The sound of a rock gauging your snowboard’s base as you ride over it makes you wince. It almost makes you feel apologetic towards your base for mistreating it, even if you did it accidentally. The reality is that a snowboard is there to be used, and you have to expect damage from time to time. But you can repair most gouges in your base with some P-Tex.
Repairing a snowboard’s base with P-Tex is pretty easy once you know how. You need a P-Tex candle, scrapers, a file, sandpaper, and base cleaner. These items can make your base look and perform like new. However, P-Tex repairs are temporary but maintain your snowboard’s performance in the short term.
As an experienced snowboarder who has ridden over more than their fair share of rocks, I’m here to share my knowledge on one of the most essential aspects of snowboard maintenance; P-Tex snowboard repair. P-Tex is a thermoplastic material used to fill in scratches and gouges on your snowboard’s base, helping to keep your snowboard performing as it should and allowing you to enjoy it for longer.
What Do You Need To Repair A Snowboard With P-Tex?
To repair a snowboard with P-Tex, you need a few items. All the specialist items are available from good ski and snowboard shops.
However, you may want to buy them online for convenience and more choice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A P-Tex candle
- A metal scraper
- A plastic scraper
- A lighter
- A file
- Sandpaper (120 grit)
- Base cleaner
- Snowboard wax and waxing iron
I have a snowboard servicing kit that includes most of these items in a handy pouch. It’s a nice thing to have, as it has a few other tools that allow me to carry out all sorts of repairs on my snowboards.
Step 1: Inspect the Base Of Your Snowboard
The first thing to do is inspect the base of your snowboard for any damage. If you have any deep gouges or cracks, it may be best to take your board to a professional.
Large holes and scrapes may require patching, which is a more in-depth task. In addition to this, damage around the edges may need more attention.
This kind of damage can let water into the construction of your snowboard, causing it to delaminate. If this happens, you’ll need to replace your snowboard before it falls apart.
However, if you only have minor damage, such as scratches and dings, you can easily repair them at home, even if they go deep enough to expose the core of your board.
Step 2: Clean the Base
Once you’re confident that the damage is repairable at home, you need to start by cleaning the base of your snowboard. Use a base cleaner to remove any dirt or grime from the surface.
This will allow your P-Tex to set into your board properly, preventing it from falling out prematurely.
It is essential to make sure the base is completely dry, so you may have to wait for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Light the P-Tex Candle
When you buy P-Tex, try to color-match it with your base. This can be tricky if you have funky base graphics, but it looks better when your P-Tex repairs are the same color as your base.
This is purely aesthetic, but it’s a shame when you have a big black mark on your otherwise white base. If you can’t find P-Tex that matches, use transparent P-Tex as the best compromise.
Light the P-Tex candle with a lighter, or even better, hold it over a flame from a regular candle.
The constant flame from a candle makes the job more manageable and allows the excess carbon to burn off, so you don’t get ugly black marks on your base.
Once alight, hold the P-Tex candle about an inch from the base and let the molten P-Tex drip onto the damaged area. Be sure not to touch the candle to the base, as this can cause more damage.
Also, don’t let the hot molten P-Tex drip onto your fingers, as it really hurts.
Step 4: Fill in the Damaged Area
Use the drips from the P-Tex candle to fill in the damaged area. Don’t go overboard with it, as you’ll have to scrape it off later.
Let the P-Tex cool for a few seconds, and then use a metal scraper to scrape off any excess material. Take your time with this and be sure to scrape in a diagonal direction.
Once you’ve done this, use a plastic scraper to smooth out the repair, making it flush with the base as much as possible.
Step 5: File and Sand the Repair
If you have had to fix a significant hole in the base with lots of P-Tex, you may need to file and sand the P-Tex you’ve dripped into the hole.
Use a fine file around the repair to smooth it out, being careful not to rub it too much.
Then, to ensure a super smooth finish, use fine sandpaper to make it flush with the rest of the base. Take it easy when doing this; you can’t go back once you’ve taken too much off.
Step 6: Clean And Wax The Base
Hopefully, your base will now be free of holes and scratches; but you’re not finished yet.
It is a good idea to clean the base again before waxing, as you’ll need to remove any debris from the repair so the wax can settle onto the area.
To wax your snowboard, you need a clean surface, wax, a waxing iron, a scraper, and a brush. It is best to choose wax designed for the current temperature you’re riding in.
For example, use mild-temperature wax for riding in spring and low-temperature wax for the rest of the time. Alternatively, take the guesswork out by using universal wax, which can be used all season.
When you’re ready, melt the wax onto the board with the iron, then spread the wax evenly across the board like you are ironing a pair of jeans.
Let it cool, then scrape off excess wax with a scraper. Finally, brush the base in the direction of travel to create a smooth finish.
Extra Tips For Repairing Your Snowboard With P-Tex
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using P-Tex to fix damage to your snowboard’s base:
- P-Tex repairs are only temporary, and there’s a good chance you’ll need to refill a hole again in the future.
- It’s incredibly important to clean your base before and after using P-Tex to make sure your repair lasts and your base holds wax.
- Always make sure the P-Tex repair is completely dry before waxing the base. If you don’t, the P-Tex will fall out in no time.
- Don’t overuse P-Tex, as it can build up and affect the overall performance of your board while creating extra work for yourself.
Final Thoughts
P-Tex snowboard repair is an essential part of snowboard maintenance that’s worth learning how to do.
If you’re unsure or don’t have time, you can take your board to a ski or snowboard shop to have it professionally repaired.
However, by following these steps, you can easily repair minor scratches, holes, and dings, keeping your board in top condition so you can enjoy it for many seasons to come.
It is also quite a satisfying job if you have the time. Remember, take care of your snowboard, and it will take care of you on the slopes!