"Breaking in" my powder coated pole

AprilPoleKitten started this discussion · 8/26/2013

I got the Studio Veena Lil Mynx powder coated pole and I seem to slide right off of it. Not because of sweat but because my skin isn't gripping it. I have soft skin that's naturally NOT dry. I know there is a "breaking in" period. I've only had my pole for a couple of weeks. How can I quickly make it more grippy? What can I scrub/clean the pole with to get the initial factory coating off? Thanks!

27 replies

Veena · 8/26/2013
Have you tried making sure you've used lotion the night before or a few hours before? Theses poles are clean when you recive them. I can't use any pole finish if I haven't moisturized my skin. I use Lubriderm.
Veena · 8/26/2013
Oh and do not use alcohol to clean this pole!! Use windex, or the steam method. I've found some grip aids make my pole slick. Mighty grip works great with the SV pole!
AprilPoleKitten · 8/26/2013
Since my skin is more on the oily side I find it better to not use any lotion before poling. I haven't invested in any grip aids yet, I was hoping the powder coating would help with slippage...maybe I need to warm up the pole really well first?? I won't use alcohol, what about white distilled vinegar? With steaming, should that be done each time before poling or every once in awhile?
AprilPoleKitten · 8/26/2013
Or are you saying certain lotions with provide a grip/stickiness to the skin?
AprilPoleKitten · 8/26/2013
Oops will**
Veena · 8/26/2013
I would steam it before you dance if you find the room and pole are cold. I would try the windex on it, it's all I've ever had to use. I clean my pole with it once in a while, (for me) just wiping it with a towel cleans to grip. I don't normally use grip either, but I tried a bunch on the pole when I bought it so I knew how it would react. The pole comes cleaned and shouldn't really need a break in period. Let us know how it goes!
Veena · 8/26/2013
And yes, oil free lotions like I mentioned help me grip without being greasy. Just don't apply right before.
AprilPoleKitten · 8/26/2013
Thanks for replying so quickly! Good to know there is no break on period. The room the pole is in is upstairs and is pretty warm. Having a cold pole doesn't seem to be a problem....I will use windex but I want to try the vinegar too, is that safe for this pole finish? What grip aids would be best?
Veena · 8/26/2013
Might grip worked really well with the pole. Lil mynx said windex is best. I lotion every night with Lubriderm and don't need grip. I dance in the a.m. :)
jadestrada · 8/27/2013
As I am about to order a SV pole, I am also curious as to the best method of cleaning. I am trying to drastically reduce my daily chemical/poison exposure, switching from store-bought products to homemade whenever I can. I looked at Windex's website, and Windex contails rubbing alcohol and ammonia, among other things, which are diluted in water. I am more of a biologist than a chemist, so perhaps someone else can comment with more detail. I am going to buy a small handheld steam cleaner to use for cleaning, but I would think a homemade glass cleaner would be comparable and safe to use on this pole. There are many recipes online. Some are aimed at being chemical-free while others are closer to the original formula (just a lot cheaper). For me, I want something with minimal chemicals. Steam cleaning is probably my best bet, but I worry it will be inconvenient to use during a session. I would prefer a pleasant scent (if any) as I still tend to wipe down a LOT during a session. I use dilute apple cider vinegar as a facial toner, but I can't stand the smell!
chemgoddess1 · 8/27/2013
Just a note, I had a LM powder coated (not the Veena obviously) for years and used isopropyl alcohol on it as a cleaner without issue. Did they state why not to use it now? I wonder if they changed their process. I am going to state this and then get off my soap box....there is no such thing as chemical free, You are made of chemicals, water is a chemical, the air we breathe is a chemical. That being said, Windex is about 5% isopropyl alcohol. If you are going to make your own though I would suggest using distilled water so that you slow the amount of bacterial growth. You being a biologist should know how quickly our tap water grows out and even over time any window cleaner that you make will have growth without added antimicrobials. Alcohol has to be at least 70% to stop it so that is not a fix.
Veena · 8/27/2013
They commented here once, saying that alcohol will dull the finish.
Veena · 8/27/2013
I'll mention again that I rarely use windex while poling. I only need to clean the pole with it now and then. All I use is a clean dry rag during my pole sessions, it's great! Not saying that's how it will be for everyone, but it's how it is for me. I don't use grip aids on my pole, other than the occasional mighty grip if it's super hot and I start to sweat a ton. Even if I use the mighty grip a dry rag will clean the pole. I have never needed to steam the SV pole.
jadestrada · 8/27/2013
In this context, I mean a chemical in the lay-person context. Yes, even water can kill you at a high enough dose. I realize I can't completely eliminate exposure to "chemicals," but I want to make conscious efforts to minimize it where possible. Right now, I've accepted the use of grip, and the one I currently use leaves a lot of residue on the pole. I don't want to use Windex; I want a safer cleaning alternative. I'm OK with making small batches (even every session), so I don't mind the formula not being anti-bacterial. I didn't mean this to be controversial!
chemgoddess1 · 8/27/2013
Not controversial, you will see that every time someone says chemical free I post the same thing. We are all made up of chemicals so it kills me a little bit inside when someone says chemical free.
Veena · 8/27/2013
Jadestrada, maybe you wont need grip aid anymore if you use a PC pole? Then you wouldn't really have to worry too much about cleaning. I can understand not wanting to use off the shelf windex, I know it's important to some people. You can always write to Lil Mynx and ask if vinegar is safe for the SV pole or if they can suggest any natural alternatives for the pole.
jadestrada · 8/27/2013
That would be amazing to not need grip! I ordered some Dirty Girl Poletice to help with sweating. I'll probably still have to use grip at the studio; my instructor has stainless steel poles there. I can't wait until I get paid to order my pole! Once my room is presentable, I will post pictures! :)
Dancing Paws · 8/27/2013
jade - I am like you, trying to eliminate harsh and synthetics out of my home. Maybe Randy can chime in on this, but I bet using some soap (real soap, not that detergent crap) and water will clean the SV pole easily? I use soap and water on my x poles and PS pole periodically. I also use rubbing alcohol (diluted.) It cleans everything really well, but I don't have a powder coat pole.
AprilPoleKitten · 8/27/2013
Okay, so other than cleaning it my skin seems too soft to grip it, not dry just soft. So I'm thinking i need to warm up a lot and get a little bit sweaty to have some grip?? Or use oil free lotion to provide some sort of stickiness?? Here's the story: I went to pole class, went home, showered, no lotion, went back to practicing sad girl. I would get into position and my thighs slid right down to the floor. :(
Dancing Paws · 8/27/2013
Soft silky skin can be a problem. Yes, warm up and get some tack on those thighs and that should help. If not, pole is really good for grip.
AprilPoleKitten · 8/27/2013
Ok, I was curious about but don't really understand how it works??
chemgoddess1 · 8/27/2013
Dew point is basically glycerine and water. It mimics moist warm skin.
azblanco · 8/28/2013
wow april, you slide after a shower? often times, ive shower twice in day for pole. Ive showered many times before practice because I usually stick like a fly, but I tend to take pretty hot showers and then shower again after because i would get so sweaty.
jade s · 8/28/2013
I know everyone is different, but here's what works for me... I have a red LM (but hoping to check out the Veena pole at Expo!), I only use the steamer. I have my Joy Mangano (lol!) streamer in the corner of my pole room and use it to steam my pole and just wipe with a cloth. I find the only reason my pole tends to get slippery is from my deodorant. I have pretty smooth skin that isn't flakey or anything but doesn't seem to retain any moisture. The best thing I have found is the Heel to Toe peppermint sloughing lotion. It's cheap! $7.99 for 12 oz at Sally's Beauty Supply. I use that all over, legs, arms, torso, and then without wiping it off my hands, add a tiny drop of Dry Hands just on my hands. Every once in a while I will add a little dry hands to my inner thighs if my skin is behaving strange that day. Oh, and the great thing about the peppermint slough (besides that its cheap and smells great!) is when you wash it off your skin is nice and smooth because you basically just exfoliated while you poled! Haha! Veena, will you have the new Veena Pole on display at Expo??
Veena · 8/28/2013
I'm sorry we won't be attending the expo this year. However, if you want to try the sv pole send me an email while your here and you can come over to my place and check it out! :)

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