Treating Waxless Skis

Treating Skin Skis

Skin skis are marketed as "waxless" skis but that doesn't mean their performance can't be massively enhanced by wax. We recommend treating the glide zones of skin skis the same way you'd treat your skate ski bases: Give them the full base prep and waxing maintenance you'd give your skate skis and you'll find the glide of your skin skis will be much faster. The actual 'skin inserts' can also be made to glide much faster by special skin ski treatments, or at the very least, treatments can reduce the chances your skins will 'ice up' or build snowballs in Orange or Red snow conditions. Each wax brand has a slightly different way of maintaining skin inserts, so it's important to know what each brand prescribers for their treatments.

How-To Video

Step-by-Step

There are three broad categories of treating skin inserts: Liquids, Wool-Apply & Glide Tape. Here's an overview of each:

1) Liquids: Liquids are the most popular way to maintain skin inserts. Because the skin inserts are glued into the ski with a heat-sensitive glue, it's important to use designated products for skin skis since the solvents in them won't degrade the glue. That being said, it's better never directly apply liquid waxes onto your skin insert. Instead, apply the liquid to a cloth or fiberlene, then use the cloth to apply the liquid products to the skin insert.

Cleaners: Liquid skin cleaners are the best way to remove grim or old wax from your skin skis. Again, it's always best to apply the cleaner to a cloth first instead of directly dumping the cleaner onto the skin insert. Before applying any wax to the skin insert, it's best to use a cleaner on them to ensure the skin wax sticks to the skins.

Liquid Skin Ski Wax: Liquid skin ski treatments are super easy to apply: Get some product on a cloth, and use the cloth to apply the wax to the insert with a circular motion moving in a tip-to-tail direction. Each wax manufacturer has a different dry time so check the bottle to see how long you should let your skis sit before hitting the trails.

Wool-Apply: If you're using a wool-apply wax on your glide zones, you can simply run the wool over your skin inserts while you're at it. Make sure your drill is rotating in the same direction as the skin's haris.

Glide Tape: If you're using a glide tape, you can simply run the iron over the tape & skin to apply a thin layer of wax. You can use a metal brush after to gently loosen the wax on the skin.

Products for Treating Skin Skis

11 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!