by Mr.
Klister
Layering
Layering is one of the more arcane techniques of ski waxing,
but it provides motive capabilities that can be obtained
no other way and so it is worth knowing something about
it. Simply stated, layering is the combining of two or
more different grip waxes in an effort to achieve a level
of performance not obtainable from a single wax. In essence
it allows you to develop custom solutions to waxing requirements,
while at the same time providing you with limitless possibilities
for experimentation.
If you are new to the task, the basic rule to keep in
mind is to always apply soft wax over hard, for the same
reason that you always want to spread jelly over peanut
butter. As you become more experienced, you can try putting
hard waxes over soft.
if you want to try to layer a hard wax over a soft wax,
begin by drying your ski and letting it adjust to room
temperature. Then crayon on the soft wax, iron it in,
let it cool, and then cork it out smooth. You are now
ready to apply the harder wax. The first layer of the
harder wax is the most difficult to apply. Soften the
harder wax with a torch, but not to the melting point,
just to where it is softer than the cool soft wax already
on the ski. Gently crayon on the softened harder wax and
smooth it out, either with gentle heat or your cork. Add
as many layers of the harder wax as you think you need.
Be careful not to heat the ski too much and draw the softer
wax up through the harder wax. Once both waxes have cooled
you are ready to go skiing.
Here are some suggestions for combinations of SWIX waxes
to try: Extra Blue over Special Red. This combination
works best in fresh snow, with conditions ranging between
powder and glazing and air temperature around one-half
to one and one-half degrees Centigrade. If you try this
combination and you don't have enough grip, then you may
want to replace the special red with extra red. This Extra
Blue over Extra Red combination works best when the tracks
are beginning to glaze with ice, but you don't want to
use klister because you may run into powdery snow that
would stick to the klister and cause clumping.
Another useful combination is a hard wax over klister
(a soft wax). Klister is the wax of choice for granular
or glazed snow at or above freezing. When the moisture
content of the snow is also high, however, and the temperature
is just above freezing the klister can ice up and its
effectiveness is reduced. To prevent the klister icing
you can layer a hard wax, like one of the reds or purple,
over the klister to protect it.
To apply the hard wax over klister combination, begin
by spreading on a thin coat of klister at room temperature.
Then cool the klister. Next, soften the hard wax and finally,
apply it over the cooled klister. Generally, these kinds
of combinations work best in old and variable snow.
Don't be afraid to experiment. When you do come up a
successful combination, record it and the conditions under
which it works.
