ski waxing

Question
What is the proper technique for waxing alpine skis with a wax for cold temps so that you do not get checking or blistering (which becomes apparent when scraping?

Answer
To the best of my experience the key is using enough heat and just the right amount of wax in the initial application so that there is a good absorption or binding effect with the ski molecularly. Then the only wax that is being scraped off is the superficial remainder which if the ski has cooled properly and you are using cold weather wax often appears to powders off as you scrape it rapidly. What sounds like is happening is there is too much of a layer left on the surface after ironing. A quick website to visit for technical information on waxing is www.kuusport.com and as well the link to an article by the CSCF (Canadian Ski Coaches Federation) on a website http://www.manitobamastersskiclub.com/ . Once there link to Coaches Corner and read Article 1: Nine Steps to Basic Ski Tuning.

Other than that I am at a loss as to what may be causing you the problem. Do you scrape until there is nothing but what is in the ski and then brush (using a finely haired waxing brush, usually horse hair for real cold) to clean out the excess wax and leave the structure of the ski intact for moisture transportation off of the base?

Hope that these will be of some help in your situation.

Glenn