What to do About Rust on Snowboard Edges

Do you have rust on your snowboard edges and you’re not sure what to do? First of all, don’t panic because this can happen to anyone. With a little bit of physical effort, removing rust from your snowboard edges (and preventing this problem in the future) is relatively easy. In this guide we’ll discuss a few of the key things you should know about snowboard maintenance:

• Why Rust Forms on Snowboard Edges
• How to Remove Rust from Snowboard Edges
• How to Prevent Rust on Snowboard Edges

Why Does Rust Form on Snowboard Edges?

Let’s start by answering the question of why rust forms on snowboard edges. The simple answer is that they’re metal. Modern snowboards utilize steel edges for durability and performance, but because steel is ferrous (contains iron), it is prone to rust when it gets wet. And when you consider how often snowboards are exposed to wet conditions, it’s easy to understand why snowboard edges can develop rust.

Common Ways Snowboard Edges can Rust:

• Being put away wet after riding
• Short-term storage in a humid/wet environment
• Long-term storage without rust-preventing measures taken (pre-storage waxing)

Pro tip: Some higher-end snowboards feature stainless steel edges which are considered “rust resistant” and generally require less maintenance.

How to Remove Rust from Snowboard Edges

Removing rust from snowboard edges is straightforward, but the tools needed for the job can vary depending on exactly how much rust is present. Superficial rust can often be removed using household items, like steel wool cleaning pads. However, if rust is more widespread or heavily accumulated, you may need specialized snowboard tuning tools like a gummy stone or file.

The Tools:

• Steel Wool (or a Soap-free Metal Brillo Cleaning Pad)
• Gummy Stone
• File & File Guide (or tuning tool)
• Work Gloves (rusty snowboard edges can be sharp)
• Snowboard Wax
• Painter’s Tape (optional)
• Tuning Vices

Pro tip: When in doubt, drop into a reputable snowboard shop and let the pros take care of that edge rust for you.

Removing Rust from Snowboard Edges with Steel Wool: Step-by-Step Instructions

Removing rust with steel wool is a quick and easy project that most riders can tackle at home in just a few minutes.

1. Position Your Snowboard in Tuning Vices
2. Identify the Rust
3. Remove Rust Using Steel Wool
4. Apply Rub-on Snowboard Wax

Step 1: Position Your Snowboard in Tuning Vices

Securely position your snowboard in your tuning vises with the edge facing upwards.

Step 2: Identify the Rust

Identify the rusty portions of your snowboard edges (use the painter’s tape to mark any spots that need special attention).

Step 3: Remove Rust Using Steel Wool

Holding the steel wool in your gloved hand, firmly press it against the edge of the snowboard and run it from the nose towards the tail over the rusty areas. Note that you may need to make multiple passes.

Step 4: Apply Rub-on Snowboard Wax

Once the rust is removed, apply some rub-on snowboard wax along the edges to prevent additional rust from forming.

Note: WD40 or similar petroleum-based products are NOT recommended to prevent rust. They can potentially damage the snowboard’s base material and even cause the edges to separate from the board.

Removing Rust from Snowboard Edges with a Stone & File: Step-by-Step Instructions

If the rust on your snowboard edges is more developed and/or widespread, you may need to use more aggressive measures to remove it. This is where a gummy stone or file comes in handy.

1. Position Snowboard in Tuning Vices
2. Use Gummy Stone to Remove Rust
3. Apply Rub-on Wax (or if rust persists, move on to step 4)
4. Remove Rust Using File

Step 1: Position Snowboard in Tuning Vices

Securely position your snowboard in your tuning vices with the edge facing upwards.

Step 2: Use Gummy Stone to Remove Rust

Holding the gummy stone in your gloved hand, place the stone on the snowboard edge at approximately the same angle as the edge. Run it over the rusty portions of the edge, from the nose towards tail while applying gentle pressure (the gummy stone will develop a groove in it – this is ok).

Step 3: Apply Rub-on Wax (or, move on to step 4 if rust persists)

Once the rust is removed, apply some rub-on wax along the edges to prevent additional rust from forming. If the rust persists after using a gummy stone, it may be necessary to use a file and file guide.

Step 4: Remove Rust Using File

Place the file on the edge of the snowboard using the file guide to assist with alignment. Slide the file from the nose towards the tail while applying gentle pressure. Once the rust is removed, apply some rub-on wax along the edges to prevent additional rust from forming.

Preventing Rust on Snowboard Edges

What’s better than removing rust from your snowboard edges? Preventing it in the first place. Yes, with a little bit of effort and proper storage, you should be able to prevent your snowboard edges from rusting in the first place. Drying your snowboard off after each use, and applying wax before long-term storage are two great approaches to preventing rust on snowboard edges.

Dry off Your Snowboard After Use: Step-by-Step Instructions

Drying off your snowboard after riding is one of the easiest ways to keep your edges rust-free and it doesn’t require any special equipment, just a clean cotton or microfiber towel.

1. Remove Ice & Snow
2. Use a Towel or Rag to Dry

Step 1: Remove Ice & Snow

Remove any accumulated ice and snow from your bindings, topsheet, base, and edges.

Step 2: Use a Towel or Rag to Dry

Using a clean towel or rag, thoroughly dry off all parts of your snowboard. You may need to make multiple passes to get it completely dry.

Pro tip: If your snowboard will be riding home from the mountain outside of your vehicle in a snowboard rack, wait to clean it up and dry it off at home.

Apply Wax Before Long-term Storage: Step-by-Step Instructions

When it’s time to put your snowboard away for the season, apply a generous layer of wax to prevent edge rust while in storage.

1. Remove Bindings & Clean Board
2. Wax Board & Don't Scrape
3. Store Your Board

Step 1: Remove Bindings & Clean Board

Remove your bindings and thoroughly clean them with a citrus-based cleaner. Thoroughly wipe down the snowboard, including the topsheet, base, and edges.

Step 2: Wax Board & Don't Scrape

Wax your board, from edge to edge, making sure to get a layer of wax on the base and metal edges. Don’t scrape the wax off.

Step 3: Store Your Board

Store your board somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight. Crack a cold beverage to celebrate your hard work.