How to Fix Ski Scrapes

Ski scrapes and dents are bound to happen, especially if you are an avid skier. Though deeper scrapes and scratches are better left to the professionals, minor ones can be repaired easily in the comfort of your own garage. Typically, shallow scrapes that are less than 1/2 millimeters deep should be ignored. For minor scrapes that need to be fixed, the simple process of filling in the indentation is an easy task.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • Base cleaner
  • Metal scraper with a 90-degree edge
  • Polyethylene repair candle
  • Propane torch or butane lighter
  • Small wire brush
  • Razor blade
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the ski in a base-up position and secure in place by tightening the vise around its center. Carefully slice any loose scrape strands with a razor blade.

    • 2

      Remove any extra wax around the damaged area with a metal scraper. If the scrape is large enough, roughen up its surface with sandpaper.

    • 3

      Apply base cleaner to the scrape and dust off with a small wire brush to remove any dirt and rock. Allow the base cleaner to dry completely for about an hour.

    • 4

      Light up the tip of the polyethylene repair candle, also called P-Tex candle, with the propane torch or butane lighter. Wait for a few minutes until you see black carbon flakes in the burning tip. Drip the candle onto the metal scraper and roll the candle tip around until the black carbon flakes are gone. Keep the flame low and blue.

    • 5

      Hold the molten P-Tex candle close to the scrape and let it flow into the dents. Begin dripping at the far edges of the damaged area so that it pools in the center. Overfill the entire space because the P-Tex will shrink as it cools off.

    • 6

      Extinguish the flame and let the P-Tex cool for about 15 minutes.

    • 7

      Hold the metal scraper at a 45-degree angle. Scrape all material that sticks up above the ski base.

    • 8

      Rub with sandpaper to smooth and flatten the area completely.