. another method to get the wax on the ski is by lightly touching 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. This method is similar to using a very large crayon.

4) 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. If the iron is suctioning to the ski, then your iron is too hot for the wax. 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.

5) Use a groove scraper to remove wax from the sidewalls and the ski's groove(s) and either the small end of plexi scraper or the angled part of groove scraper to lightly scrape off any wax on the edges of the ski. If you used too much wax, you will see that it dribbled down the sidewall of your ski.

6) Let the ski cool for at least 5 minutes (longer if the wax is harder).

7) 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 scraper. Scrape from tip to tail trying to follow the plane of the ski as best as possible.

8) After scraping, pass a steel or brass brush 5-6 times using light pressure. Start at the tip and move to the tail. Brush only in one direction with this brush to avoid damaging your base. The ski only goes in one direction!

9) If you like, you can polish the base using a horsehair and/or nylon brushes. These can be either hand or rotary tools. If this is you only coat of wax, wipe the dust off the brushed base with a dry piece of shop towel or polishing cloth.

Consider finishing your ski by adding top coat waxes (liquids or blocks) as well as structure with a rilling tool to best match conditions.

Products for Ironing Melt Glide Waxes (aka Hot Waxing)

49 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.