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Does Rub On Snowboard Wax Work?
We are often asked about snowboard wax and how effectively it works. Many factors can contribute to the answer, so it is necessary to understand how this product works.
Rub on snowboard wax is a product that has been used for decades by people who want to get their snowboards ready for winter sports. It is applied to the base of the board and then allowed to dry before riding down the mountain.
It does work, but we do not recommend it as the overall best type of snowboard wax to use if you prefer convenience. It will not last nearly as long as hot wax that requires more extensive preparation too.
The main purpose of this product is to help with traction and grip in wet or icy conditions. The rub-on snowboard wax will also help protect your board from dings and scratches in these conditions as well as provide a layer of protection against UV rays.
The effectiveness of rub-on has been debated for quite some time now. It is often used as a quick fix type of solution, but it should never be considered a long-term option for snowboarders who care about their boards.
How To Use Rub On Snowboard Wax Correctly
If you want to get the most out of your rub on snowboard wax, you must take the proper steps during preparation and application to ensure it lasts longer and provides enough effectiveness. We have detailed the steps below.
1. Dry Your Snowboard Base
Before you begin to apply snowboard wax, it is important to dry your snowboard base first. This will also remove excess debris and dirt that may have accumulated on the board, making the base cleaner.
This is a critical first step because the rub on wax is not as sticky and acts more like an oil. It will not stick to your board correctly if the base is still wet, so you should always double-check your base and keep it dry during the waxing process.
2. Start Applying The Wax
Depending on the type of wax you have, the application process is quite simple. There are liquid forms and solid rub on forms. Both are simple, but you will have a bit more of a challenge putting the solid rub on wax on the base on your board.
The liquid wax is used with a spraying dispenser that can spread the wax across the board. You should apply wax in small circles that overlap each other until you have applied an even layer of wax over the entire surface of the board.
However, you don’t need to overdo it because we can go back with a brush in the next step to fix and perfect it.
3. Use A Brush To Polish The Wax
After you have applied the wax, use a brush to brush it over the surface of your floor. This will help spread the polish more evenly and prevent any streaks from forming.
If you skip this step, you run the risk of the wax drying up unevenly causing the board to ride more ruggedly. This can slow you down and reduce your speed. It will also hinder your ability to take sharper and more accurate turns.
4. Start Riding
Now that you have mastered how to apply the rub on snowboard wax, you can start riding. But remember, this is not a permanent solution and it must be done regularly to keep your snowboard in the best shape.
How Long Does Rub On Snowboard Wax Last?
Rub on snowboard wax is a type of wax that is applied to the board’s base quickly and cheaply. It is considered a preferred option by less experienced snowboarders for this reason too.
This type of wax will only last for a few days. It stays mainly on the surface and gives about two days of protection. However, it can be reapplied if needed. It is very easy to remove and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
This wax is used to help the snowboarder to get a grip on the snow and it also helps in making the ride smoother. The rub on wax will only last for about two days, depending on the brand and exact wax type.
It is used to help prevent snow from sticking and to give a smoother ride. The wax needs to be reapplied every day or every few days depending on the type of rub-on wax that you use.
If you are new to rub on snowboard wax, don’t be discouraged by this. Many times, you can buy this wax as a rigid hard wax that can be directly rubbed onto the board in only minutes so the effort is not over the top.
In warmer climates, rub on snowboard wax lasts for about one day before it needs to be reapplied. In these climates, the snowboarder may use their board for hours at a time and they may not have time to re-apply it when needed.
It is not uncommon to apply it every day before going out on the slopes. This is a common practice if you are going out daily on a long trip to ensure maximum accuracy and board protection.
Rub On Snowboard Wax Vs. Hot Wax
Waxing a snowboard is a very important part of the process. If done incorrectly, the snowboard will not slide as well and maybe more prone to damage from rocks or trees. There are two main types of waxes: hot wax and rub on wax.
Hot wax is applied with a wax iron and rubbed onto the snowboard before it cools. Rub on wax is applied directly to the board without the need for added heat. This is why it is so much easier and faster to use.
Hot wax provides much longer protection than rub on wax, but it is also more complex to apply and more expensive. The cost of hot wax can be reduced by buying in bulk, but it still costs more than rub on wax.
Hot wax is preferred as a long-term solution because it provides much longer snowboard protection than rub on wax. For example, rub on wax will only stay on the surface of your snowboard base.
This differs from hot wax that uses the heat to soak much deeper into the snowboard for a more reliable application. If you use a sintered base snowboard, hot wax will last for even longer because the pores on the board can hold the wax.
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