Tips

Kick Wax over Klister Tip #2

In tricky wax conditions racers may want to try placing a kickwax on top of klister. This is not recommended for recreational skiers.

This technique is usually done when more grip is required but the track has some loose snow in it. The loose snow might cause snow to clump under the ski or the klister to ice over.

Refer also to the tip Kick Wax over Klister Tip #1 for traditional application tips.

The traditional method of applying kick wax over klister works well for klisters that are already firm (blue or violet for example) and on days that have cold weather to easily cool the skis. However, on days that the temperature is warmer (around 0°C for example) klister will remain very sticky and not very hard. This makes it difficult to apply kickwax over top of the klister. One method to overcome this is to paint the kickwax over the klister instead of a crayon & corking method (traditional).

Tools you will need:

1. Klister and kick wax you will be using.
2. Paint brush (44 mm or 1-3/4 inch wide). Horsehair brush, not a plastic bristle brush since a plastic bristle will melt.
3. Hot air gun (at low setting).
4. Electrical extention cord (for the hot air gun).

Doing the painting:

1. Apply the klister as you would normally. Ensure that it is very smooth and evenly applied lengthwise and widewise. A hot air gun is good for helping get the klister smooth.
2. Let the skis get as cool as possible outside. A shaded location is best.
3. Once the skis are as cool as much possible work outside from this point forward.
4. Open the kick wax tin and warm the application end with the hot air gun so that the kick wax starts to get runny. Then dab and rub the kick wax onto the tip of the paintbrush.
5. Once enough kick wax is on the paintbrush then heat the kick wax in the paintbrush so it becomes molten/liquid.
6. Do not use the hot air gun directly on the klister at all.
7. Brush the kickwax across the klister in light strokes. Try to apply evenly for both wide and length.
8. Let the kick wax over klister cool before testing.

Doing this outside is best because it will be cooler than the wax room. This facilities keeping the klister cool/hard. A shaded location outside is even better so the sun won't warm the skis either.

If you have a waxing tip please share it with us. We are always happy to receive waxing tips to help improve everyone's skis.