Ironed Powder Application

Ironing Glide Powders

Powders are some of the most used waxes when it comes to distance racing. Most powders nowadays are just a pulverized paraffin wax with a few extra ingredients added in raw form. Durable and fast; powders are your best friend!

How-To Video

Steps may differ in the video from what we recommend!

Step-by-Step

1) Begin by making sure your skis are clean. Follow the steps for successful cleaning here: https://skiwax.ca/collections/glide-zone-cleaning

2) Preheat your iron to the temperature recommended by the wax manufacturer for the particular powder you will be using. Temperatures for powders waxes are usually higher than standard melt waxes, so you may need a more expensive iron that goes up to these temperatures.

3) Tap the powder bottle lightly to sprinkle wax up the ski base. Some bottles have larger perforations in the bottle top so you may need to do a pass on either side of the groove. Try to be as even as possible in your tapping. You can use your pinkie finger or a groove scraper to push the excess powder out of the groove onto the main base.

4) Using your iron, lift and stamp down the powder to quickly melt it on the base. Be careful not to let it rest in one place for too long as much of the base is unprotected from wax at this point.

5) Give the powder another pass with the iron this time making sure the wax melts evenly over the ski base.

6) 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.

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

8) 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.

9) 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!

10) 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 Glide Powders

41 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.