I apologize for asking a question that isn’t about making surfboards, but I was wondering if anyone has a formula for surf wax, taking into consideration that ingredient amounts change for varying temperatures. I have always wanted to manufacture it, but can’t imagine having to become a chemist. I don’t want to steal anyone’s secret recipe, but I am sure there are basics like Parafin wax, other petroleum products, scents, cat guts, etc. Anyone know? By the way, would it be considered illegal to pay an employee of a surf wax company to teach you the general formula for making wax? Sorry for the two part question.
You go to 7-11 and throw down a buck for some wax. It would be unethical to steal the recipe from a company that employs people to make, market and sell surfwax. How cheap are some of you guys. Sluggo
Sluggo. You didn’t understand. It seems I get the same message from everyone I ask who isn’t thinking of the big picture. I already understand that it’s cheap to buy. I get that, and I also made it clear that I didn’t want to steal someone else’s formula. Now, the question was, is there a general formula that many people know about, or is it all a big mystery. I’m trying to start a wax company and I want to start it in an honest way, and I thought maybe someone could provide a common, non-patented formula. Obviously I could go down to UCSD with a couple bars of wax and pay a grad student a hundred bucks to identify the formula. I always get that same darn answer: Go buy it for a buck. No kidding!
Get your own formula buddy!!! If you want to be like me…be different!!! You shouldn’t own your own company if you think it will be profitable if its similar to your competitors. D-I-F-F-E-R-E-N-T-I-A-T-E Go experiment and find your own mix…or else I will sue your A$$ 
Takes one to know one, eh Ponch? At least I know why you are called “Sticky.”
hey mike ive seen it on here before. someone knows how to do it and im pretty sure its in the archives somewhere. i would also be interested in making some just to give to my friends to mess around with.
It isn’t worth your time, effort, or money. Invent something new that replaces surf wax, THAT is your market. Surf wax is dead, and even if you could make it, no one would buy it because of bonds, friendships, and MILLIONS of dollars the “big three” surf wax companies have. You couldn’t even compete on a local level. You are 25 years too late, my friend. INVENT SOMETHING NEW!!!
The responses to Mike’s question do highlight something that my friends and I have pondered for some time…Surely there has to be a better solution to board traction than old fashioned wax? I know, I know - there’s carpet (all of it ugly) and some stuff that comes in an aerosol (anyone know whether that works?). But that moment when the deck of a new board disappears under layers of white stuff is asad one. Now if I was some hot-shot over at - say - 3M and if I had a buddy who worked for - say - Reef I’d be working on “Surf Slippers”. Neat comfortable things that have sticky soles that grip decks. Roll 'em up when you’re out of the water (we haven’t figured out how to stop sand sticking to them) and last about one summer (we want you guys to buy regularly). And our R&D man (probably my Dad who - conveniently - worked at NASA or somewhere) is working on the future version that is a pad that just sticks to the bottom of your foot! Mr Zog? Mrs Palmer?? Your days are numbered! “Surf Slippers” - the Post-It Note of the surfing community! What’s that you say? Someone’s tried it and failed? Sh*t! I’ll be off to the store with my $1 then…
“By the way, would it be considered illegal to pay an employee of a surf wax company to teach you the general formula for making wax?” I understood you perfectly clear. You want someone to give you something you don’t deserve. If you had ethics and you wanted the recipe, you would need to pay mr. sticky bumps, not an employee. Sluggo
I remember seeing ads in Surfer for Surf slippers. Tom Morey (Y) made them, I think. He also invented Slipcheck aerosol spray for traction. The surf slippers, you could imagine, were butt ugly and did not last long. Interesting thought, did NASA “invent” Velcro or did the inspiration and application come from the Japanese fishing tabi sticking to the reefs in Hawaii. Straps for waves under 20 feet seem to be innovative for shortboards. A better way of applying existing (or modified) wax may be a good idea. Or making candles for the scent. A lot of people are sentimental for that old purple wax. Just make that and sell it to the oldtimers. Get the scent right. It’s got the be the second most memorable surf smell after resin. Don’t let the industry goons scare you. -Rob Olliges
My daughter and I agree that a car air freshener that smelled like surf wax would sell. The aroma of the wax just carries good memories and thoughts.
Mike…I get a kick out of these guys who get all jumpy about “stealing” somone’s “SECRET” recipie for wax. BAHH…as if. Fact is, you can easily go to a wax manufacturer and DEVELOP your own flav. no biggie…production is the “biggie” (and set up costs). Better surfwaxes have a proportion of BEESwax/paraffin in 'em. What I hate - most of all - are the people who think that ONLY THEY have a god given right to…make surfboards, wax, etc… Mr. (Hert)zog started in a shed and used tuna cans for molds. look at that guy NOW! Oi!..My business should live so long! You go for anything that motivates you as long as it doesn’t harm anyone. Apparently, “Harm” is having the audacity to even ASK about a process. God forbid you learn something that might cut into someone’s “business”. GEEVE 'UM!!!
Forget the slippers then. An air-freshener it is. Shaped like a longboard. Works like a Magic Tree. Smells like wax. THAT’S where my first million lies!
Surf slippers would probably work grear at keeping your feet on the board, But did anyone ever think about how to keep your body on while paddleing? “Stick” with the wax! Dont let anyone scare you, in the begining there was only parafin and candles. I too thought about making wax and use to do it as a kid. Someday I’ll continue my research.
Ureka, I’ve got it! Just coat your usable deck area with a big sheet of loop. Then wear slippers with hook soles and walla…
Probably not ideal but a long time ago I was taught to rub some sand into the wax before heading out. I do remember Mom buying a boxes of Exxon (or Esso) paffafin and heating a can of that up in hot water and pouring over the boards. Also remember the idea of laying dow another layer of glass (on a finished board) where you need traction and, I guess, squeezing out most of the resin so the texture really shows. Is this just a bad dream or did people used to do that? -Rob Olliges
See link below for surf wax general formula. Melt away. Rob Olliges http://www.geocities.com/mike_neurauter/surf-info.htm
stick velcro all over the deck and sew the scraps to dem little slippas.
I’ve got this vision of some guy going over the falls on his belly because hes Velcro stuck to his board. help Mr. Wizzard…help me.
parrifin worked for me for quite a while–so did old shapes–then cam sticky bumps–sex wax and modern boards–just go with it till ya got a better idea!!!