How to Wax a Curb or Rail to Grind on a Skateboard

Last Updated: February 9, 2021

Boardslides and grinds can be really fun, but only if you can actually make it all the way. To help overcome most of the friction, you must wax the curb or rail well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Any wax

1
Get some wax. Pretty much any wax will do, although you can get specially made skate wax.
2
Find the spot in need of waxing.

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3
Take your wax. Rub a small amount over the entire surface, including the top, sides, and corner.
4
Try your rail or curb out. If you still stick, apply a little bit more. Repeat as necessary. Remember, putting wax on is easy, it's taking it off that's tough.
5
Afterwards, make sure to try to wash off the surface if it's not yours.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Candle wax

1
Make skate wax. Remove the wick from seven tea light candles. Take the wick out of each candle and remove the plastic circle. Place all in a pop can and boil. Add olive oil in it to make it easier to grind.
2
Once boiled, let it sit for a couple of hours to set.
3
Find a curb or rail and slide the wax on it. Don't use to much or it will be faster when you grind and you can lose control and wipe out.
4
Grab your skateboard. Ollie or do any other trick on the curb or rail and grind it when you are ready.

Community Q&A

Question

Why do I need to put wax on a grind bar?

Community Answer

You need to do this sometimes because the skateboard doesn't pick up as much momentum as the rider and therefore the rider can fall.
Question

Do I need to add skate wax to a board?

Community Answer

No, as the rail has enough already and you could wreck your deck.
Question

I'm using wax, but I still go flying as if there is no wax on the board. What do I do?

Community Answer

Use less wax. If you already have a lot of wax on the surface, use a towel to wipe some of it off, or a tool to chip away at it if it's dry.

Warnings

Don't apply too much wax. You still need to have some friction, otherwise you could lose control of the grind or slide.

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Helpful 29 Not Helpful 7
Waxing curbs is often regarded as vandalism by property owners and law enforcement.

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Waxing is illegal in some places so make sure its legal in your town.

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Skateboarding can be an extremely dangerous sport if done without proper safety gear. Make sure you always wear a helmet, and preferably elbow pads and knee pads as well.

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