How to Wax and Reglue
How to skin care?
Your skins don't stick like they used to? Do you feel they're losing performance on snow? Do you have glue transfers on your ski soles? Don't panic!
Seal skins are a sensitive material and it's important to take good care of them. Regular maintenance will keep your POMOCA skins in good condition! In this article, we explain how to re-glue your skins and wax them to maximize their lifespan and optimize their glide.
Why look after your ski skins?
The benefits of re-gluing and waxing :
✔️ Extends the life of skins
✔️ Optimises the skin's grip on the ski
✔️ Improves glide
✔️ Prevents glue transfer to the ski base
✔️ Prevents the formation of glopping
When should you re-glue your skins?
Re-gluing is not necessary after every outing, but certain signs indicate that it is time to do so:
- Noticeable loss of grip: The skins no longer stick properly to the ski base and come off easily on the first ascent.
- Accumulation of glue residue on the skis: When the glue starts to deteriorate, it can leave traces on the base of the ski, making it difficult to glide.
- Irregular areas of glue: If certain parts of the skin no longer have any glue or have a sticky surface but little adhesion, re-gluing is necessary.
- Glue ball format: If glue balls form under the skin, or the glue has a molasses-like texture, it's time to re-glue.
Partial re-gluing may sometimes be sufficient, but if the skins have been through several intensive seasons, complete re-gluing is recommended.
Re-gluing skins: a technical procedure
Re-gluing is a technical operation that requires precision and the right tools. For optimum, long-lasting results, we recommend that you entrust this operation to a POMOCA Service Centre or specialist shop. These professionals have the necessary equipment and know-how to ensure the glue is applied evenly and effectively.
WAXING
Why wax skins?
Unlike conventional ski waxing, the aim of waxing skins is to make them as water-repellent as possible. A waterproof skin allows you to hook better and will prevent the development of hooves, thus improving your glide!
Step 1: Apply a greasy wax
Apply a thin layer of fat wax (fat waxes are waxes designed for high temperatures, often yellow in colour) without fluorine to the entire surface of the skins, leaving a trace of wax on the skin as you pass over it.
Step 2: Pass the waxing iron over your skin
For optimum wax absorption and maximum effectiveness, we recommend that you run your iron over the entire length of your skin once at minimum temperature(maximum 90°C). Make sure you move the iron slowly and evenly without putting too much emphasis on a specific area.
Step 3: Second coat of wax
Repeat the process a second time, but this time with a colder wax (usually blue in colour). This different wax will allow you to stabilise the first layer of wax and make your skin completely water-repellent. Iron a second time and you're done!
Pro Tip
To reduce the risk of getting sabotaged during your ski touring outing, don't forget to take the POMOCA bicolor wax square with you! That way, you'll be able to wax your skins quickly and avoid the slightest problem, even when you're out and about!