Introduction: Waterproof Matches
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About: I'm a musician, maker, wannabe YouTuber, introvert, and above all a crazy cat guy.
Reliable matches are essential to any camping trip. This instructable will show you how to turn an ordinary box of matches into waterproof matches using items you already have around the house.
Step 1: Supplies
To make these matches you'll need:
A box of ordinary matches,
A tea candle
Step 2: Melt the Wax
Using a match, heat the wax in the tea candle until it becomes liquid. The simplest way to do this is just to light the candle and let it burn for a few minutes.
Step 3: Coat the Matches
Blow out the candle and coat the matches with the liquid wax.
Step 4: Finished!
To use your new waterproof matches, simply scrape off the wax with your fingernail and strike as usual. I hope you enjoy this simple project. Please comment, subscribe, and vote for me in the great outdoors contest.
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10 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
I use nail polish. It works excellent! dip the tip of the match head and then stick the match in one of the holes of cut cardboard corrugation to dry.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Cool idea! Do you find it easy to remove when you want to strike the match?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thats the thing, You do not have to remove anything. Just strike the match as normal. The nail polish burn with the match.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for sharing! Always nice to learn something new.
10 years ago on Introduction
By the way everyone, If you like my instructable, please vote for me in the great outdoors contest. It will help me out a lot.
10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! :)
10 years ago on Introduction
I've heard the idea before, but really why can't you just stick the matches in a ziplock bag, that way nothing gets wet. Though I guess it's handy.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thats's a good question. Waterproofing the matches with wax saves space and allows you to keep them in the matchbox. Also, a ziploc bag can easily get a hole, completely defeating the purpose of waterproofing. Wax needs to be scraped off, so it's much more reliable.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, I get what you mean, I have tried to make waterproof matches before and the wax didn't come off correctly. I think I put to thick of a coating of wax on. Though I did always wonder what happens when the striking pad gets wet? Thank you for sharing the idea.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
The striking pad will no longer work after it gets wet, but it can be waterproofed with wax as well.