When to Take them to a Shop?

First step is to establish if the hole is deep enough to repair and if you can do it yourself. If the damage is just a little surface scratch then it might not even be worth repairing. However if it is deep enough that you can see the core of the ski or snowboard, or if it is close to the edge then it probably needs a patch done by a professional in the rental shop. If it is a small cut that is more than 2mm deep and does not come close to the edge then you need to use a DataWax Repair Candle to repair the damage.

How to Repair your Bases

Equipment Required

• Repair Candles (black or clear)
• Metal Scraper
• Cigarette lighter or mini blowtorch (not matches)
• Stable surface for your ski or board

Repair candles are used to repair small scratches and nicks in the base.

Firstly make sure that the base of the ski around the area you need to repair is clean and dry –ideally using DataWax Base Cleaner.

1. Place the metal scraper near the ski (to collect drips from the repair candle).
2. Light the end of the repair candle (use a lighter, not matches as it is a cleaner flame).
3. Keep the candle lit and ait until you have a blue flame and then move the candle, from above the scraper to the repair. (A yellow flame contains particles of carbon which will weaken your repair.)
4.  Let the drips from the repair candle fill the gap.
5. If the hole is large you may need to do this several times. The repair should be slightly proud of the base.
6. Allow it to cool, this should take about an hour
7.  Now use the metal scraper to cut off the excess.
8. You may need to repeat this process until you get a smooth finish.
9. Finally rub your repair gently with a Brown Structure Pad or a brass brush to give it a little structure so that wax can be absorbed.

 TIP:-If the damage is very extensive or next to the edge you may need an expert to patch your base. 

What Do I Need?