The steel brush plays an important role in the wax application process for skis and snowboards. It is typically used as the first brush immediately after hot waxing and scraping the base to remove excess wax and expose the microstructure of the base. It is also ideal for deep cleaning the base after cleaning the glide zone.

For very soft waxes, however, Swix recommends using a horsehair brush first before using the steel brush. The final step is a horsehair or nylon brush to complete the finishing work and prepare the surface optimally.

To achieve the best result, Swix recommends using a drill with a minimum speed of 1800 rpm. The steel brush should always be used in the same direction of rotation to ensure consistency and avoid damaging the base.

Swix also recommends lightly blunting a new roto steel brush with #100 grit sandpaper before using it for the first time. This serves to smooth out any sharp edges and thus ensure an even and safe application. This preparatory measure protects the base from possible scratches and ensures effective but gentle cleaning and preparation of the ski or snowboard.