How to Buffer the Bottom of a Snowboard

Buffing your snowboard will smooth its surface, while removing excess wax. A smooth, waxed snowboard bottom improves performance. Waxing and buffing serve to prevent dry drag in very cold, dry snowboarding conditions, and it will prevent sticking and suction that's associated with wet friction during warmer conditions. A waxing cork buffer is most commonly used with wax that comes in paste, crayon or liquid form, though it can also be used to smooth hot wax. A snowboard brush is an alternative to waxing cork. Brushes are typically used with hot wax.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Bowl
  • Sponge
  • Lint free cloth
  • 2 bath towels
  • Snowboard wax
  • Paintbrush (optional)
  • Waxing cork or snowboard brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl.

    • 2

      Dip a sponge in the soapy water and clean the bottom of the snowboard. Use a circular motion.

    • 3

      Rinse the soap from the sponge and wipe the snowboard bottom to remove all traces of dirt and soap.

    • 4

      Dry the snowboard bottom with a lint free cloth.

    • 5

      Place the snowboard face down on a flat surface. Roll up two bath towels and place them under the snowboard to prop it up.

    • 6

      Apply snowboard wax to the bottom of the snowboard. Use a paintbrush to apply liquid wax. Wax can also be rubbed or sprayed onto the snowboard. Hot wax is melted in a microwave, poured onto the snowboard and applied with a waxing iron, but it's typically not used in conjunction with a buffer.

    • 7

      Allow the wax to dry and harden. Consult the product packaging for the recommended drying and hardening time. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for the wax to harden.

    • 8

      Buff the snowboard bottom with a wax cork buffer or a waxing brush. Run the cork block or brush over the snowboard bottom, moving from front to back in long, even strokes.