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How to Make Surfboard Wax

How to Make Surfboard Wax
Surfboard wax is used to coat the board and allow it to move more easily through the water. Wax is available at surf shops and at many online retailers. Available in a variety of colors and scents, surfboard wax may also be made at home. With some know how and easily obtained materials, surf wax may be made for much less than commercially-made waxes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Paraffin wax pellets Petroleum jelly Calcium carbonate Coloring and scents Old pot Heat source Cooling molds
  • Paraffin wax pellets
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Coloring and scents
  • Old pot
  • Heat source
  • Cooling molds
Step 1
Place an old pot on a heat source such as a stove top. Use low heat. An outdoor or camp stove is ideal as this is a project best done outside where fumes can easily dissipate and flare ups pose less threat.
Step 2
Add the paraffin pellets to the pot. Use pellets instead of blocks of paraffin as the pellets will melt more easily and faster. A good amount to work with for the first batch is about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. of pellets.
Step 3
Pour 1 lb. of the calcium carbonate to the melted paraffin wax. Use an old spoon to thoroughly mix taking care to not allow the hot wax to splash or spill out. The wax is very combustible.
Step 4
Add the petroleum jelly to the mixture. Add enough to make the consistency sticky but not too thin. The jelly will help keep the finished wax soft enough to use. Add colorings or scents as the final step of mixing.
Step 5
Pour the mixture into molds such as muffin tins to form and cool. Take care when pouring the mixture to avoid burns. Place the molds on an elevated rack or other surface for cooling.

Tips & Warnings

 
There are many different molds which may be used for cooling. Keep in mind that the ideal shape will allow for plenty of surface contact between the wax and board.
 
Use extreme caution when melting, stirring and pouring the wax. The wax mixture will be very combustible.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

Write for Trails.com

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