Waterproof or storm proof matches have been created to help you get a fire started in any weather.
It doesn’t matter how wet your materials get, as long as you can find dry tinder, waterproof matches can help you get a fire going.
But what if you are in a pinch and don’t have time to run to the store and grab some waterproof matches?
Or maybe the store is completely out of them and you can’t order some online.
Here are 4 quick and easy ways to waterproof your matches in roughly 5 minutes (and most of these items can be purchased at the dollar store!).
Method #1: Using Candle Wax
Waterproofing a match with candle wax is super simple and only requires 2 things: your matches and a candle.
If you plan to use this method, go ahead and light your candle to warm the wax up.
You’ll want to wait until a good portion of the candle wax has melted (roughly ¼ inch or more).
Then, while your candle is still lit, dip your matches into the candle wax.
Set them aside for a few seconds while they dry.
The candle wax is waterproof and adds a protective coating over your matches to ensure they’ll light when you need it the most.
To use your wax-coated matches, gently scrape off the candle wax around the match head and then strike like normal.
Method #2: Nail Polish
Nail polish is also a great way to waterproof your matches quickly.
The great thing about nail polish is you can use it to paint your matches a bright color.
That way your matches will be easy to find if you happen to drop one of them on the wilderness floor.
To waterproof your matches with nail polish, dip the head and part of the match stick into a bottle of polish.
The idea here is to get a thin but sealed coat of polish so that the match will still light without needing to scrape anything off.
Place the matches where they can dry without the polish wiping off, such as hanging off of a ledge or similar.
Once dry you’ll have a set of waterproof matches that should still light on the first strike.
Method #3: Crayons: An Even Better Candle Wax
My favorite method of waterproofing matches is to use crayons.
That is because you can still use a bright color to find them if they get dropped and they protect matches from any wet conditions.
But, the best part about using crayons for waterproofing?
Crayon material is also flammable.
A lit crayon can be used as a makeshift candle, but the melted wax can also be used to form a protective but flammable coating on your match.
This method of waterproofing requires a little more effort but is worth it in my opinion.
To start, set your crayon up so that it is hanging off the edge of a surface or clamped in place.
Then, hold a lighter near the crayon to start melting it.
In your other hand, hold a match under the dripping crayon wax to coat it.
Once one side of the match is covered, rotate it 180 degrees to cover the other side.
Repeat until you have a group of flammable, waterproof matches.
Method #4: Turpentine
I put this as the last method because turpentine isn’t available in dollar stores.
It’s not super cheap in general.
However, if you do happen to have some turpentine lying around, here’s how you can use it to waterproof your matches.
First, pour some turpentine into a bowl.
Then, drop all of your matches into the bowl and let soak for 5 minutes.
Once done, pull the matches out and let them dry on some newspaper.
And there you have it: a super simple waterproofing method for a not-so-easy-to-obtain, relatively expensive material.
Bonus Method: Creating Tiny Torches With Paraffin Wax
I put this method as a ‘bonus’ because it will take you longer than 5 minutes to waterproof your matches using paraffin wax.
However, paraffin wax is great because it works similar to crayons: it is also flammable.
This method of waterproofing will require a double-boiler setup or similar, as you can’t just directly heat up the paraffin wax.
It will start a fire in your pot!
To create a makeshift double-boiler, simply place a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil.
Next, add another pot on top of the boiling water.
Voila!
Now, add your paraffin wax to the top pot to allow it to melt.
You want to melt enough wax so that you can dip roughly half an inch of your match.
While that is melting, wrap some jute twine (or similar) around the top half of each matchstick, leaving the head exposed.
Once the wax is melted, dip your matches to the end of the twine so that both the twine and the match head are covered in wax.
Allow the wax to dry and you’ve got tiny torches that will burn for a few minutes at a time.
Now You’re Ready For Fire Making In Any Conditions
Using any one of these methods will allow you to have matches that will stay dry in any conditions.
Just make sure you find dry tinder to use along with these matches.
It’s also not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with fire making methods that don’t require matches just in case you happen to lose them or run out.
What is your favorite method for waterproofing matches?
Let us know!