What Can I Use If I Don’T Have Skate Wax?

Skate wax is an essential product used by skateboarders. It is applied to the surfaces of ramps, ledges, and rails to create more friction and traction, allowing skaters to grind and slide with better control. The wax reduces friction between the board and the obstacle, enabling tricks that would otherwise be very difficult on un-waxed surfaces. Having quality skate wax is crucial for executing technical grinds and stalls.

But what if you find yourself at the skatepark without any skate wax? This can be frustrating when you’re trying to dial in new tricks or maintain your board’s optimal performance. The good news is there are a number of household items that can work as temporary skate wax alternatives in a pinch.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is a common basic wax that can work in place of skate wax, but won’t provide quite as good of grip. It does provide some slide and glide to your board though, which can help. Paraffin wax is readily available at most grocery stores and pharmacies in the candle making aisle.

Paraffin is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. While not as good as pure skate wax, paraffin wax can serve as a substitute in a pinch if you need something to help your board slide a bit better. Just keep in mind it won’t be quite as grippy and hard as a wax formulated specifically for skateboards.

Beeswax

Beeswax is an all-natural alternative to traditional skate wax. As a natural wax produced by honey bees, it contains no artificial ingredients or chemicals. Many skaters appreciate beeswax for its environmentally-friendly and non-toxic properties.

In terms of performance, beeswax provides decent grip for your board’s deck. The texture enables your feet to stick to the board without slipping off. However, beeswax does not last as long as regular skate wax. It wears off more quickly, so you’ll need to reapply it more often to maintain grip.

You can find beeswax at some skate shops, health food stores, craft stores, and online retailers. Look for organic, unfiltered yellow beeswax, which will provide better grip than refined white beeswax. Beeswax pellets or blocks can simply be rubbed onto the board’s deck to apply. DIY skate wax recipes also often use a mixture of beeswax and coconut oil or olive oil to get the desired consistency.

Candle Wax

If you don’t have traditional skate wax, regular candle wax can work in a pinch. Colored candles tend to work a bit better than uncolored candles, as the dyes help the wax adhere to the board. Just scrape off some wax from a candle with a plastic card or knife, and rub it into the deck for some added grip and slide.

The drawback with candle wax is that it doesn’t last as long as commercial skate wax, so you’ll likely need to reapply it more frequently. It also tends to be a bit messier. However, in a crunch it can provide that extra tackiness and slide to get you through a session.

Bar Soap

A simple bar of soap can provide some slide when rubbed directly onto the deck. As some skaters report, soap is easy to find and apply. It provides a smooth surface when first applied. However, it won’t last nearly as long as real skate wax. The soap will quickly rub off and wear away under the grinding of the board. It may need reapplication after every few tricks. While soap can work in a pinch, it’s best reserved as a last-ditch option if no other substitutes are available.

Lip Balm

Lip balm like Chapstick provides some lubrication for your skateboard’s wheels and deck when you don’t have skate wax on hand. Lip balm is easy to carry around and apply quickly wherever you need it. According to skaters on Reddit, Chapstick works well but doesn’t last as long as traditional skate wax [1]. You’ll likely need to reapply lip balm more frequently than skate wax. Some skate brands even sell lip balm specifically formulated as a skate wax alternative, like Dope Skate Wax’s organic lip balm made from coconut oil and beeswax [2]. While not a perfect substitute, lip balm can work in a pinch when you’ve run out of regular skate wax.

Oil

Common household oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil can serve as an effective alternative for skate wax [1]. The oils provide a slick surface to help the skateboard wheels glide smoothly. However, it’s best to avoid cooking oils that can go rancid like canola or peanut oil. The oils will also need to be reapplied frequently since they absorb into the board and don’t last as long as traditional wax.

Butter

Butter or margarine can work in a pinch if you don’t have regular skate wax on hand. The slippery fats provide a smooth ride, but the soft texture means dirt and debris sticks to it more easily. You’ll likely need to reapply butter more often than standard waxes.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a good option if you don’t have skate wax (source1). It lasts longer on your skateboard than other household items you may use as a substitute. Petroleum jelly is an oil-based product that provides lubrication and glide for your skateboard. It can be purchased inexpensively at any pharmacy or grocery store (source2). The slick and waxy texture of petroleum jelly adheres well to the deck of a skateboard. It provides smoothness and reduces friction. Petroleum jelly is very affordable and easy to find, making it one of the most convenient substitutes for skate wax.

Conclusion

While household items like paraffin wax, beeswax, and soap can work as substitutes in a pinch, they don’t provide the same level of slide and grip as actual skate wax. If you want the best performance for grinding, you should use a dedicated skate wax like Sex Wax or Grizzly Grip. Skate wax has been specially formulated to withstand high friction and impact while optimizing your board’s maneuverability.

Rather than resorting to makeshift solutions, the ideal approach is being prepared with the proper gear. Keeping a stick of quality skate wax in your skate toolkit means you’ll always be ready to wax ledges or ramps when needed. Using the right equipment leads to the best skating experience.