Chapter 17: Klister application guide

Klister doesn't have to be messy. In fact, some people claim that nothing beats a well-waxed pair of klister skis. We agree with this assertion. However, with the right tools and application methods, you should be able to apply klister more efficiently.

New machines have made applying klister easier. Our T60 Wax Machine is perfect for applying klisters to skis. It ensures that you can easily roll the klister onto the skis. If you're interested, you can further read about this machine in the text.

Base klister application

Always start by applying base klister:

• KB20C Base Klister Spray is an excellent binder that allows direct spraying on skis, making it perfect for everyday skiers.
• KX20 Green Base Klister is a versatile product that can be used as the first layer with klister. For best results, we recommend applying it with our waxing machine to ensure a thin and secure layer of klister. Experienced waxers can also achieve good results without the machine, but we always recommend heating the klister tube first for smoother application.

Watch and learn how to use our waxing machine:

Application of base klister (KB20C)

1. Sand the grip zone with #100 grit paper (T0330 Sand Paper or T0011 Combi Sanding Block) approx. 60-65 cm. We recommend sanding only along the ski length to prevent rounding of the ski side-edges. Sanding should always occur after the glide zone treatment to avoid getting glide wax into the kick zone. Wipe off dirt and base residue with Fiberlene (T0150).
2. Fasten a small piece of tape at the end of each kick zone to prevent any klister in the glide zones.
3. Apply the base klister by holding the bottle upside-down and moving it slowly along the ski on both sides of the groove. The distance between the base and nozzle should be 4-5 cm.
4. Use the forefinger to remove klister in the groove.
5. Then, carefully use your thumb on each side of the groove to smooth out the klister. It is important that you smooth out the klister immediately after spraying. Remove the tape and let the klister dry for 5 minutes. The ski is now ready for the next klister/wax layer.

You have learned how to apply base klister. Now it's time to apply midlayer and the klister of the day.

• Middle klister: We recommend using either our KX35N or KX45N. The purpose of this layer is to secure the day's klister by preventing it from moving backwards and improving wear.
• Klister of the day: This is the final layer of klister. Select a klister suggested for the current weather conditions.
  

Application of klisters

1. The first step is to apply base klister as described above.
2. Apply the first layer of klister very thin, just covering the sandpapered area. KB20C or KX20 are used as first base klister for all klisters. KX20 has slightly better durability than KB20. KX30 or KX35 are often used as mid layer klister for KX45, K22, K21S, KX65 and KX75.
3. If KX20 is used, iron the klister carefully into the ski base. Thereby a much better contact is achieved between klister and ski. Let the ski cool.
4. Apply the middle layer of klister. KX35 and KX30 are the most used. Apply it in a fish bone pattern. Use a heatgun lightly to soften it, and rub it in with the thumb to an even layer. Let the ski cool.
5. T60
6. Select and apply the klister of the day. Use a heatgun lightly and rub it in with the thumb to an even layer. Scrape the groove with the Groovescraper (T0088).

Covering klisters with hard waxes

In order to minimize the risk of icing, it is sometimes recommended to cover klisters with hard waxes. However, prior to applying the hard wax, the klister must be cold. This ensures that the hard wax is applied uniformly.

You should apply at least three layers of hard wax, gently corking in between each layer to ensure complete coverage of the klister. It is important to maintain a clear border between the two different types of wax.

The most common klister candidates to be covered are KX40S, KX35N, KX45N, and K22. The most used hardwaxes for covering are VP40, VP45, VP50 and VP55.

When covering klister, the hard wax used is often somewhat harder than the temperature should indicate. The reason is that a harder wax gives better protection against icing.

Pro tip when applying klister

• We recommend applying klister indoors and, if possible, at room temperature. Klisters are softer and much easier to handle in these conditions.
• Use a heat gun to warm up the klister tube. This will make it easier to apply.
• Apply klister full length in the kick zone, but note that it builds more than hard waxes.
• If you use the same skis for both hard wax and klister conditions, you should wax them shorter when using klister.
• Be careful not to apply the first layers too thick. The top layer should be thicker than the base and middle layers combined because it gives most of the kick.
• If you have to adjust your klister after an initial snow test, be careful to remove all humidity from the klister. Use a heat gun or hand, not an iron. Moisture in the klister before reapplication will cause an undesirable, grayish chewing gum-like consistency.
• If you want to mix two klisters in the same layer, you might apply every other string in fish bone pattern and then smooth it out together.
• Covering klister with hard wax should take place outdoors after the skis have adjusted to the outside temperature. Do not use too much pressure on either wax or cork, it is better to apply more thin layers of wax.

"The orange skin pattern" technique

The term "orange skin" is used as a description of the surface pattern of klister that has been applied correctly. After testing your skis, you might recheck your klister application. If you have a satisfactory kick and observe many small imprints (orange skin) on the surface, this indicates that your klister is working.

This pattern is caused by snow particles that are penetrating the surface of the klister and then released when you start skiing. The imprints are more visible when using the softer klisters (KX65, KX75, K22).