How to Make Waterproof Matches

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Last Updated: May 13, 2024

Waterproof matches are expensive, but you can make your own for only a fraction of the price. Listed below are a number of effective and proven ways to make waterproof matches you can use for camping, backpacking, and emergencies.

Note: All the methods below involve some risk. If you are a minor, do not carry out any of these activities without the permission of a competent adult supervisor. The list is ranked from safest to least safe. The best and safest method is to use turpentine. (Turpentine has a higher "flash point" relative to acetone, which is commonly used in nail polish and does not involve the use of flame as is needed in the Wax or Paraffin methods.)

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Use Turpentine

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During that time the turpentine will soak into the head as well as the stem. All the water will be driven off by the turpentine.

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Generally, 20 minutes for excess turpentine to evaporate is recommended. Matches treated in this way remain waterproof for several months or longer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Use Nail Polish

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Dip the head end of the match into clear nail polish far enough to cover at least an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) of the stick below the head.
Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the polish to dry and then place the match on a table or counter so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface.^{[1]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Use a Candle

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Dip the head end of the match into the wax far enough to cover at least an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) of the stick below the head.
Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the wax to harden slightly and then place the match on a table or counter so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface.^{[4]
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When the wax has cooled, but not completely hardened, pinch the end of the wax coating (towards the stick), forming a tight seal.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Paraffin Wax

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This makes a torch that can burn for 10 or more minutes.

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Question

Is it hard to strike a match cover with wax?

Community Answer

The wax is just a water-proofer; you can remove the wax, and if the flame is in contact with the remaining wax below the match head, the fire will burn hotter and brighter for a brief time.

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Why do you have the candle and wax methods on here? They cause the match head to soften and crumble off later.

Community Answer

Not necessarily. This reader has had matches that were dipped in paraffin over 40 years ago that are still covered, with no crumbling or softening.

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Question

Should I use super glue or hot glue?

Community Answer

There isn't any need for glue. All you need is either turpentine, wax, nail polish, or paraffin.

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Tips

Turpentine has a relatively high "flash point" in comparison to Nail polish, therefore it is the safest to use. Mineral Turpentine, Pine, or Citrus turpentine all have the same waterproofing capacity.

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The matches may also be completely covered with the wax to make sure water can't migrate up the matchstick.

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The Nail Polish method is more volatile than Turpentine, but is better than wax that can more easily break or be scratched.

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After dipping put matches into a piece of corrugated cardboard to dry. Whatever you dipped them in will run down the stick doing no harm to edged of tables or whatever they might drip on. Store in a clear or opaque pill bottle with the striker rubber banded around the outside. If you're going to put the striker inside for further waterproofing, put the scratchy part away from the matches to prevent accidental friction ignition.

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Warnings

Always use caution when working with fire.

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Wax in its liquid state is very hot and may cause severe burns. It may also catch fire.

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Turpentine is poisonous if swallowed. or inhaled intensely over a period of time.

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Nail polish (and wax) can stain fabric and surfaces, so it is a good idea to cover your work surface in newspaper. Nail Polish is also highly flammable. Nail Polish is also a known carcinogenic substance.

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Paraffin wax is incredibly hard to remove from a pan. Use an old pan/double boiler or purchase one second-hand for this purpose. Alternately, use an old coffee can or #10 tin can set in a pot of water. Paraffin Wax is also highly reactive in the presence of introduced water droplets.

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