What are ski waxes made out of?

Most modern ski waxes are based on hydrocarbons. Users apply them to the bases of skis or snowboards, scrape off the excess, and then use a brush to give a smooth, hydrophobic surface. The wax protects skis from scratches in addition to giving them their glide.

What are the ingredients in ski wax?

Hydrocarbon waxes: These waxes are primarily made up of three types of hydrocarbons: paraffin, microcrystalline, and synthetic waxes that are combined together in various proportions. Paraffins are soft, candle-like waxes, that have low coefficients of friction allowing the ski to glide easily over the snow crystals.

Is ski wax paraffin wax?

Ski wax companies have been using Paraffin based waxes to keep skiers and snowboarders gliding down the mountain for years. These waxes are costly, complicated, temperature specific, wear off quickly, and produce a huge amount of waste.

Is ski wax toxic?

PFAS in products like ski waxes confer high-performance functions, but also have hazardous properties. Long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, in use for decades, are highly persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals (PBTs), and due to their widespread manufacture, use and disposal, are ubiquitous global pollutants.

What kind of wax is used for skis?

For recreational skiers and boarders, a basic hydrocarbon wax is usually suitable. For a step up in glide, go with a low-fluorocarbon wax. Racers often use expensive high-fluorocarbon waxes for the greatest glide.

What does Graphite do for ski wax?

Electrostatic Friction

Graphite is commonly introduced into the ski wax to reduce static electricity.

How do you make your own ski wax?

DIY glide wax method and recipe

1. Cut up a tea candle into about 10 pieces and place about 7 of them into the pill bottle,
2. Half fill the bottle with clean mineral turpentine or mineral spirits (not gum turpentine),
3. Seal the bottle and allow it to stand for two days, giving it a shake 2-3 times a day,

Is ski wax carcinogenic?

Research on the health effects of perfluorochemical exposure is still in the early stages, and most studies to date have focused on PFOA. The compound causes cancer in animal studies and the Environmental Protection Agency declared it “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.”

Is ski wax eco friendly?

Hydrocarbon based wax is an eco-friendly, alternative wax that is both biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment. So, during spring snowmelt, no toxic chemicals make their way into the rivers, therefore no fish or humans are affected.

Does Swix ski wax have PFAS?

EPA alleged that Swix imported ski wax products on at least 83 occasions that contained six different PFAS chemicals (specific names claimed confidential business information) that were not included on the TSCA Inventory or otherwise exempt for commercial purposes.

Can I use beeswax on skis?

Beeswax works in all conditions for a few runs and re-apply, soap good for a 20-40sec run on just below freezing and above days (catches friend off guard when you leave them in the dust).

What is the difference between kick wax and glide wax?

Glide wax is selected to minimize sliding friction for both alpine and cross-country skiing. Grip wax (also called "kick wax") provides on-snow traction for cross-country skiers, as they stride forward using classic technique.

What is the difference between ski wax and candle wax?

That candle wax is softer, and so may not last quite as long as ski wax which may include candle waxes along with other harder wearing waxes.

How do you wax skis without an iron?

Roto wool is an excellent way to apply hot wax without using an iron. It has shown us some great test results in all types of conditions. – Roto wool gives you a thin layer with hot wax, which will bring forth the structure in your skis in a better way, says product developer in Swix Jan Olav Bjørn Gjermundshaug.

Is ski wax hydrophobic?

Most modern ski waxes are based on hydrocarbons. Users apply them to the bases of skis or snowboards, scrape off the excess, and then use a brush to give a smooth, hydrophobic surface. The wax protects skis from scratches in addition to giving them their glide.

What is Swix wax made of?

The products are wax-based, but also contain raw materials based on metal colloids, hydrocarbons with a low coefficient of friction and proprietary non-fluorinated hybrid ingredients,” explains Poulin.

Is hydrocarbon wax toxic?

The CHX series of waxes are so labeled as they are “hydrocarbons” and not toxic.

Is Swix wax toxic?

Swix started the work towards a fluoro-free line of ski wax back in 2013. It has been years of development and many thousand kilometers of testing different waxes on skis, but now we are happy to announce the brand new line called Pro by Swix. It is 100% fluoro free, non-toxic and biodegradable.

Is fluorinated wax toxic?

Fluorinated ski wax has been proven toxic to humans and the environment, affecting thousands of shop employees, racers, Nordic skiers, and others for decades.

Why are fluoro waxes banned?

In the United States, many of the compounds found in fluorinated wax products contain ingredients listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act. In July 2020 the European Chemicals Agency banned the sale, manufacture, and import of all products containing PFOAs.

What do you do with old fluoro ski wax?

And since fluoros can leave a residue, all skis, waxing equipment and gear should be thoroughly cleaned if fluorinated waxes were used at any point in the past. All old waxes you have at home that contain fluoros should be discarded.

How long does Nordic ski wax last?

Simple rub on waxes will typically last one to three days before you need to apply another layer. Whereas a proper iron on waxing of your skis can last you up to ten days. Of course, weather conditions and how often you are skiing will also play a role in how long your ski wax lasts.

Can you use soap to wax skis?

Wax won't stick if there's a bunch of oil, dust or dirt on your base. Clean that stuff off with a tiny bit of degreaser or dish soap. A small dab will do fine as you don't want to dry out your base. If you don't have either, a damp washcloth will get the job done.

Can I use candle wax to wax my board?

No, you should never use candle wax on a snowboard. You should only ever use wax sold specifically for waxing a snowboard or skis. Using candle wax can actually ruin your board and make it go slower on the slopes.

How often should you wax skis?

It's recommended you wax your skis every 5 or 6 times out. The reason being the base of your ski is very porous (similar to your skin) with lotion (wax) you'll have a better running surface. This will allow for increased glide over all snow conditions, less leg fatigue and increased speed.