Waterproofing Matches

[CanDo]

On the Wilderness Wiki, a member named Spectre added an article about waterproofing matches. I'm not sure whether he visits this forum or not. Basically, you put the matches in molten wax and it waterproofs them. Check it out




http://funditor.110mb.com/wiki/index.php/How_to_Waterproof_Matches


If anyone else has any tips, photos, gear reviews, articles, how-tos, etc. they'd like to add to the wiki, just let me know and I'll help you add it

CanDo

 

[siguy]

looks like the numbers are wrong, but otherwise seems well written.

i found that wax covered matches stopped working after being stored for some time...but i didn't keep track of how long i had them stored, so i can't say how long they might be safe for.

 

[CanDo]

Thanks for pointing that out. The wiki software does automatic numbering but embedding photos messes it up. I fixed it.

 

[beckerhead]

I twirl my "strike anywheres" with a cotton ball until they are about as big as a pencil, then dip 'em, twice. I have matches well over a year old that fire up fine, and will burn about 3-5 minutes easy. And even if they crap out on me, the waxed cotton and softwood core makes great tinder for my ferro rod.

Beckerhead

 

[mkhop]

I think that a quick dip in or spray with lacquer gives a nice thin hard waterproof coating, sometimes wax can soften the head of the match .

 

[Leighman]

I think that a quick dip in or spray with lacquer gives a nice thin hard waterproof coating, sometimes wax can soften the head of the match .

Exactly.
I have found that clear nail polish to be superior to wax. I coat the head, let dry, and then coat the entire match stick itself.

Like lacquer, nail polish (even after drying) is very flammable. I have been doing this for 10+ years with positive results.