August 21, 2020 5 min read

Learning how to wax a surfboard is one of the first things a surfer should really grasp when they take up the sport - this is also applicable to other water sports enthusiasts.

The main purpose of waxing is to protect the surface of a surfing board deck, prevent scratching and damage caused by ultraviolet rays, and to retain the shine and smoothness of the boards fasteners.

Surf wax helps protect your boards from wear and tear and prolongs the life of the board.

Before to wax a surfboard, you should clean the surf board thoroughly. Water temperature is very important so use a mixture of warm water and detergent to clean all surfaces of the board. You need to wash the whole surface and then rinse off the detergent, making sure that all the soap is completely cleaned away.

surfer waxing a surfboard

Use a mild dishwashing liquid to clean the board. Allow to dry, then repeat the same process until the board has been completely dry. It is also important to rub the wax that is old. 

Next, use surf wax to ensure a base coat for the deck. A good surfboard wax to use is a polyurethane wax that's formulated for this purpose. Applying the wax and allow it to set overnight is essential.

Applying The 2nd Coat of Wax To Your SurfBoard

Now apply a second layer of surfboard wax, this time using a natural wax such as Beeswax. Be careful not to let too much surf wax build up on the surface.

This will result in wearing and scratching. Wait an hour before removing the waxing with a clean rag.

If you want to keep the surf wax in place, make sure you add a layer of sandpaper in between the layers of wax. After it has completely dried, wipe it away.

The Final Coat of Wax

The last and final top coat is to seal the entire surface. You can use a high quality epoxy or urethane sealant.

Surfers need to be aware of how to wax a surfboard properly and follow some basic safety techniques when they are waxing their board. One of the most important things to consider is how to get the surfboard wax down deep enough into the wood to ensure that no damage is done to the surfboards finish. You should also be careful when working on a waxed board to ensure that you are not putting too much pressure on the wax into the wood, since this can cause warping. The right way to wax a surfboard is by using circular motion, the small circles movement allowing the last top coat of surf wax to cover the board evenly without sticky bumps.

Preserving The Durability & Life Of Your Board

Learning how to wax a surfboard can save you plenty of money if you are a regular surfer. Waxing your board on a regular basis will not only give your board a shiny new look (you will see the shiny effect especially after the top coat of surfboard wax), but it will also help to protect it from wear and tear and water damage.

The most important thing to remember when learning how to wax a surfboard is that you should never use a harsh brush when applying the wax. A soft cloth or hair dryer can work just as well, although you should not use a brush that is too hot or you could risk burning yourself.

freshly waxed surfboard

Waxing a surfboard also involves the use of a good quality surfboard cleaner. While it may not seem like it at first, using a good quality cleaner will also help to protect your board from fading and cracking. If the cleaner is not properly maintained. and used properly.

Another way of protecting your board from water damage is by using a deck protector. You should always use one that is specifically designed to protect the finish on your board against the elements.

Important Things To Remember

It is also important to avoid placing surfboard wax on your board too far above the surface of the deck. The reason for this is that the wax can cause your board to become slippery. This will damage the deck more easily if the wax starts to harden.

Remember to keep the waxing area clean, particularly after each use. By keeping the area clean, you will have less chance of staining it, and you can also prevent your deck from cracking, warping, or cracking. You can use a special board cleaner that you can purchase at your local surf store to make your waxing job easier and keep it looking great for longer period after applying the top coat.

We know its not the most fun job to do... but waxing your board regularly will make it last for longer and give you a ton more enjoyment out on the waves.

Why is Waxing Your Board so Important

Surfboard waxing is very important for surfboard maintenance. This is because the base material for a surfboard is generally wood or composite. If you do not wax your surfboard, you will notice that the colors of your board start to change. This happens because the natural sugars in the wood start to break down and turn brown or yellow. By waxing your surfboard, you will add the protective coatings that will keep your surfboard looking new.

Another reason why it is important to wax your surfboard is that it protects the surface of the board from scratches and makes the material last longer. Even though you can not see the surface, if you wax your surfboard, you will be able to add the film that helps to protect the board from scratches. When you are waxing your surfboard, you have to be very careful. You do not want to be too rough or too smooth because you could actually damage the surface of the board.

The most important thing to remember about waxing your surfboard is that you should only use the right wax to coat your surfboard. If you are not sure what wax to use, you can ask a professional at a surfboard supply store to help you. The wax that you use will determine how long the waxing process will take. Some waxes, called water wax, will last for many months while others, such as semi-wet wax, will last for only a few weeks. Other types of wax are hard wax and tropical wax. If you are looking for a more lasting wax to use on your surfboard, you will want to try using a dry wax.

Why is it important to wax your board if you plan on surfing for an extended period of time? Waxing your board will help to keep the surface smooth, which will make your surfing more enjoyable. It will also help to reduce the amount of friction between the board and your feet, which will decrease the chance of a scrape or cut.

When you wax your surfboard, it is important to be very careful. You do not want to cut off the wax before it has completely dried so you will want to take some time to spread the wax evenly. You may want to wait fifteen to twenty minutes between each application of the wax including for the top coat. When you wax your surfboard, remember that the process is not difficult, but it can take a while to do it properly so be patient.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


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