Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

for old woodie Birke Beiners…

if I prepped/pine tarred them 2 yrs ago, and only skiied them 2-3x soon afterward, and not since;

do I need to pine tar them again next year? (assuming we actually get some snow!) or is there some residual longevity there…

thanks!

Probably not. Pine tar doesn't need to be re-done, if properly applied, until you see it's wearing off, as in the bare wood base starts to show. I you've got good coverage from your initial application, you should be good to go; not unusual to get a full season, or more.
This is assuming you used the thicker, paste like consistency (preferably), or at least a good quality liquid, and torched it in properly. Also being sure the entire base is waxed over it each outing; skiing in just the pine tar base will wear it off quickly.

I agree with Phoenix that you should be OK.

I just want to add that I miss the days when a Nordic ski shop smelled like pine tar.

With 6 sets of woodies, my garage still smells like pinetar.just wish I could remember to disconnect the smoke alarm before I start.

I've always enjoyed the smell, and the whole process. Satisfying to see some tired looking bases treated to a rich, dark finish.
Most shops I worked in would complain though, saying it smelled up the whole store. One went as far as not offering any more; said it got into the retail clothing. And that was working on a bench right under a big exhaust fan.

thanks All!

I do like the process of prepping a woodie ski with pine tar,
but if i don't have to, and it does indeed "last",
then I will skip a year...