How to spread plastic skis? Why do athletes resort to lubrication? This is required not only for gaining a good glide forward, but also so that the skis do not slip when moving backwards.
The main types of lubricants
How to grease plastic skis? For this, special substances are used, which are conditionally divided into categories of lubricants holding and sliding. If we talk about ski greases, then they are most often produced on the basis of paraffins with the addition of powder accelerators. Such lubricants are applied to the ski surface using cotton swabs or by spraying. After the grease has dried, the skis need to be polished.
Lubricants may have a liquid or solid consistency. Their use contributes to the acquisition by the ski surface of the effect of additional adhesion, which becomes indispensable for repulsion.
The selection of the optimum lubricant for skis is a rather difficult task, because it is precisely on this that the availability of the optimum ability to glide as smoothly as possible often depends. One of the best options today can be a professional ski lubricant Swix. To achieve optimum performance in a large sport, individual lubricants are stacked on top of each other in a checkerboard pattern.
Instruments
If ski lubrication is necessary , amateurs, unlike professional athletes, can limit themselves to a rather modest set of tools. The main device for lubricating skis is an iron. As other tools, you can use the tools available that are in every home.
A good iron with a smooth surface, without holes in the sole, is suitable for ski lubrication. A prerequisite is the presence of a wet sponge, which will not only remove excess grease, but also lower the temperature of the soleplate.
The initial processing of the ski sliding surface is recommended to be performed using flux paraffin, which does not contain fluorine, with a melting point from 60 to 75 degrees. In this case, the temperature of the iron should be as low as possible. This will gradually melt the lubricant, evenly distributing it over the surface of the ski. Driving the iron on a ski when lubricating is better with a wide, rear surface. Excess grease residues are removed with a scraper or any other convenient means at hand.
The use of improvised tools and materials is ideal for amateur athletes who do not need to regularly lubricate a notched plastic ski.
Optional accessories
One of the most desirable accessories for ski lubrication is a cover that allows you to maintain the structure of the sliding surface. In addition, a special ski lubricant is very poorly rubbed off clothing.
An important role in lubrication is played by surface preparation. Fine sandpaper is often used here , with which the sliding surface of the skis is processed until it becomes completely smooth.
Lubrication process
The lubrication of the sliding surface of the ski should begin by applying a so-called primer in the form of a thin layer of paraffin. Then a hard, retaining and more pliable outer layer of lubricant is applied.
How to grease plastic skis? The ski lubrication process is as follows:
- Skis are firmly fixed with the sliding surface upwards on an even horizontal plane. The iron is heated to a minimum temperature, after which base grease is applied to its sole so that its drops evenly lie on the surface of the skis.
- Liquid, molten grease is neatly distributed over the ski surface with the same iron. If possible, you should try to avoid excessive overheating of the sole of the iron and its delay in one place in order to avoid burning the surface of the skis.
- As soon as the ski grease completely hardens, its excess must be carefully removed with a scraper. Finally, the ski sliding surface is rubbed with a nylon brush.
Secrets of proper ski lubrication
There are several useful tips, the use of which will allow you to lubricate your skis as efficiently as possible. First of all, grease must be applied at room temperature, having previously cleaned and dried the skis. In this case, solid lubricants should be applied to the sliding surface in several separate, pre-hardened layers.
To determine how efficiently grooved plastic skis are lubricated, you need to check them by moving in the snow in a smooth, measured way. If the skis begin to slip over several kilometers, then it is recommended to use greases with higher melting points.
Understanding how to lubricate plastic skis correctly will allow tracking of environmental factors. Important here are indicators of air temperature, snow structure and its humidity. On this basis, when buying lubricants, you must especially carefully familiarize yourself with the description and instructions for use.
Finally
Having figured out how to lubricate plastic skis, and having gained practical skills, you need to pay attention to the need to treat the sliding surface at least once a year, which will help maintain it in good condition. With frequent driving in various weather conditions, the procedure can be performed more often. Store oiled skis in a dry room at room temperature.
Ultimately, you don’t need to be lazy to fix where and how the sliding surface of the ski behaves when using separate lubricants. Only a serious approach to the procedure and a thorough study of the characteristics of each brand will allow you to quickly decide on a truly effective ski lubricant.