A key first step when waxing new skis is to thoroughly clean the base using a hot waxing and scraping technique, as specifically described in the reference.
The Hot Scraping Method for New Skis
New ski bases can hold residual materials from the manufacturing process or pick up contaminants. The process described in the provided reference is a specific method to clean these impurities out of the base structure before you apply a final layer of glide wax for performance. This cleaning technique involves applying wax with an iron and immediately scraping it off while it's still hot, allowing the wax to carry the dirt away.
Here are the steps for performing this essential hot scraping process on new skis, based on the reference:
- Secure Your Skis: Set your skis in a sturdy vise to hold them stable while you work.
- Manage Brakes: Use a brake retainer (a strong rubber band or specialized tool) to hold the ski brakes back and lifted off the base.
- Iron On Wax: Using a ski waxing iron heated to the correct temperature for your wax, melt and drip wax onto the ski base. Then, iron the wax onto the base, spreading it into an even, thin layer from tip to tail.
- Scrape While Hot: Crucially, while the wax is still liquid or very warm, immediately use a sharp plastic scraper to remove all of the applied wax. Scrape smoothly from tip to tail.
- Check for Dirt: As you scrape off the hot wax, look at the removed wax. You may see dirt or grime embedded in it, especially on a new ski.
- Repeat for Cleanliness: Repeat the waxing and scraping process (steps 3 and 4). Continue applying hot wax and immediately scraping it off until the wax you remove appears clean and free of any visible dirt or impurities.
Why This Method is Used on New Skis
This specific hot scraping process is particularly effective for new skis. The heat from the iron helps to slightly open the base material's structure, allowing the hot, liquid wax to get into the tiny pores and lift out any manufacturing residues, storage dust, or initial contaminants. By scraping the wax off immediately while it's still hot, you effectively pull these impurities out with the wax. Repeating this until the scraped wax is clean ensures a truly clean base, which is essential for subsequent glide wax applications to penetrate and bond properly. This foundational cleaning step prepares the new ski base for optimal performance.
This process, as detailed in the reference, focuses solely on cleaning the base of new skis by applying and removing hot wax.
