Base wax (grip) – the foundation of the grip zone

How base wax for grip works

In short: Base wax gives hard wax or klister something to cling to. A thin, even surface that is carefully heated makes the grip last longer – especially in abrasive, coarse-grained or icier snow.

When do you use base wax?

• When the grip wax wears off too quickly (rough/coarse-grained snow, icy conditions).

• Before long sessions, competitions or weather that shifts between sub-zero and around zero degrees.

• In klister conditions – as base klister under your klister for better durability.

Choose the right type

• Base wax (can) – for classic grip zone under hard wax in colder to mild conditions.

• Base klister (klister/spray) – under klister in zero to warm and coarse-grained conditions.

• Form: solid for fine control; spray/klister for super-thin layers and quick application.

How to do it – step by step

1. Clean & lightly roughen the grip zone (fine sandpaper).

2. Apply a thin layer of base wax/base klister in the grip zone.

3. Heat very carefully (short, even strokes) and smooth/cork to a smooth surface.

4. Let cool.

5. Apply your hard wax/klister on top in thin layers and cork evenly between layers.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Too thick a layer of base – → make it thinner, heat/cork smooth.

• Uneven surface → lightly roughen and redo the final heating.

• Icing near 0 °C → thinner layer and correct overlying wax (possibly mixed with klister).

• Wear in coarse-grained → choose base klister as a base and increase the number of thin layers on top.

Quick buying advice

• Cold (-12 to -6 °C): harder can waxes + thin base wax.

• Around zero (-1 to +2 °C): base klister under klister.

• Warm (0 to +10 °C): klister conditions – base klister helps durability.

FAQ (short)

Do I always need base wax?
No – but it clearly extends durability in abrasive snow and in klister conditions.

How thin should it be?
Thin enough for the structure in the base to show – better two thin layers than one thick.

Do I have to heat it in?
It becomes more even and holds better. Heat briefly and carefully, and cork smoothly.

When do I choose base klister instead of base wax?
When it is coarse-grained, around 0 °C or warmer – and you are going to use klister anyway.