How To Remove Wax From A Surfboard

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Globo Surf
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How_To_Remove_Wax_From_A_Surfboard

Removing wax from a surfboard is an important part of routine maintenance, although, most of us are too lazy to do it. Over time, old wax accumulates on the board. It also attracts dirt and sand, which will result in unnecessary weight. This will cause the board to lose grip and tackiness. 

It is crucial to learn how to wax a surfboard to optimize its performance. In the same way, you should also know how to remove surfboard wax. Keep on reading and we’ll let you know what to do. 

Why Do You Need to Remove Wax from Surfboard? 

Before we talk about the specifics of how to remove wax from a surfboard, let’s first talk about the reasons why you should do it. 

  • Improve the Grip: The most important reason is to enhance the grip of the surfboard. A fresh coat of surf wax will make the surfboard grippier. This will make it easier to stand on your board while minimizing the chances of slipping while riding waves. 
  • Identify Other Problems: By removing wax on the surface of the board, it will reveal the inner layers. This will also show dings and scratches that aren’t easily visible on the surface. You will know if there are cracks and other problems that should be repaired. 
  • Enhance Appearance: Another practical reason for removing wax on a surfboard is to make it look better. Your surfboard may look beaten up, but it does not mean that it needs a replacement. Remove old wax, give it a new coat, and it will look better. 

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Remove Wax from a Surfboard 

Regardless of the type of surfboard that you have, the steps for removing wax are the same. Take note of the steps mentioned below. 

  • Put Your Surfboard Under the Sun 

The first step on how to remove surfboard wax requires placing the board under the direct heat of the sun. The hotter, the better. At a minimum, do this for at least 20 minutes. It is best to have it raised, such as by having two chairs. The heat of the sun will make the wax gooey. In turn, it will be easier to remove. 

  • Use a Hairdryer to Melt the Wax 

It isn’t always sunny outdoors, so there will be days that you cannot do the step mentioned above on how to remove wax from a surfboard. In this case, one creative alternative is to use a hairdryer. For best results, choose the lowest heat setting and direct the nozzle to the wax on the surfboard. Avoid choosing the highest heat setting. This will melt not only the wax, but it can also cause significant damage to the surfboard. 

  • Add Flour or Pickle Wax Remover 

This is one thing that most people would miss. Nonetheless, this is an important part of the process. This will stick to the wax and will make the latter easier to remove once you proceed to the next step. Generously sprinkle flour on a surfboard while it is in a stable position. Use a tissue paper to spread the flour, making sure that it covers the part of the board with wax that you will remove. 

Aside from flour, you can also use a product called Pickle Wax Remover. It is a unique tool that uses 100% organic ingredients, which will make it eco-friendly. It is a chemical-free powder that looks like sawdust. 

  • Scrape the Wax Off the Board

At this point, you are now ready to get the wax off the surfboard. Once it has softened, scrape the wax. To do this, you will need a wax comb and use the non-serrated side. If you do not have a wax comb, a good alternative is an old credit card. Do not use a card that you are still using since there is a risk that you might break it if you scrape too hard. By doing this, you can get rid of the hard chunks of wax. 

When you are scraping wax, follow a consistent pattern. This will make the job easier, making sure that you don’t have to go through the same parts over and again. Start from the top to the bottom then from left to right. 

Keep scraping the board until it is polished. However, be careful to not overdo this since you might end up damaging the material of the surfboard. 

  • Do the Final Clean-Up 

Once you are scraping wax off the surfboard, now is the time for the final clean-up. Rub a cloth around the surfboard to remove the bits of wax that are remaining. To avoid making a mess, use coconut oil. This way, the wax will stick on the cloth as you wipe it off. You can also use a paper towel with acetone or any similar material. This will make it easier to remove residual wax on the surface. You can also use a wax ball over the board to clean the surface. 

Once the clean-up is done, you can now proceed to the next thing that you would like to do, such as the application of surf wax or repainting. 

Tips and Tricks for Removing Surf Wax 

Now that we talked about the steps on how to remove surfboard wax, we’ll share some tips on how to do things right. 

  • Before you start removing wax on the surfboard, make sure to take off the fins. Also, set the board on a stable and firm surface. This will prevent the board from snapping. 
  • When cleaning the surfboard, do not use any metallic object as a scraper. As recommended above, it would be best to use a wax comb or an old credit card. Pocket knives and similar metallic materials can do a good job at removing wax, but the problem is that they can damage the board. 
  • Make sure to remove the old wax before applying a new coat. Some surfers may be too lazy, thinking that they can just add another wax layer. The new layer of wax will not cling properly. 
  • When you are removing surfboard wax, do it outside of your home. Wax can be a stubborn material. When you do it outdoors, it can cling on furniture, upholstery, and rugs, among others. It can be difficult to remove. 
  • Once you are done, do not just leave the wax hanging around, especially if there are cats or dogs. It can be toxic to animals, so proper disposal is a must. Dispose of in the trash once you are done. 

FAQs

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Q: How do you get wax off a surfboard for painting?

A: 

To get wax off a surfboard for painting, start by cleaning the board, then use a wax comb or wax remover tool. Keep on removing the wax until you reach the original paint layer of the surfboard. Use a citrus-based wax remover if there is still wax on the surface. Scrub the board and once it is clean, you can now paint it. 

Q: How often should you remove wax from your surfboard?

A: 

The frequency of removing wax from a surfboard will depend on a couple of things, such as the extent of use. Generally speaking, you should do this at least four times a year as the season change. or better yet, remove wax from a surfboard every surfing trip you make. 

Globo Surf Overview

When it comes to taking care of a surfboard, one of the most important is the removal of wax. It will improve grip and aesthetics, among other benefits. This will also help in getting rid of unnecessary weight. Take note of our recommendations above on how to remove wax from a surfboard-like a pro. Start by removing the old wax using heat, scrape it off, and give the surfboard a final clean.

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