Sticky Johnson Deluxe Basecoat

Name: Sticky Johnson Deluxe Basecoat
Brand: Sticky Johnson
SKU: FGSJDELBASE
Price: 6.00 NZD
Availability: InStock

$6.00 NZD

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Basecoat wax · water temp Any water temperature (under any top coat) Your spot

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What to expect

Feel: Hard wax that sets super tight, solid beads. Your top coat grips onto them, so it lasts longer.
Best for: Every hard board (shortboard, fish, mid-length, longboard) in any water temperature, under any Sticky Johnson top coat.

Find it in store

In 109 surf shops around New Zealand.

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Description

Sticky Johnson Deluxe Basecoat is designed to create super tight, solid beads of wax, making it the foundation for any Sticky Johnson top coat. Get the base right and everything you put on top grips better and lasts longer.

Basecoat is a harder wax than a temperature top coat. Rubbed on first, it builds a layer of firm, textured bumps. Your top coat grips onto those bumps instead of sitting on a smooth deck, so it doesn't slide around or wear off as quickly. It's the bit underneath that keeps you stuck to your stick all session long.

Which water temperature? All of them. Basecoat goes under every grade, so it's the same bar whether you're surfing St Clair in July or Ahipara in February. Pair it with a Sticky Johnson top coat in Cold (under 15°C / 59°F), Cool (15–20°C / 59–68°F), Warm (20–24°C / 68–75°F) or Tropical (24°C+ / 75°F+), and change only the top coat as the seasons turn.

When to use it. Every time you start from a clean deck: on a brand-new board before its first surf, and after every full strip and re-wax. A new board is completely smooth and has no traction until it's waxed, so wipe it down first to get rid of any dust or residue from manufacturing. A full strip and re-wax every 2–3 months is a good rule of thumb, or when the season changes and it's time to switch top coat grades.

Hard boards (fibreglass and epoxy) need a basecoat. Soft-tops don't, so foamie riders can go straight to Soft Johnson Foamie Wax. Made in New Zealand.

Know your water

Where and when to use it

Every hard board (shortboard, fish, mid-length, longboard) in any water temperature, under any Sticky Johnson top coat.

Tap a step

The wax-up ritual

5 steps, then go surf

Old wax on there? Citrus Surf Wax Remover · $11.50

Read the full wax ritual

Then add your top coat

Match it to your water

Rub a temperature-matched top coat over the basecoat for grip.

Sticky Johnson Deluxe Surf Wax - Cold Cold · Below 15°C · $6.00
Best for NZ right nowSticky Johnson Deluxe Surf Wax - Cool Cool · 15–20°C · $6.00
Sticky Johnson Deluxe Surf Wax - Warm Warm · 20–24°C · $6.00
Sticky Johnson Deluxe Surf Wax - Tropical Tropical · 24°C+ · $6.00

Shop all top coats

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a basecoat?

On a hard board, yes. It builds the bumpy foundation your top coat holds onto. Without it, top coat slides around and wears off quickly.

Does Basecoat work in any water temperature?

Yes. You use the same Basecoat all year and only change the top coat to match the water: Cold, Cool, Warm or Tropical.

Do I need a basecoat on a foamie?

No. Soft-top boards don't need basecoat. Go straight to Soft Johnson Foamie Wax in the grade that suits your water.

How often do I put basecoat on?

Whenever you start from a clean board: when it's brand new, and after each full strip and re-wax (roughly every 2–3 months if you surf a lot). In between, just comb and add top coat.

Do I need to use a basecoat before applying surf wax?

A basecoat is highly recommended. Basecoat is a harder wax applied first to create a layer of textured bumps that your temperature-specific top coat grips onto. Without it, your top coat can slide around and wear off faster. Apply Sticky Johnson Basecoat in a crosshatch pattern first, then layer your Cool or Cold wax on top for maximum grip.