Skiing is a useful and interesting activity for the whole family. But skiing is not easy to acquire, they need competent care, including lubrication. The lubrication of sports equipment made of plastic is different from the same process with wood. This article is about how to properly lubricate plastic skis.
Lubrication of skis
The technology for lubricating plastic skis varies depending on how you are going to ride. In order for the skis to glide, they are lubricated with hot paraffin, and for keeping on snow with a special ointment. How to smear plastic skis for better gliding?
- Apply droplets of molten paraffin to the surface of the skis (so that a path forms). Level the track with a hot iron, but make sure that the paraffin does not smoke. The temperature of the iron should not exceed 150 ° C.
- Wait about 20 minutes for the skis to cool completely and proceed to remove the paraffin layer. Use a scraper for this purpose.
- Then take a nylon brush and treat the surface several times (the direction of movement is from toe to heel)
- If you want to use aerosol accelerators, then apply them directly on the street a few minutes before the start of the trip. If the temperature is outside, or the snow is old and loose, use knurling.
How to lubricate plastic skis "on hold"
The “hold” ski lubrication technology is different from that described above. In order for the skis to have a more tight grip with the snow cover, they are lubricated as follows:
- Lay the skis on a hard, clean plane, with your work surface facing up. Before applying grease, sand the surface.
- Apply a special ski ointment to the surface and walk on it with an iron (temperature again no higher than 150 ° C). Cool the skis.
- Smooth the remaining ointment with a cork (you can use special equipment or an ordinary champagne cork). If necessary, apply the ointment again, but now do not use the iron, just rub it with a stopper again.
Ski ointments
You have already learned how to lubricate plastic skis, but what ointment to use for this? Means for skiing are common, low fluoride and high fluoride. Conventional ointment is suitable if the air humidity during riding does not exceed 55%. In other cases, it is better to use products containing fluoride in one quantity or another. Such ointments are more expensive, but skis glide much better after applying them. Know that if the temperature of the iron exceeds the expected limit, harmful substances will be released from the ointment with fluorine content . Lubricate equipment in a respirator or in a well-ventilated area.
If you are wondering “how to lubricate plastic skis,” then go straight to the sports equipment store, where sales consultants will choose the ointment that suits you.
How to lubricate plastic skis: important tips
Even the best quality ointment will not put your skis in order if you do not familiarize yourself with the basic rules of lubrication:
- Apply grease only at room temperature. Skis must always be clean and dry.
- If you use a solid ointment, always apply it in several layers. Moreover, each layer must be rubbed separately, and the skis are cooled after the procedure. If the temperature outside the window is to -15 ° C, then 15 minutes will be enough for cooling; if it is frosty outside, cool the skis for longer.
- How to lubricate plastic skis? For classic skating, apply ointment or paraffin to the front and back of the skis, treat the surface in the middle with a composition for keeping on snow.
Want to see if you have lubricated your inventory correctly? Take a ski trip at least a couple of kilometers long. How to lubricate plastic skis in case of failure? If your skis roll too badly, use a harder ointment. If they are too slippery, use a higher temperature ointment.
Ski lubrication secrets
In order for skiing to bring you only joy, you must clearly know how to properly lubricate plastic skis. In this matter, as in any other, there are tricks and secrets.
Always follow the weather forecast on the day you ride. If it was sunny in the morning, and by dinner they promise to increase the level of air humidity and fog, be sure to bring along an extra bottle of ski ointment. This will allow you to adjust the lubricant on the spot. Not sure which ski ointment to choose? Get a special notebook and write down in it all the nuances of the “behavior” of the skis after using this or that tool. This will allow you to find the perfect ointment!
Be sure to store the ski ointment out of the reach of children and make sure that moisture does not get into it. Otherwise, the product will simply be spoiled. On the street, close the tube immediately after use.
Proper storage of plastic skis
Thorough handling and lubrication is required for skis at least once a year. Of course, professional skiers and people renting equipment at resorts do this much more often. As a rule, this is done after each ride. An ordinary person who prefers to take an unhurried ski trip on a day off is useless.
How to lubricate plastic skis, you already understand. But how to properly store them? Keep them always lubricated, tied in two places (at the heel and toe). Place your skis in a dry place at room temperature!