Quick Answer
Wax your snowboard or skis at home by either rubbing on a block wax for a quick refresh or using an iron for a deeper hot wax. Both methods improve glide and protect your base.
Rub-On vs. Hot Wax: Which Should You Choose?
Rub-on wax is the fastest option when you're short on time or don't own an iron. You simply rub the block onto the base and buff it out. It's a great slopeside fix or mid-season refresh. Hot waxing takes longer but penetrates deeper into the base, giving longer-lasting performance and better protection in variable snow. If you ride frequently or want maximum speed, hot waxing is worth the extra effort. For a quick touch-up between hot waxes, rub-on works fine.
How to Wax Your Snowboard or Skis at Home
- Clean the Base: Remove dirt and old wax with a base cleaner or a soft cloth. Let the base dry completely before applying new wax. Skipping this step traps dirt under the wax, reducing glide.
- Apply the Wax (Rub-On Method): Rub the wax block firmly along the base in a lengthwise direction. Cover the entire base with a thin, even layer. For hot wax, drip melted wax from an iron set to the wax's melting point, then spread it evenly. Too much wax is better than too little—you can scrape off excess.
- Let the Wax Cool (Hot Wax Only): Allow the wax to cool and harden for at least 15-30 minutes. For rub-on wax, skip this step and move directly to buffing. Rushing the cooling time prevents the wax from bonding properly.
- Scrape and Brush (Hot Wax Only): Use a plastic scraper to remove excess wax, working from tip to tail. Then brush the base with a nylon or horsehair brush to open the structure. Don't scrape rub-on wax—just buff it with a cloth or cork.
- Buff the Base: For both methods, finish by buffing the base with a soft cloth or a dedicated buffing pad until it shines. This removes the last residue and polishes the wax. A good buff makes the difference between okay glide and fast glide.
Wax Options for Home Waxing
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High Octane Rub On Wax: High Octane Rub On Wax is an all-temp blended hydrocarbon formula designed for easy slopeside application without an iron. Perfect for a quick rub-on wax when you don't have time to set up an iron, and it works across all snow temperatures.
High Octane Rub On Wax
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Indy Hot Wax - Warm: Indy Hot Wax - Warm is a concentrated, biodegradable warm-weather formula that performs best when hot waxed but can also be rubbed on. Choose this if you ride in warmer spring conditions and want a dedicated warm-snow formula that still offers rub-on flexibility.
Indy Hot Wax - Warm
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Nitrous Wax - Cold: Nitrous Wax - Cold is a paraffin blend optimized for cold weather and can be used as a hot wax or rubbed on when you don't have an iron. Ideal for early-season or high-altitude riding where cold snow demands a wax that stays effective in low temperatures.
