StudioVeena.com Forums Discussions “Breaking in” my powder coated pole

  • “Breaking in” my powder coated pole

    Posted by AprilPoleKitten on August 26, 2013 at 9:42 pm

    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!

    Veena replied 11 years, 2 months ago 7 Members · 27 Replies
  • 27 Replies
  • Veena

    Administrator
    August 26, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    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

    Administrator
    August 26, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    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

    Member
    August 26, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    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

    Member
    August 26, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Or are you saying certain lotions with provide a grip/stickiness to the skin?

  • AprilPoleKitten

    Member
    August 26, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Oops will**

  • Veena

    Administrator
    August 26, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    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

    Administrator
    August 26, 2013 at 10:26 pm

    And yes, oil free lotions like I mentioned help me grip without being greasy. Just don’t apply right before.

  • AprilPoleKitten

    Member
    August 26, 2013 at 10:30 pm

    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

    Administrator
    August 26, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    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

    Member
    August 27, 2013 at 3:20 am

    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

    Member
    August 27, 2013 at 8:23 am

    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

    Administrator
    August 27, 2013 at 8:39 am

    They commented here once, saying that alcohol will dull the finish.

  • Veena

    Administrator
    August 27, 2013 at 9:26 am

    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

    Member
    August 27, 2013 at 9:58 am

    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

    Member
    August 27, 2013 at 10:04 am

    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.

Page 1 of 2

Log in to reply.