Snowboard P-tex sticks

P-Tex sticks for refinishing ski and snowboard bases

A P-Tex sticks are an indispensable tool for skiers and snowboarders, with which they can effectively repair damages to the belay of their ski or snowboard. Below a describe exactly what P-Tex sticks are and how to use them.

What are P-Tex sticks?

A P-Tex stick, also known as a belay repair stick, is a piece of plastic used to repair damage to the belay of skis and snowboards. It is composed of polyethylene (PTEX), a durable and resilient material that can withstand the harsh conditions of the mountains.

What do you use P-Tex sticks for?

The main function of P-Tex stick is to fill and repair damage to the belay. This includes scratches, grooves and holes in your base. By filling the damaged area with P-Tex and then polishing and finishing it you restore the base making it nice and smooth again resulting in better gliding performance.

Different types of P-Tex sticks

P-Tex sticks come in two types. Black P-Tex and clear P-Tex. If the base of your ski or snowboard is completely black, you can choose black repair sticks. If you have a colored base or a clear base with color underneath, you can choose clear or transparent P-Tex sticks. This way the P-Tex cannot be seen. Do you use black P-Tex in this situation? Then you will always continue to see black stripes.

How do you process P-Tex stick for snowboard repair?

Processing a P-Tex stick for belay repair requires careful preparation and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to repairing the belay of skis and snowboards with a P-Tex stick:

Step 1: Surface Preparation.

1. Clean the damaged area thoroughly with a soft brush to remove dirt, dust and loose particles.
2. Use a degreaser, such as isopropyl alcohol, to remove any remaining dirt and grease.
3. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Heating the P-Tex Stick.

1. Use a lighter, candle or special P-Tex repair gun to gently heat the P-Tex stick.
2. Hold the P-Tex stick over the flame or heating element and move it back and forth until it begins to melt and take on a liquid consistency.
3. Be careful not to overheat the P-Tex stick to prevent burning.

Step 3: Application of the P-Tex

1. Apply the melted P-Tex evenly to the damaged area of the belay.
2. Fill all scratches, grooves, holes and cracks with the melted P-Tex, making sure that the entire damaged area is covered.
3. Use a metal scraper or other tool to spread and smooth the P-Tex evenly for an even finish.

Step 4: Curing

1. Allow the repaired P-Tex to fully cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the ambient temperature and thickness of the applied P-Tex.
2. Take care not to disturb or touch the repaired area during the curing process to ensure optimal adhesion.

Step 5: Remove excess P-Tex.

1. Remove the excess P-Tex with a scraper. This is best done with an aluminum scraper