Domestique Drip Wax

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does one application last?

• The duration of a single application depends heavily on conditions. In dry weather, the lubrication can last for several hundred kilometers. In wet conditions, the lubrication duration shortens significantly. We recommend wiping the chain and reapplying lubrication after every wet ride. This also helps avoid surface rust, which is typical for dry chain waxes.

How long does one bottle last?

• If applied generously on both sides of the chain, one bottle should give approximately 40 applications.

How should chains be cleaned before re-lubrication?

• At a minimum, simply wipe the chain with a cloth. Chains treated with Domestique Drip Wax hardly collect any dirt at all. For very dirty chains, you can rinse them with water or wash them with a mild biodegradable detergent like Rex Bicycle Wash. Solvent cleaning is not necessary. After washing, apply a new layer of liquid wax and let it dry as instructed for at least 12 hours.

Is hot waxing still needed?

• Not necessarily. Domestique Drip Wax works extremely well as a standalone lubricant. However, occasionally using hot wax is still a good idea, as every hot waxing also serves as a deep cleaning for the chain. Immersing and agitating the chain in hot wax removes all the dirt and dust that has accumulated in the chain. This situation is similar to using hot wax and liquid waxes for ski bases. Liquid waxes work fine, but occasional hot waxing is recommended.

Can I use Rex “wet” chain lubes for lubrication occasionally?

• After switching to emulsion wax, it’s best to stick exclusively to it and hot wax. Using oil-containing products occasionally increases dirt buildup and may reduce the durability of subsequent Domestique Drip Wax applications.

How is Domestique Drip Wax used as a top-up lubricant between hot waxing sessions?

• Our recommended method is to hot wax for example every 1,000 kilometers, and add emulsion wax every 100–500 kilometers. When combined with cycling through multiple chains, this lubrication method means the wax pot needs to be heated very rarely.

Can I use it in wet conditions?

• Yes. The innovative emulsifying process used in Domestique Drip Wax is especially designed to maximize water resistance and resist washing away by water. The dried wax is very water-resistant, but not better than a hot wax treatment. After riding in wet conditions, always wipe the chain and apply more Domestique Drip Wax. Otherwise, surface rust can appear.

Does it contain PFAS or other chemicals?

• No.

Can Emulsion Wax Be Applied Mid-Ride?

• Not Recommended: Wax durability is poor without proper drying and curing.

Can the Product Be Used in Winter?

• Winter Suitability: Black Magik and Domestique Drip Wax are suitable for winter riding, provided that the chain is not left wet after use. Always dry the chain after riding in wet or snowy conditions to prevent issues.
• For Bikes Stored Outdoors: Rex Arctic chain lube is a better option.

Common Issues

Lubrication Does Not Last Long Enough

• Residual Oil or Factory Grease: The chain may still have oil or factory grease that prevents the wax from adhering properly. Clean and lubricate again.
• Worn-Out Chain: A very loose and worn chain becomes noisy more quickly.
• Noise After Break-In: A waxed chain is generally louder than a chain lubricated with wet oil. A higher noise level is normal, even though the lubrication is effective.
• When applying drip wax onto a completely degreased chain, it’s a good idea to apply it twice. This ensures there’s plenty of wax applied.

Chains Rusting

• Surface Rust Sensitivity: This is a characteristic of all so-called dry waxes, including hot waxes and emulsion waxes. Always wipe the chain dry with a cloth after riding in wet conditions or washing, and apply a new layer of Black Magik or Domestique Drip Wax.
• On rare occasions, some flash rust may appear during the curing process of the wax if a thick layer is applied under high humidity, the chain has poor surface coating, and/or there is salt-containing dust on the chain. To prevent this, apply a thinner coating and ensure adequate ventilation to speed up the drying process.

Gears Are Not Functioning Properly

• Breaking in the Waxed Chain: After waxing, shift through all gears from one extreme to the other to loosen the chain laterally. This will ensure the gears function properly.
• Stiffened Chain: A chain that feels stiff after the wax has dried indicates successful lubrication.

Excessive Wax Flaking from the Chain

• Initial Flaking: At first, excess emulsion wax will flake off from the chain’s surface, but this will stop within a few minutes. While riding, the wax that has penetrated inside the chain forms a tight lubricating film, and any wax left on the chain and sprockets does the same. This lubrication film is sufficient for effective performance.
• Cause of Flaking: Rex Black Magik and Domestique Drip Wax have the same hardness as our hot wax and contain no oil at all. This results in the lowest friction and the best resistance to dirt and dust.
• Wiping the surface of the chain after carefully applying the wax will reduce flaking off.

Wax won’t stay on the chain when applying

• Instead of applying a separate droplet on each link, we recommend keeping the chain in motion and gently squeezing the bottle while rotating the cranks. This way, a smaller droplet can be applied to each link many times. Check our videos to see this technique in detail.

The wax in the bottle has become thicker

• Repeated vigorous shaking can cause the liquid wax to foam and thicken permanently. This does not affect the properties of the dried wax, but it may hinder the wax from penetrating the inside of the chain. Avoid very strong repeated shaking. Gentle tilting is sufficient. Protect the bottle from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

Chain lube comparison chart