Snowboard P-tex sticks
P-Tex sticks for repairing ski and snowboard bases
P-Tex sticks are an essential tool for skiers and snowboarders, allowing them to effectively repair damage to the base of their skis or snowboard. Below is a description of what P-Tex sticks are and how to use them.
What are P-Tex sticks?
A P-Tex stick, also known as a base repair stick, is a piece of plastic used to repair damage to the base of skis and snowboards. It is made from polyethylene (PTEX), a durable and resilient material that withstands the harsh conditions of the mountains.
What do you use P-Tex sticks for?
The primary function of P-Tex sticks is to fill and repair damage to the base. This includes scratches, gouges, and holes in your base. By filling the damaged area with P-Tex and then sanding and finishing it, you restore the base to a smooth condition that results in better gliding performance.
Different types of P-Tex sticks
P-Tex sticks come in two types: black P-Tex and clear P-Tex. When the base on your ski or snowboard is completely black, you can opt for black repair sticks. If you have a colored base or a clear one with color underneath, you can choose clear or transparent P-Tex sticks. This way, the P-Tex will not be visible afterward. If you use black P-Tex in this situation, you will always see black streaks.
How to use P-Tex sticks for snowboard repair?
Using a P-Tex stick for base repair requires careful preparation and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide for repairing the base of skis and snowboards with a P-Tex stick:
Step 1: Surface Preparation
- Thoroughly clean the damaged area with a soft brush to remove dirt, dust, and loose debris.
- Use a degreaser, such as isopropyl alcohol, to remove any remaining dirt and grease residues.
- Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 2: Heating the P-Tex Stick
- Use a lighter, candle, or a special P-Tex repair gun to carefully heat the P-Tex stick.
- Hold the P-Tex stick above the flame or heating element and move it back and forth until it begins to melt and attain a liquid consistency.
- Make sure not to overheat the P-Tex stick to avoid burning.
Step 3: Applying the P-Tex
- Evenly apply the melted P-Tex to the damaged area of the base.
- Fill all scratches, gouges, holes, and cracks with the melted P-Tex, ensuring that the entire damaged area is covered.
- Use a metal scraper or another tool to evenly spread and smooth the P-Tex for a uniform finish.
Step 4: Curing
- Allow the repaired P-Tex to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take several minutes to several hours, depending on the ambient temperature and the thickness of the applied P-Tex.
- Make sure that the repaired area is not disturbed or touched during the curing process to ensure optimal adhesion.
Step 5: Removing Excess P-Tex
- Remove the excess P-Tex with a scraper. This is best done with an aluminum scraper.