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Preparedness

DIY: Making Waterproof Matches In Two Simple Steps

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While my “Go To” firestarter is a Bic lighter, matches are super cheap and widely available. One problem is they are very susceptible to moisture. Ever try lighting a soggy match? Yeah. Kinda like trying to write on wet paper. Try as you might the outcome is not very desirable.

Waterproof matches are available however they run a steep premium over standard wooden matches. Solution? You can buy inexpensive wooden matches and waterproof them yourself.

 

Making Waterproof Matches

STEP #1: Dip the ends of the wooden matches into melted candle wax. Set the matches with the waxed tips hanging off the edge of a table.

 

STEP #2: Once the matches have cooled inspect to ensure that each match head is completely covered in wax.

Gee…..that was hard. 

To test the effectiveness of the waterproofing I dipped an assortment of matches made following the two steps above into a glass of water. I held them in the water for about 5 seconds.

 Below is a short video of one of the matches being lit. Interesting is the matches burn slightly hotter once it gets going due to the wax.


All the matches in my initial batch successfully survived the dunk test.

The Soak Test

A final test was to actually soak the homemade waterproof matches directly in water for an extended period of time. I felt that what would happen is the stick section of the match would absorb water and carry it up underneath the wax thus ruining any chance of ignition. I dropped several matches into a glass of water and let sit for 30 minutes.

Results

75% lit and burned pretty much as normal AS LONG AS I dried the tip prior to trying to striking. If any water droplets were still on the match head although it would light the flame would fizzle out quickly.

I have to admit I was pretty impressed. The main reason I have waterproof matches is not to survive a three-mile trip down the river but to protect them from moisture/humidity. So far these are working out well.

There are other methods of “DIY” waterproofing matches such as coating with fingernail polish. Might try that at some point.

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9 Comments

  1. Re-Match says:

    Curious why you didn’t dip the whole match.

    Try this:

    Dip half of match in hot wax and immediately wipe with paper towel. Then dip other half and wipe again. Seals entire wood grain along with match head.

    Soak ’em! Pull match out, wipe off water and strike. Voila!

    Reply
  2. Brad M says:

    Another option is to wrap the stick with Toilet Paper, then dip the whole thing and when you strike the match it makes a long burning fire starter. Scouting ingenuity at its best!

    Reply
  4. ralph k says:

    I have had abysmal results using the new ‘green light’ strike anywhere matches from the Diamond company. They hold no candle to the old red ones with the white tips. I am experiencing difficulty sourcing them. My guess it was done to save the children, the whales or the snails.

    Reply
    1. To the Right of Attila the Hun says:

      I agree with you about the green matches. The Diamond company ruined their ‘Top Brand’ status when they came out with those green matches. They have gone to the slim stick on their ‘Strike on the Box’ matches as well. eBay has them but they are usually very high priced. I think that you will need to use 2 matches at a time to obtain better results. Diamond made a bad decision by making skinny, almost useless matches.

      Reply
  5. Sam says:

    In Boy Scouts in the early 60’s we would bundle 6-8 wood matches, wind them clear to the base with heavy cotton string, leave 3-4 inch tail as a handle. Dip with wax 3-4 times, allowing time to dry between dips. They strike better as a bundle, and will burn several minutes with the waxed string. Put a few in a square of foil (as great fire base in snow) and carry several in a shirt pocket.

    Reply
  6. Myke says:

    As some have mentioned above, I too have had difficulty with the new “Green” Strike Anywhere matches. It has forced me to take 2 matches, side by side, and wrap them tightly in toilet paper, except for the heads that I leave bare. I then melt part of a large candle, acquired at a local thrift store for $1, and dip them (one half then the other half) in the melted wax then let dry. I’ve tested them and they burn for up to 7 minutes. The dual head makes them more likely to ignite. Just my 23 cents worth, Myke

    Reply

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