Help on PROPERLY using clear p-tex?

the best way is with a ptex gun, but with a lighter you have to try to get it to burn quicker and try to do it quickly because the p-tex gets too hot and thats how it discolors. its not a big deal if it changes color too much-its on your base

suck it up and just use black ptex. adds character to the skis.

Use a blow torch and instead of extinguishing it once the stick is lit and dripping like you would for black ptex, keep the flame on the stick the whole time. Voila, no carbon buildup.

i used clear, it burned a little, theres a dark blob on my yellow base, no biggie.

If the p-tex is burning then the carbon that forms as the "black stuff" is weakening the bond of the ptex to the base.


There are some good vids on youtube for applying ptex. Basically I first heat the skis base a little for better stick, then light the candle. Lower it to a metal scraper placed next to the area of the base in need of repair. While moving the candle to avoid burning the same dripping ptex, adjust the height of the flame until the candle burns blue, not red. Ensure that the dripping ptex is then clear with no black carbon buildup. When the flame is blue, put the candle over the gauge and keep that blue flame!

Fill it in, a little over what you need because the ptex shrinks as it cools. After 30 min, scrape with the metal scraper or actual versaplane ptex scraper or even a razor and wellah! Nice, pretty, long lasting, not black repair!

I have heard a soldering iron works but never used one..maybe it works?

This seems like what I'm looking for, but I can't seem to fully comprehend what you're trying to say.

So, I just light the p tex like normal, but keep the lit candle over my metal scraper until the ptex flame turns blue? Then while it's burning blue then that's when I put the p-tex candle over the damage?

http://www.racewax.com/category/tuning-tips.how-to-apply-ptex/

Exxxxxactly!

If you just start burning it, it'll make sense ;D

Ah thanks, this really helps, thanks man!

And SkierX, thanks for that link, I'll keep that in handy.

+K to everyone who helped.

http://vimeo.com/9589138 

makes sure your flame when burning onto the ski is blue in color and not yellow/red/orange (you want none of those). and simply lightly drip/drag (which ever you prefer) it over the scrape. have a metal sheet to wipe off your excess ptex material as well as to maintain a pointed straight tip for application. aslso as mentioned try using a blow torch if you can get one because itl burn it at a higher temp

I've found that a blowtorch can really help the entire process too. You can use it to ensure a good bond to the surrounding base material by SLIGHTLY warming the base around the spot. It's a fine line though. Warm too much, and you will damage the base structure.

Ski repair is not rocket science, but it does take practice. If you have a shot pair of garbage skis, you could always practice on those by cutting gouges with a blade and filling those. Once you are comfortable with your technique, take it to your good skis.

Also, beer among other things ALWAYS makes the process better. Ski repair is a lot of fun on downdays and keeping all those little knocks near your edges filled will help extend the life of your skis and help to prevent edge ripouts.

Also, don't bother repairing tiny surface scrapes in the center of the skis. Get a base grind and those will disappear anyways.

So much useful information! Thanks everyone!