How to Tune a Snowboard #2: Base Repair

Every snowboarder gets some base damage at some point. Big holes that expose the core usually need to be repaired at a shop, but smaller scrapes and gouges can easily be fixed at home. We’ll show you how to prep your base, fill the scrapes with P-Tex and smooth out the base when you’re done. Shop REI’s selection of snowboard tuning equipment at http://www.rei.com/c/snowboard-tuning-and-tools.

Transcript:
Everyone gets some base damage at some point. Big holes that expose the core usually need to be repaired by a shop equipped to weld in new base material, but smaller scrapes and gouges can easily be fixed at home. You'll need clean towels, base cleaner, rubbing alcohol, a metal scraper and a P-tex candle. You might also need a wire brush and a razor blade.
The repair will work best on a clean base. Start by using your scraper to remove any extra base material from around the gouge. Stubborn spots may need a razor. Brush off any dirt, debris or built up wax. As always, make sure you brush and scrape from tip to tail. P-tex won't stick well to a wax base so use base cleaner around the scrape to remove wax from the area. After a couple minutes the base cleaner will have done its job and cleared the base of wax. Now you can use rubbing alcohol and a cleaning towel to remove residual base cleaner.
Light the P-tex candle over your scraper to keep it from dripping on your work area. As it heats you may need to relight it a couple times until it's hot enough to drip regularly. Hold the candle as close as possible to the gouge without letting it touch. If it's to high the P-tex will be dirtier and may splash off your base. If it's to close the flame may burn your base. Let it drip in until the hole is completely filled. You can use your metal scraper to sharpen the candle when it starts to droop, and of course, never cross a lit candle over your skin. When all the gouges are filled, stub out the candle on your scraper and set it aside to cool. Keep in mind that it will stay hot for quite a while. It's normal for the repair to look bumpy and uneven at this point.
Once the base is cooled you can use a metal scraper to remove the excess P-tex for a smooth, flush finish. You can also check for any low spots that you may have missed. Just repeat the process to fill them in. To recap, clean the base and remove extra base material from around the gouge. Drip P-tex into the hole and allow it to cool completely. Once it's cooled, use a metal scraper to remove extra P-tex and create a smooth finish. Once the base is finished, it's time to give it a good wax.