How to Fill in a Chip on a Snowboard

Snowboards often take a lot of abuse when up on the mountain, and its not unusual for them to get scuffed, chipped or scratched while riding. Cosmetic marks and scratches are generally not a problem, but if they are deep enough to penetrate the central laminate, they can greatly weaken the board, making it unsafe. These deep chips and scratches should be repaired by a professional, but you can fix smaller superficial ones yourself to prevent them worsening.

Things You'll Need

  • Set of Allen keys
  • Rolled blankets
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Soft cloth
  • Polyethylene base wax stick
  • Lighter
  • Plastic card
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the bindings from the snowboard using the Allen keys, and flip it upside down. Place rolled towels underneath the points where the nose and tail curve upward. Place a third one under the center of the board between the binding mountings to keep it supported and prevent it from flexing.

    • 2

      Clean the board thoroughly with liquid soap, and wipe off any excess using the soft cloth. Pay particular attention to the area around and inside the chip. Any dirt or grit lodged in there will prevent the polyethylene base wax from forming a tight seal with the board, potentially causing it to rot from within.

    • 3

      Use the lighter to heat the stick and hold it about six inches above the board. Allow the wax to melt and drop onto the chip. Don't worry if you get some outside the chip. Continue until you've filled the chip completely.

    • 4

      Allow the wax to cool, then use a plastic card, like an old library or credit card, to carefully scrape the excess off the top, leaving a flat surface. Polish the bottom of the board using a clean soft cloth to ensure that the wax is perfectly level with the base of the board.