a friend suggested I use that wax removal thing, The Pickle, to take wax off the board after you hand scrape a lot off with the flat side of the plastic comb. I bought one, but it kinda looks like a sketchy idea. Seems like it would require even more effort than using the plastic comb thing the whole way. Plus, does it leave a greasy film on the board? I always had no problem just using the comb, although it takes a lot of time... And while we are on rookie questions, is there a word for the trail the board leaves on th wave it drops down? (Like planes leave a contrail)...And, if not, why not and what should it be.
Use the pickle. It works. Like you said, scrape the majority off with the comb. The pickle will get the rest. Just keep rotating it around. I re-waxed one of my boarts the other day. No good reason cuz there's no waves in the forecast but it was half melted and just looked like crap. Can't help you on the second part.
To remove wax, I let it sit in the sun for about 5 min, then take old casino player cards (credit cards) and scrape with ease. I never used the pickle, seemed like a waste of money... I would imagine it’s a “wake”. But I preferree contrails.
gromtrails… I usually use the Scob method. credit card works great, then I use a dry towel to get any extra from pressured areas.
Hey Betty... Use the flat cobm to get as much wax off as possible. Then use the pickle on what's left. It will get the boart clean like new... I never use it unless I am going to sell a boart, becase I never need to get every bit of wax off. It will not leave a greasy film. I would call the trail a wake
Hot sunshine, a 3" plastic putty knife (two bucks at the hardware store... lasts forever), and a paper towel. Lol @ "gromtrail"!
Sawdust works well to get the last layer off. Careful leaving it out in the hot sun. Just don't forget about it like I did. LBC had to teach me how to fix a delam after that one. Could it be a rooster tail? Its a wake for sure. Exhaust.
Ok, so it’s just for getting the board all new looking. So maybe unnecessary since you still have to scrape most of the wax off, and all it does it makes it look new by taking off the final laggards, I gather? The credit card and putty knife sound like solid ideas..knew about the sun softening it up, have done all my board scraping with that idea. Seems like it takes minutes in the florida summer sun to soften it.
The BLEFF. Once I dropped a jar of honey (the raw local of course) on the concrete driveway, and it scooped it right up, no greasy residue. Never tried it on wax, but I guarantee the little ones would do just fine.
My line of work, I always have a few yellow putty flats that work awesome if wax is hot or cold, but have used credit cards in a pinch! Warm wax in sun for a few, scrape off major stuff, and if your quick enough, paper towel will get most of the residue and pockets easy. Then any citrus based cleaner will remove wax residue with a simple paper towel. Helps me when I apply new wax... seems to grab and spread better and more even after.
Acetone is a nasty, nasty chemical. I only use it if there is no other alternative (dissolving poly resin while it's still in liquid state). When working with epoxy, I use distilled white vinegar. For removing any kind of adhesive, I use WD40 and elbow grease... in equal amounts. For removing wax I use solar energy and a simple, cheap and effective tool I can clean and reuse infinitely.
Does the WD40 leave an oily residue that’s hard to remove? I’m about to replace the traction pad on my Flashback Fish for the 2nd time and want to make sure the area is squeaky clean to insure the new one sticks perfectly. Last time I think I used Googone or whatever. The majority of the pad stuck but a small piece wouldn’t stay stuck and I had to cut it off. Not sure if it’s the dimpled surface or how I cleaned it off last time, or if the design of the traction pad is flawed.
Besides pad aids lol, yes your surface wasn’t clean enough. WD40 is great stuff but leaves residue. Wipe down area with paper towels and isopropyl alcohol before applying the pad.
Hot beach. Wax melts. Scrapes off. Next just cover the deck with hot sand. Then use your hands. Wax off. Dip in ocean. Hose off. Like new. In winter i am stuck with scraper, orangey smelling poison and the pickle. Hot sun and sand with scraper and then bare hands works best. Hands down.
