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Fixing My Bases

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J-Dubb
Posts: 438 - Karma: 3
So after skiing probably 6-10 times, the bottoms of my skis get black shit on them (presumably from rails). How can I get rid of this?
Mar 31 2013 8:26PM
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J-Dubb
Posts: 438 - Karma: 3
C'monnnn. Need some help.
Mar 31 2013 10:51PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,410
Ooooh. Any pictures? I'm surprised that riding itself hasn't cleaned the 'black stuff' off. Have you maybe tried a hot wax with a yellow wax and then an immediate hot scrape after. Repeat a few times (if your actually seeing progress though) then wax it with an appropriate as you normally would.
Mar 31 2013 10:58PM
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DaysToCome
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 86
it probably doesnt affect the ski at all. but if your really need it off try base cleaner, or just get your skis a base grind. If you keep hitting rails though your skis are going to get marked up. just how it goes
Mar 31 2013 10:59PM
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Joebin
Posts: 1664 - Karma: 867
One of the many reasons I always try and find black bases.
Apr 1 2013 12:02AM
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iffe
Posts: 984 - Karma: 120
Base cleaner/wax remover is a bad idea and should be used as last resort only. Skis benefit from being waxed repeatedly, and wax remover removes this benefit completely.

OP: drip some wax on the dirty spot, spread it all over the spot with the iron and then immediately scrape before the wax cools down. You may have to repeat this a few times but it will get rid of the dirt. Then just wax normally afterwards.

Also waxing frequently (I suggest every five days) will keep your bases in great condition and they won't get dirty as easily as an unwaxed base.
Apr 1 2013 4:57AM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
No, don't use base cleaner, they really aren't worth it for considering the effects it has on the base overall. The citrus based products are slightly better than some of the other base cleaners on the market, however I still wouldn't reccomend using either. Just hot scrape with a cheap wax, and you should be good.

OP with your scenario, I'd just reccomend hot scraping. It's the same process as normally waxing your skis, however before the wax cools, you scrape, ie. whilst it's still hot. For this process I'd reccomend just getting some cheap wax, and probably a universal, something like this -http://datawax.com/index.php/shop/workshop-tools/universal-wax-green-1kg/

If you're unsure about waxing skis, just take them to a shop, explain the situation, and I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out.
Apr 1 2013 5:10AM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
This happened to me over the weekend, my jimmies were severely rustled as I thought my bases would be dirty forever. Looks like there's hope after all.

If I just hot scrape one of the skis, is it going to be faster than the other even if I do a real wax on both after? Seems like they would still be the same, just making sure though.
Apr 1 2013 12:10PM
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iffe
Posts: 984 - Karma: 120
Hahah yeah, you will be forced into a scissored stance when skiing because the other ski is so much faster.

Nah, there won't be a difference. The wax doesn't even really get into the base that much since you scrape it off immediately. Just wax 'em properly afterwards.
Apr 1 2013 2:04PM
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