Ski Base Repair Instructions

Base Repair & Inspection

Tools needed:

Ski or Board Vises (you’ll need a 3-piece vise for skis)
Brake Retainers (you’ll need these for all stages)
True Bar (also known as a parallel bar or straight edge)
3-5mm sharp plexi scraper & steel scraper
P-tex candle
Body File (‘a Panzer or Radial File”)
Brass Oval Brush, Brass or Soft Steel Roto Brush
Cut Protective Kevlar Gloves (slipping is inevitable & these are essential to prevent injury)

Step 1 - Scrape Your Base:

Scrape your base with a Plexi Scraper then remove deeper oxidation and dirt with your Oval Brass Brush OR Brass or Soft Steel Roto Brushes and if desired finish with an alcohol/water based solution to remove further surface dirt, dust and fingerprints. (Note: We will cover this step in more detail prior to waxing).

Step 2 - Inspect Gouges:

Next you’ll need to inspect for any gouges in the base from rocks or trees.

Step 3 - Secure Skis or Snowboard:

Secure your skis or snowboard on the Vice and use Brake Retainers on skis to keep your brakes out of the way.

Step 4 - Light P-text Candle:

Light your P-tex candle; hold over an old piece of cardboard or Steel Scraper until you get a smaller blue flame and blow out if needed. Drip the P-tex onto the damaged area until it fills to slightly above the base. Be sure not to drip any carbon on the base (a large orange flame indicates this). Keep the flame clean by dripping the dirty P-tex onto the Steel Scraper. Let this harden for a couple of minutes. Alternatively, you can use a P-Tex Gun/Soldering Iron.

Step 5 - Use Steel Scraper:

Remove the excess P-tex with a sharp Steel Scraper as you would scrape wax off but with a lighter touch, removing thin layers until flush with the base. Another option to remove the hardened P-Tex is by using the Body File to shave the P-tex down so that it is flush with the base. Note: take light passes so that you do not scratch or damage surrounding areas of the base, as these files are very sharp. The WC Body File (part #BFWC) is the correct file for this.

Lastly, if the base of your skis or board is in extremely poor condition it is a good idea to take your skis into a specialty shop and ask for a “base grind & structure” to start you off on the right track. However, be sure to assess their work with your True Bar or Base Bevel Meter before leaving the shop (STEP ONE). Note: if you find that the base-edges are catchy after a new grind you have the option to request they redo their work or arternatively you can adjust the Base-Edge Tuning (STEP ONE) by yourself.

Coaching Tip: Skis & boards that are “railed” or “edge-high” are dangerous and negetively impact skill development. They may also lead to incorrect interpretations of how your skiing or riding is progressing. The more control and input you have over your own equipment on a day to day basis will improve your feel on the snow and help you develop a closer relationship between your performance and the condition of your equipment. Skiing & riding is more FUN when your setup is correct.