How to Wax a Bow String | Step-by-Step | 60X Custom Strings

Waxing your bow string is an essential part of bow maintenance, and knowing how to do so properly is as critical as choosing the best bow string wax. This applies to all types of bows, including compounds, crossbows, recurves, and longbows.

Waxing a bow string will extend its life by keeping it from becoming frayed or damaged by dirt or water. It will also help to keep the strands flexible and prevent them from becoming dried out. Fortunately, waxing is very simple to do and only takes a couple of minutes of time. Here is a quick rundown on how to wax a bow string from the experts at 60X.

The Waxing Process

Applying the Wax

The first step is to make sure that your bow string is clear of any dirt or debris. Wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Another trick is to use a scrap piece of bow string serving material. If you do a half wrap with the bow string serving and lightly pull it down the string, you’ll see dirt and old wax being removed.

Next, take your tube of the best bow string wax and rub it up and down on your bow string. Make sure the bow string wax is sticking far enough out of the tube that the tube itself is not in contact with your bow string. Letting the tube rub on the bow string will cause premature wear.

As you’re learning how to wax a bow string, apply a good amount of wax. Ideally, the bow string wax should cover the entire string with a thin coat. Be careful not to overdo it. Only wax the exposed portion of the bow string. When waxing a bow string, make sure you don’t wax any of the bow string servings.

Rubbing the Wax In

Now that you have wax on your string, use your finger and thumb to rub the wax into the bow string. The heat and friction will cause the bow string wax to melt and make it easier for the wax to penetrate each individual strand and cover the entire string.

Some people learn how to wax a bow string using a piece of leather instead of their fingers, but I’ve found that you can build up quite a bit more heat than you need with leather. Too much heat can cause premature wear, and it’s easier to control the heat when you use your fingers. Just stop if your fingers get hot, and your bow string will thank you.

Removing Excess Wax

Once you’re done waxing the bow string, take a cloth (you can use the one you started with) and wipe off any excess wax that might have built up. This will usually be where the bow string meets the servings.

How Often Should I Wax?

Once you learn how to wax a bow string properly, it’s a great idea to do so regularly. How often will depend on how much you shoot your bow and the age of your bow string. In general, the more your shoot and the older your bow string is, the more you’ll need to keep it waxed. Regular waxing with the best bow string wax will help your string last longer and perform better.

High-Quality Strings from 60X Custom Strings

Start with high-quality, individually made strings from 60X Custom Strings. We have bow strings for compound, recurve, longbow, and more. Built by a former archery champion, you can trust us to provide strings you can shoot for ages.

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