Surfboard wax tutorial

Removing old wax improves grip, prevents grime, and lets you rewax with the right formula for the water temperature. With this 3-step method, you can strip wax from your surfboard in a few minutes without damaging the laminate (fiberglass).

Materials You’ll Need

• Wax comb or plastic scraper (not metal).
• Microfiber cloths or paper towels.
• Wax remover (preferably citrus-based) or isopropyl alcohol.
• Heat options: sun, warm damp cloth, or a hair dryer on low.
• Bag to dispose of used wax.
• (Optional) Dry, warm sand for the beach method.
• (Optional) Nitrile gloves.

Steps to Remove Wax from a Surfboard

Step 1 — Warm the wax to soften it

With sun (outdoors): place the board deck-up for 3–5 minutes. The wax should become soft, not liquid.

Without sun (indoors or cloudy days):

• Dampen a cloth with warm water and lay it over the area for 30–60 seconds, or
• Use a hair dryer on low, keeping more than 20 cm (8 in) away and moving constantly

Caution: avoid excessive heat, especially on epoxy boards, to prevent warping or delamination.

Step 2 — Scrape and peel off in long strips

Using the wax comb, work from nose to tail with firm, even passes.

• Keep the scraper at a low angle to avoid marking the laminate.
• Collect the wax into a bag to keep your workspace and the beach clean.

Step 3 — Fine cleaning of residue

Apply a few drops of dedicated wax remover or isopropyl alcohol to a cloth and rub in circular motions until the surface is clean and matte.

 

Finish with a dry cloth and leave the board in the shade for a few minutes to let any residue evaporate.

Método express en la playa con arena (opcional)

If you need a field solution: sprinkle dry, warm sand over the deck, press, and gently drag with your fingers so the sand-wax mix lifts off. Finish with the comb and the fine clean-up from Step 3.

Use this only occasionally: sand can micro-scratch the surface if you apply too much pressure.

How to Clean Wax on Rails, Fins, and Hard-to-Reach Areas

• Work in small sections, renewing gentle heat frequently.
• Use the corner of the comb carefully along the rails.
• If your fin system allows, remove the fins to access the tail and fin boxes more easily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using acetone, gasoline, or other harsh solvents: they can damage the resin.
• Using metal scrapers: they mark the deck.
• Overheating the board: risk of warping or delamination.
• Leaving wax residue before installing deck grips or patches: it reduces adhesion.

Preguntas frecuentes a la hora de quitar la cera

¿Cada cuánto conviene quitar la cera?

Cuando cambias de estación/temperatura de agua, si vas a vender la tabla, si vas a instalar grips o cuando la superficie está sucia y sin agarre.

Can you use vinegar or soap?

Not necessary. Prioritise specific wax removers or isopropyl alcohol and ensure thorough drying.

Do you wax the bottom?

No. Only the deck (top side) to improve grip.

What should you do with the removed wax?

Put it in the bag and dispose of it in an appropriate container. Avoid leaving residues on the beach.