How to Make Waterproof Matches

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 Approved

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

1
Pour 2 to 3 large tablespoons of turpentine into a small (tumbler sized) glass.
2
Place the matches, (head down) into the turpentine and allow the matches to soak for 5 minutes. 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.^{[1]
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3
Remove the matches and spread them out to dry out on a sheet of newspaper. Generally, 20 minutes for excess turpentine to evaporate is recommended. Matches treated in this way remain waterproof for several months or longer.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Use Nail Polish

1
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.
2
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.^{[3]
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3
Place a sheet of newsprint below to catch anything that may drip off.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Use a Candle

1
Light a candle and let it burn down until you have a good amount of liquid wax (about a half of an inch or 1 centimeter).^{[5]
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2
Extinguish the candle.
3
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.
4
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.^{[6]
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5
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

1
Melt enough paraffin wax in a double boiler to be able to coat with wax about a half of an inch (1 centimeter) deep.^{[7]
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2
Wrap some twine or jute string around several matches from the bottom, to just below the wax quickly. This makes a torch that can burn for 10 or more minutes.

Community Q&A

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.
Question

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.
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.

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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