The Ultimate Guide to the Best Skateboard Waxes

The best skateboard waxes will make grinds and slides much easier. We took a deep dive on the subject, so without further ado, let’s get started. 🛹

[Everything to know about grip tape.]

What Wax Is Best For Skateboarding?

There are different types of wax available for skateboarding, from DIY to skate specific. Each type has some advantages and disadvantages. Some brands also offer special formulas for specific types of skating.

If you're not sure what type of wax to get, check out our recommendations below. Once you've found a wax that works well for you, slick with it. Ha, see what we did there.

Is Skate Wax Toxic?

If I had a penny for every time someone tried to eat the skate wax... Really dude, don't each the wax. I don't care how good it smells!

Skate wax is a product that is applied to the skateboard and/or to rails, copings and curbs in order to make grinds slide more smoothly. It is made from a variety of different materials, including paraffin wax, beeswax, dyes, scents, oils, and carnauba wax. While most skateboarders believe that skate wax is not toxic, we can't recommend ever eating it.

If you have sensitive skin, while pretty rare, certain waxes and oils could be irritating to you. If you have silky soft hands from using lotion all the time, maybe it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after using it.

If you are concerned about the safety of skate wax due to past interactions with certain waxes, scented oils, etc. just have your buddy apply the wax for you.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use skate wax is up to you. If you do choose to use it, be sure to take precautions and don't eat it or snort it. Honestly dudes... it's sad we have to warn you about this.

[Want skateboarder socks?]

What Is The Difference Between Surf And Skate Wax?

Surf wax is applied to the deck of a surfboard in order to provide traction for the surfer's feet. Skate wax is applied to the surface of a skateboard to avoid traction. The main difference between the two types of wax is the composition - surf wax is made from paraffin and/or beeswax mixed with tree resin / sap to make it bumpy and tacky. Skate wax is usually made from paraffin and/or beeswax blend and does not include any kind of sap or resin. Surf wax is also generally softer and more pliable than skate wax.

Both can come scented or unscented, but usually it's the surf wax that is most famous for being scented. Sex Wax is so famous for being scented that they even made an air freshener of it!

What Is The Best Skateboard Wax For Beginners?

If you're new to skateboarding, there are a lot of different brands and formulas out there and it could be easy to get overwhelmed. Don't be. Skate wax is not that complicated. Try out a bar and see how you like it and how it holds to the weather in your area.

Skate waxes from brand names are almost always a blend of beeswax, paraffin, and other ingredients brands won't tell us. Some are going to work better in colder environments and some better in hot environments. You might just like the way one brand slides over another brand. Trial and error is the best way to test this.

Finally, we all know the most important part of the skate wax experience is the scent. Not all waxes come with a scent, so it's important to think about what kind of scent you want. If it doesn't smell good, I can't smith good.

With all of these factors in mind, here are some of the best skateboard waxes for beginners:

No matter which wax you choose, be sure to apply it evenly and in thin layers for the best results. It's the worst when wax is over applied and you slide too fast. Add just a little at a time to get that perfect blend of slip and grip that you need to control your grinds. And always remember to clean up after yourself, no one likes a dirty vandal!

[Here is how to build a quarter pipe.]

What Is The Best Wax For Skating?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. Ultimately, it is up to the skater to experiment with different types of wax and find the one that works best for them.

But there are so many different brands and formulas out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

Here's a few things to keep in mind when choosing skate wax:

• The weather: Skate wax is made from a blend of beeswax, paraffin, and other ingredients. The specific blend of ingredients will affect how the wax performs in different weather conditions.
• Your personal preferences: Ultimately, the best skate wax for you is the one that you like the best. Experiment with different brands and formulas until you find one that you're happy with.
• The scent: Not all skate waxes come with a scent, but some do. If you're a fan of scented waxes, be sure to choose one that you like the smell of. After all, a good skate wax should smell as good as it slides.
• Customer reviews: Read what fellow riders are saying and if that matches the environment and skate style that you will be doing. This can help narrow the field to an option best for you.

With a little trial and error, you'll be able to find the perfect skate wax for your needs.

[There are the best skateboard waxes.]

How Long Does Skate Wax Last?

Waxing curbs and rails is important to keep it in good slip condition. But how often should you wax them and how long does the wax last?

It depends on a lot of factors, mainly weather related. If it rains a lot and it gets really sunny/hot in the area that you waxed, expect the wax to come off faster.

Since it is porous, concrete absorbs the wax. That's why ledges get that dark black color after being waxed. The sun melts the wax into the pores of the concrete. Wax works best when it is on the surface of the structure you are trying to grind, so adding a thin new layer is ideal when returning to any concrete spots.

In general though, you can expect a good coat of wax to last for several weeks or even months in a protected spot. Usually it's always good to give your spot a fresh coat when you arrive, just to keep the grinds fresh af.

[The amazing Nyjah Huston.]

Is It Important To Wax Your Board?

Some skaters also wax their trucks and deck in an effort to maximize the slippage. This can help, but we've found that waxing the actual structure is the best way to get a consistent grind. The surface on the actual skateboard is pretty small, so the wax comes off too easily.

What Is The Difference Between Skateboard Wax And Skateboard Lubricant?

As a skateboarder, it is important to know the difference between skateboard wax and skateboard lubricant. Skateboard wax is used to make the surface of a coping, curb, or ledge grind faster and more smoothly. Skateboard lubricant is used to reduce friction between the components within your skateboard bearings.

Skateboard wax can be applied to any part of your skateboard deck, but it is most commonly applied to ledges and rails. This gives riders a better feel during a grind and allows skateboarders to grind further than without the wax. It helps with balance too since it's a lot easier to balance when sliding smoothly rather than hooking up on knurled concrete.

Skateboard lubricant is applied to internals of the bearings in your wheels. This will help your wheels spin faster and smoother. It can also help to prevent rust and corrosion on your bearings.

A very small amount of lubricant can also be applied to the bushings of your trucks to reducing squeaking while turning. And we mean small! Less is more here. It can make your trucks turn more smoothly and silently from the reduced friction.

The main difference between skateboard wax and skateboard lubricant is their intended purpose. Skateboard wax is used to make ledges and copings easier to grind. Skateboard lubricant is used to reduce friction between your skateboard bearings for a faster and smoother roll. Both products are important for maintaining your skateboard and keeping it in good condition.

How do you make the best skate wax?

There are a few key things to keep in mind when making skate wax. You want to make sure that the wax is soft enough to apply easily and evenly to surfaces, but not so soft that it gums up. It has to be hard enough so that applying it is controllable.

The first step is to gather your supplies.

• Paraffin wax - preferably beads, not bars
• Beeswax - preferably beads, not bars
• Container to melt wax
• Stir rod
• Silicon mold
• Measuring scale or measuring cups
• Hot plate
• Optional - Scent of choice
• Optional - Color of choice

Step 1 - Create your blend

We recommend starting with a 2/3 paraffin 1/3 beeswax mix to start. This means that if you have one cup of beeswax mixed with 2 cups of paraffin.

Stick your blend into the wax melt container.

If you've opted to add scent or color, also add this to your melt container now.

Step 2 - Melt the wax

Using your hot plate, let the wax completely melt. Stir it to help mix up the blend of waxes, color, and scent.

Get the wax hot enough to be completely melted, but not much hotter than this. If you pour really hot wax into a cold mold, you will end up with air bubbles in your casting.

Step 3 - Carefully pour

If you have a hair dryer, it can help to warm the mold before pouring into it. Cold molds create more air bubbles as the wax cools.

Carefully pour your wax into the mold of choice. We recommend doing this outside or somewhere you don't care if you get wax. It can get messy!

Step 4 - Allow to cool

Give the wax 24 hours to cool all the way down.

Trying to remove the wax from the mold too early is going to make the wax deform and not make a good hard shape. Trying to remove it really early could lead to burns, be super careful! Wax cools from the outside in, so even if it looks cool, still double check. The inside may still be toasty.

Step 5 - Pop out the wax

Once completely cooled, the wax will be hard and can be popped out of your mold. Careful that you do not rip the mold so you can use it again and again!

Step 6 - Skate it!

Take it to your favorite rail or curb and apply some. Take note of how it adheres and how it feels in your hand. Good wax should stick to the surface and apply evenly.

[Here is the incredible Shaun White.]

Can you use deodorant as skateboard wax?

So, can you use deodorant as skateboard wax? The simple answer is yes. Deodorant can help reduce friction and make your ride smoother. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before using deodorant as skateboard wax.

First, it won't last as long. Deodorant was designed to keep you from smelling like trash panda, not keeping your rail slick.

Compared to wax, deodorant is expensive. You are going to have to use a lot of it and it'll be costly.

You can definitely use deodorant as skateboard wax. But it's best only in a pinch due to it not lasting long and being pricey.

What can I use if I don't have skateboard wax?

If you don't have skateboard wax, you can instead use candle wax, a bar of soap, or deodorant.

Of those three options, candle wax or a bar of soap works best. They'll also be the best priced.

What is skate wax made out of?

Skate wax is made out of a variety of different materials, depending on the brand and type. The most common ingredients are paraffin, beeswax, and carnauba wax. These materials all have different properties that make them ideal for skateboarding.

Paraffin is the most common type of wax used in skateboarding. It's very hard and durable, making it perfect for sticking to curbs and ledges. Beeswax is another popular choice for skateboarders and nature conscience folk. It's softer than paraffin, so it provides a little bit more grip to the curbs. Carnauba wax is the hardest type of wax, making it great for rougher surfaces.

[Need off road electric skateboards?]

Other Factors To Consider

Skate wax can be bought on Amazon, local skate shops, or really anywhere that sells high quality skate products. You should also be able to get skateboard wheels, stickers, and many other high quality skate products.

Skateboard enthusiasts sometimes keep pocket sized wax in their jeans, so they can keep their boards (and curbs) slick with lube. If the wax melts, you may still be able to perform grinds, especially if you’re doing tricks with a board from one of the best skateboard brands.

Try something like Shortys Skateboards Curb Candy wax on your favorite curb, or in your favorite skatepark, and see the super slick difference it can make. If you want to do skateboard tricks on any curb, just wax it down for the best experience.