Advice for removing wax from a board?

tree · Since 29 May 2007 148 Posts Bend, OR Stoked

Just got a new surfboard and am going to put on adhesive pads with inserts so that I can switch back and forth between strapped/unstrapped. But I want to spend a little time on it strapless first to get a feel for where to position the inserts. So, I'll wax it initially, but I would like to be able to get the top surface clean before applying the pads/inserts. I have another surfboard that I wax and it seems like the wax is probably there for good. Will I be able to get the surface clean?

Thanks in advance.

-Aaron

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1527 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

hairdryer and towels will clean the wax off. dont use an abrasive towel!!!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I did this 2 months ago. I used a NSI peel and stick pad - it worked great.

1. Warm up the wax. I left the board in the sun for an hour on a hot summer day. Maybe try a hair blower.

2. Use a plastic scraper to scrap the wax off. This should remove most of the wax.

3. Then use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover with a rag to remove the residue.

4. Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 799 Posts Opinionated

A plastic scraper or old credit card will get most of it off, then use ski/snowboard base cleaner (citrus based goof-off) to clean off the remaining residue.

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 279 Posts Obsessed

Go to Gorge Performance. They have some pretty good stuff. The problem with some of that stuff is it leaves an oily residue which doesn't allow the new pads to stick well. If the board is already clean then DON'T put wax on it. Wax is kind of a pain in the ass (in my opinion) and it gets everywhere. If your only going to use it on the coast then maybe wax. But if you plan on using it other places ie: warm weather, then I would just put the pads on. Cleaning the board with alcohol before you put the pad on will help it stick much better. Also make sure the board is warm (hair dryer is a good idea).

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Oct 07, 10 10:08 am

those methods will work, but why not make some money off it.....

1. Steal sexy picture from internet
2. Place CL ad for "painless hair removal"
3. Do your best to sound professional on the phone.
4. Meet patient, heat the wax on the board, and have them lay the desired area on the board.
5. Step out of the room for a couple minute. Maybe light some incense or turn on that little bubbling rock thing you bought at wallmart.
6. FIRMLY grab the board with both hands and quickly pul away from patient. (you may want to wear ear plugs).
7. Smile, collect fee for services.

Go surfing !!!

Oh wait, now your board is covered with manky hair and cuticles Sad

Ok, nevermind that idea. Hair dryer and rags.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

DaKine Wax Remover

cosmodog · Since 06 Oct 2005 203 Posts Stoked

Sticky Bumps wax remover - super easy.

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Damn Monkeyboy, where do you dream these things up ? Ok, don't answer that.

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

alcohol and acetone are expensive and super toxic. warm, scrape until you can't scrape anymore then use mineral spirits with a rag (apply liberally but don't need to soak it). use soapy warm water to remove the residue, then lightly sand.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Local paint shop should sell some wax & grease remover. Not as aggressive as acetone, designed to take wax off cars before painting... when there really can't be any wax on there. I wouldn't leave any chemical on the epoxy too long.

tree · Since 29 May 2007 148 Posts Bend, OR Stoked

Thanks for all of the tips, particularly the one about leveraging the chore to help me fulfill my dream of giving brazilians. Stay tuned for a waxing fundraiser to raise money for my '11 ski quiver.

UPS mangled the board, so I have to wait a few more days to live the dream.