How to hot wax skis properly

Hot waxing is one of the most important steps in ski preparation. When applied correctly, ski wax not only improves gliding properties but also protects the base from drying out and ensures a longer material lifespan.

Many skiers focus exclusively on choosing the right wax. However, the application often determines whether the wax can unleash its full potential.

In this guide, we show you step-by-step how to hot wax skis professionally.

Why Hot Wax?

With hot waxing, the wax is worked into the base surface using a waxing iron.

This allows the wax to:

• penetrate deep into the base
• saturate the base
• protect the base
• improve glide
• increase durability

When done correctly, hot waxing is one of the most effective measures for fast skis.

Before applying wax, the base should be thoroughly cleaned.

Even freshly prepared skis often still have:

• dirt
• dust
• old wax residues
• abrasion

in the base structure.

Brush the base with a brass or steel brush

The first step is to thoroughly brush the base with a brass or steel brush.

This opens up the structure and removes loose residue.

Always work in the direction of travel:

From the tip to the tail of the ski.

Wipe the base with a cloth

After brushing, wipe the base with a clean cloth.

This removes the last dust particles and optimally prepares the base for wax absorption.

This step is often forgotten but saves a lot of time later.

Before applying the wax, the binding should be taped off.

Why tape the binding?

When dripping wax, wax drops often get onto the binding.

By taping:

• the binding stays clean
• cleaning effort is reduced
• moving parts are protected
• the function of the binding remains unaffected

This step is highly recommended for all skis.

Now the wax is applied to the base.

The following applies:

Do not use too little wax.

Why sufficient wax is important

Too little wax can cause the iron to work directly on the base.

This increases the risk of overheating.

Sufficient wax ensures that:

• the iron glides smoothly
• heat is evenly distributed
• the base remains protected
• the wax is optimally absorbed

Step 4: Iron in the wax

After dripping, iron in the wax evenly.

The iron should be kept continuously moving.

Staying in one place for too long can damage the base.

The Right Ironing Technique

For most skis, three passes over the base are completely sufficient.

First Pass

From tip to tail.

Second Pass

From tail back to tip.

Third Pass

From tip to tail again.

These three passes are enough to distribute the wax evenly and work it into the base.

More ironing does not automatically mean better results.

Video: Hot waxing skis correctly

In this video, we show the complete hot waxing process step-by-step.

Immediately after ironing, excess wax is removed from the base.

A scraper is used for this purpose.

Why clean the bottom edge?

Wax on the bottom edge can later:

• peel off even in the edge area, leaving the base unevenly covered
• condensation can form between the wax and the edge; if the ski stands for an extended period, the edge could rust.

Therefore, the bottom edge should be cleaned immediately after ironing.

After cleaning the base, the tape can be removed from the binding.

Since the binding was protected during waxing, it remains clean and does not require extensive cleaning.

In the next step, the sidewalls are freed from excess wax.

This step ensures:

• clean optics
• easier edge care
• professional finish

Now the actual waxing process is complete.

After waxing, the ski needs sufficient time to cool down.

During this phase:

• the wax hardens
• it bonds with the base
• the subsequent durability is improved

Therefore, after waxing, the ski is set aside and allowed to cool down completely.

How long should the ski cool down?

The longer the wax can cure, the better.

For further processing, the ski should have completely cooled to room temperature, which takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

After that, you can start scraping and brushing.

Using too little wax

This increases the risk of the base overheating.

Leaving the iron in one spot for too long

The iron should always be kept moving.

Not masking the binding

Often leads to unnecessary cleaning work and can contaminate moving parts.

Not allowing the skis to cool down sufficiently

Freshly ironed wax should always be allowed to fully harden.

After complete cooling, the next important step follows: