Besides grip tape, new wheels, or lubricated bearings, other skateboard accessories ensure quality rides every time. And one of these is skate wax, an innovation that changed the performance of tricks.
Skate wax didn’t take long to become popular because of its many benefits. But along with the emergence of this substance is the rise of skate wax alternatives like candles. Yes, candles could work like skate wax.
So, skate wax VS candle, which is more helpful? Keep reading as we explore these options and their differences.
| Skate wax | Candle | |
| Price | More expensive | Significantly heaper |
| Durability |
|
Melts out faster |
| Performance | Ideal for all grinding and sliding obstacles | Levels skate wax on ledges only |
Table of Contents
Skate Wax Vs. Candle Wax: Defined
Before we compare skate and candle wax head-to-head, let’s first see their origin, purpose, and other aspects.
1. Skateboard wax
What is skate wax used for?
By its name alone, we’ll see skate wax as a substance dedicated to skating only. So, between skate wax VS surf wax, for example, the latter doesn’t fit four-wheels boards.
Skate wax makes rails, ledges, and all similar surfaces smooth for sliding and grinding. In effect? No rough spots. All you should be careful of is landing and maneuvering around obstacles.
With the knowledge that this wax is ideally suited for skateboarding, we won’t find it hard to accept that skate wax could be pricey.
How does it work? Let me emphasize that skate wax fills the tiny spaces, rough spots, and cracks in your grinding area. This way, there’s less friction to stop your slide halfway.
Besides smoothening your grinding spot, skate wax can protect your skateboard from unwanted scratches. So, you can finish a day of sliding without feeling unhappy about damaged graphics.
What is skate wax made of?
It would be incorrect to say skate and candle wax are interchangeable because they have a common ingredient in paraffin wax. This substance isn’t only present in skate or candle wax but also in crayons.
2. Candles
A candle’s purpose is straightforward. You light it up, and it melts until the wick is out. But over time, candles leveled up from illuminating dimmed places to scenting rooms for a better mood.
Besides these purposes, some skaters use candles as skate wax to smoothen rails and other grinding spots. As mentioned, candles also have paraffin wax, the same substance in a pack of skate wax.
Differences Between Candles and Skate Wax
If you’re curious how candle and skate wax differ, read below. Knowing these differences may come in handy the next time you smoothen rails or ledges.
1. Price
Cheap skate wax can come in the form of candles.
An ordinary candle usually costs so little that you won’t mind taking a few coins off your purse. It’s a perfect option if you don’t have much for a pack of skate wax.
Why? Because skate wax is slightly expensive for a substance designed to sit on a rail.
If we check a few physical and online stores, a piece of skate wax often costs around $8 to $15. While it’s slightly financially demanding, its effect and grinding improvement make it worth the spend.
2. Durability
The durability of skate wax and candles looks slightly different, despite their somewhat similar forms. Both substances melt or break down by design, only that one does it slower.
Manufacturers designed candles to melt faster and emit pleasant smells. If you put them on skate wheels, they wear out quicker. Plus, they could be slightly messy after application.
On the other hand, skate wax takes a while to wear out. Also, it’s less messy than candle wax.
3. Performance
Regarding the purposes of both waxes, we find skate wax to be more advantageous for skateboarding.
But we shouldn’t discredit how candle wax works on sliding and grinding obstacles in a park. When you need something basic to smoothen surfaces, candles should suffice.
If we go obstacle-for-obstacle, skate wax prevails as the top-rated wax for skateboarding rails. But on ledges, the differences between both substances are less obvious.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Skate Wax and Candles
Now that we know about both substances and how they’re identical on specific grounds, let’s summarize these waxes’ inherent bright sides and drawbacks.
- Specifically made for skateboarding
- Works well on any skate park obstacle
- Slightly expensive
- Affordable choice
- Works similarly to skate wax, especially on metal ledges
- Melts faster
- Slightly messier after the application
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a candle as skate wax?
Can you use candle wax for skateboarding? Yes! But before grabbing a candle and rubbing it against the rail or ledge, consider the skate wax recipe below. Here, we’ll help you make your candles more suited for skateboarding.
- Preheat the oven at 150°.
- Collect crayons and candles depending on how much you need.
- Remove paper and other objects from your candles and crayons.
- Break these items into pieces and place them in an oven-safe bowl.
- Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the bowl.
- Melt the crayons and candles in the oven for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, pull the melted mixture out and give it a mix.
- Pour the melted wax into its final storage and let it sit in the refrigerator until hardened.
What can I use instead of skate wax?
Besides candles, you may also use crayons, as the above tutorial suggests. But taking such an alternative may also require extra work to transform it into functional skate wax.
Similarly, you can also use lip balm or bar soap, though these are a bit far from the best when you have candles.
Ultimately, some skaters also consider Gulf wax skateboarding on rails and ledges. However, such a substance also garners divided feedback based on varied experiences.
Conclusion
Skateboarding waxes are a perfect tool to boost our confidence while taking on rails and ledges in a park. What’s better is that skate wax has alternatives readily reachable, like candles, crayons, and the like.
These substitutes may not be 100% the same as the ones made by skateboard brands, but they work as intended. And now that you know the differences between skate wax VS candle, you can appreciate the many benefits of both substances and see how they can improve your grinds and slides.
One thing though – remember that sliding requires safety. So, use these waxes in moderation.
Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!
I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.