How to wax a surfboard – Tips for surfboard waxing

Waxing a surfboard is a great way to keep it looking new and shiny. The process is simple and can be done by anyone with some basic tools and know-how.

So How to wax a surfboard – What are tips for surfboard waxing? In this article, the author James Nedock will help you do it easily and quickly. Our guide will outline the steps needed for waxing a surfboard, from prep work to completion. Now let’s start exploring!

How to wax a surfboard?

Collect supplies

Surfboard wax is an individualized product, and it’s essential that you get the right one for your needs. There are many varieties depending on where you’re surfing and its local climate, as temperature will dictate which top coat wax to buy.

In the warmer waters of your area, use hard wax with a high melting temperature. In more temperate regions, seek out softer waxes with lower melting temperatures before risking exposure to slips and losses! Make sure you adhere strictly to the indicated surf wax package temperature guide so that slippage is avoided.

Things you need:

• One bar of tropical water wax or base coat wax
• One bar of wax that is right for the temperature for the top coat
• A wax comb or a scraper made of plastic
• Some liquid wax dissolver (optional)

Clean your board

Let your board soak up the sun for about 5 minutes. Then, use the thin side of your wax comb or a plastic scraper to make long, straight lines up and down the board until all of the surf wax is gone.

If you don’t have enough sunlight to melt the wax well, you could use a small amount of liquid wax remover as a helper.

Select surf wax type

We must select an appropriate wax type for our surfboard. There are many different choices, so let’s also think about basecoat and topcoat applications.

The basecoat is a tried-and-true wax that provides an indispensable foundation. Your basecoat should be harder than your topcoat because it will be the first layer that your topcoat will stick to. If you paint regularly, you can just clean up and put on a new coat when you need to.

To determine the optimum topcoat wax, it is all about your local surf spot’s water temperature. By convention, warmer places need harder surf wax, so look at the products in this box and choose the right one for your location.

Surf Wax Type	Water Temperature
Base Coat	Applied in all temperatures
Cold	58°F & Below (14°C & Below)
Cool	58°F – 68°F (14°C -20°C)
Warm	68°F – 75°F (20°C -24°C)
Tropical	75°F & Above (24°C & Above)

The antiskid wax for surfboards has strong viscosity and toughness, has good adhesion when applied on the surfboards, and can form a discontinuous coating. Especially when the antiskid wax is exposed to water, the adhesion force is not affected, and the wax layer has the advantages of strong toughness, hard shedding, and no fear of scratching. Besides, the wax layer does not skid by itself, and does not lose the antiskid performance in use due to softening caused by heat generated by friction.

Source: https://patents.google.com/

Applying the basecoat

If possible, apply wax indoors. The friction from waxing can cause heat, which makes it harder to apply wax in direct sunlight. There are two good ways to do this: in a circle or in a criss-cross pattern. Both methods may seem like a lot of work at first, but they are actually quite easy once you get used to them.

Nevertheless, I believe that performing small rotations of wax yields more predictable jolts. Crisscrossing is the fastest way to play, which could be why so many tour pros go through hundreds or even thousands of boards every year.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference—whether it’s right or wrong—so let yourself relax while you put in some elbow grease to get ready for action.

The circle method

Gently press your bar of wax so that the thinner side touches the board. Use very little pressure and rub it on in small circles, making sure not to put on too much paint in case you want to add another coat later.

Continue applying wax to circles on the board until your deck is entirely covered from rail to rail. For a longboard, this might mean going all the way across the deck.

For a shortboard, it might be enough to fill in the space around the center and along the tail. Any pressure points that aren’t responding well can be fixed by using one corner of the bar like a pencil and dabbing out some wax.

The criss-cross method

Gently press down on your bar of wax so that it sits flush against the deck. With moderate pressure, draw long and fluid diagonal lines across the area you intend to stand on or place a hand on while popping up.

For longer boards, this might cover all parts of their deck, whereas for shorter ones, these may only be present in an area around two feet from either edge.

Once your crosshatch is complete, give it a light touch with circular motions. If there are still places where the wax isn’t sticking well to the surface, use the corner of your coating tool to help.

Applying the topcoat and finishing up

Apply your temperature wax. Apply a generous coat of base coat to the area you just covered. Using one of the methods outlined above, vigorously rub an edge in 3-6 inch (7.6-15.2 cm) circular motions on your work surface—or any combination thereof!

To ensure security, select a different-hued topcoat wax rather than your basecoat. If your topcoat is the same color as your primer, take care not to apply it in any particular direction—instead, proceed with caution!

Gently run your wax comb through your board’s wax. Gently crisscross it diagonally to roughen up the wax and enhance grip, taking care not to skip any areas along its course.

Get rid of the need for a topcoat by utilizing the wax comb. Wax can be detrimental, as it tends to flatten and lose its grip when not applied fresh. If you don’t want to apply another coat of paint, then use this unique design with diagonal scrapes!

Gently inundate the board with lukewarm water. The wax will solidify and adhere more securely to it. Surf’s on!

Tips for surfboard waxing

-Always use a clean, dry surface when waxing.

-Apply the wax in a crosshatch pattern to increase grip and security.

-Work quickly and smoothly to avoid damaging the board.

-Apply a generous coat of wax to the entire board. Do not skip any areas!

-Rub your board in circular motions with an edge.

-Rinse the board off with lukewarm water after waxing to remove any excess wax.

Why is a surfboard waxed?

A surfboard wax is a must for two primary reasons: to increase the durability of the board and to provide a smooth surface that reduces drag.

Surfboard wax is an essential item for surfers who want to keep a secure grip on their boards.

Without it, you may find that standing up and balancing on your ride is virtually impossible; even more so when attempting any flips or stunts. Ensuring adequate application of wax can be the difference between riding those waves without mishap or being washed out!

A surfboard wax will also help protect your investment from the elements. Wax is made of all-natural, non-petroleum-based ingredients that make your board harder and more resistant to wear. It will also keep water and sand away while you’re out surfing.

How frequently should you wax your surfboard?

Deciding when and how often you apply wax to your surfboard is largely a matter of local temperature. Warmer water melts and wears off faster, requiring frequent maintenance every four months. It is prudent to expect that the buildup of old, unappealing wax could hamper new applications for sticking.

Ideally, you should apply a coat of wax every two weeks while surfing. If your surf is heavy or consistent in rainy or salty conditions, then it may be necessary to reapply more frequently. Be sure to consult with a professional before making any changes to your surfing regimen.

FAQs How to wax a surfboard

Is waxing a surfboard necessary?

Surfboard wax is indispensable, assuring a secure hold and increasing traction for your feet on the board. The essential element also prevents slippage when taken out to sea; be sure to quickly review which type of wax you’ll be employing!

What is the lifespan of surf wax?

Every two months, remove and clean all surfboard wax. Even if you don’t surf, surfboard wax loses its hold. World-class surf wax brands. Obtain a base coat, a top coat, and surfboard wax remover.

Is it necessary to remove old wax from my surfboard?

When the wax on your skateboard is worn out or when it mingles with dirt in the swimming pool, its effectiveness diminishes. Thus, regular removal of the protective layer is essential to maintaining a reliable grip. Without it or with an outdated set of waxes, you will have more power than before!

Conclusion

Indeed, waxing a surfboard is an effective means of preserving its pristine appearance. The process is straightforward and accessible to all levels of experience; if you have any queries or comments, please feel free to drop them in the comments section below. Guymac.co.nz would love to hear from you. Thanks for reading!