If your blade tape turns into a snowball halfway through the first period, you're missing one cheap, simple step: wax. Here's how to wax a hockey stick the right way, and why it makes such a difference.
Why wax your stick?
Cloth tape soaks up snow and water off the ice. Once it's wet, it stops gripping the puck and the tape job breaks down fast. Hockey stick wax seals the cloth fibers so moisture can't get in. The result: better puck feel, less snow buildup, and a tape job that lasts 2–3x longer.
How to apply hockey wax
- Tape your blade first. Wax goes on top of a fresh cloth tape job, not bare blade. Need a refresher? See our guide to taping a stick.
- Rub it in heel-to-toe. Press the wax firmly along the tape and work it from heel to toe on both sides of the blade.
- Build a thin, even coat. You want a light, consistent layer — not a thick glob. You'll feel the tack build as you go.
- Re-apply as needed. When the tape starts holding snow again, add another coat. Most players touch up every couple of skates.
Does stick wax actually work?
Yes. The wax barrier keeps your tape dry, and dry tape stays tacky. That means cleaner passes, a more consistent shot release, and far less scraping snow off your blade between shifts.
What kind of wax should you use?
Best Dam Wax is 100% all-natural beeswax, handcrafted in the USA, and it's shelf-stable for years. It comes in three scents — Peppermint, Butterscotch Marshmallow, and Fruity Pebbles — so your gear bag smells like a treat instead of a hockey bag.
Note: you only wax cloth tape on your stick. Clear shin tape is already moisture-resistant and doesn't need it.
Ready to keep your tape dry? Grab a tin of Best Dam Wax.