If you've finally purchased the perfect snowboard with a design and finish that matches your tastes, a scratch can cramp your style. But unless the damage is significant or cause the snowboard to bend or crack, you can usually fix it on your own. With a little bit of work, your snowboard will be as good as new and ready for another beating.
Step 1
Cut any loose pieces or fraying ends around the scratch with a razor or scraper. If the dent is very large or deep, rub the inside with sandpaper. Clean the scratch and the area immediately surrounding it with a snowboard base cleaner. Use a small wire brush to distribute the base cleaner evenly and ensure the cleaner gets inside the scratch and any small crevices contained in the scratch.
Step 2
Light the polyethylene candle and allow the candle to burn for several minutes until there is a pool of polyethylene around the flame. Hold the candle next to the board -- careful not to burn the board's surface with the flame -- and drip wax into the scratch or dent. Fill the hole completely until it is slightly overflowing. Give the board 15 or 20 minutes to cool.
Step 3
Use the scraper to remove any excess polyethylene sticking out of the scratch. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and make slow, deliberate strokes. Avoid excessive scraping, and don't attempt scraping until the hole is completely dry. Sand the area with sandpaper for a smooth finish.
References
Tips
- If your scratch is more of a gash and is deep enough that the core is exposed, it’s best to have it fixed at the shop.
Writer Bio
Van Thompson is an attorney and writer. A former martial arts instructor, he holds bachelor's degrees in music and computer science from Westchester University, and a juris doctor from Georgia State University. He is the recipient of numerous writing awards, including a 2009 CALI Legal Writing Award.