Q&A for How to Make Waterproof Matches

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

Does this work better with strike anywhere matches or just plain old matches?

Community Answer

Neither works better or worse, but it might be more convenient to use strike anywhere matches.

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Question

Do I have to use clear nail polish?

Community Answer

Any color will work.

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Question

Can I use the turpentine method and then dip the matches in wax to make them last even longer?

Jestin58761

Community Answer

Yes! Using turpentine and then dipping them into wax will work wonderfully. I've done it plenty of times, and they last longer that way.

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Question

What about covering the match with Vaseline?

Jestin58761

Community Answer

Covering a match with Vaseline to waterproof it will not work at all. Try using clear fingernail polish.

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Question

If a match is covered with candle wax, will it ignite on striking?

Community Answer

Yes, but it may not light right away.

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Question

Where can I buy some real strike anywhere matches? All they have now you can't even get them to light on the side of the box.

Community Answer

I found a three pack of 300 matches for $2.58 at our local HEB grocery store by the barbecue grilling section. You just have to look around at your local grocery or other retail stores. If worse comes to worse, you can try to find them online.

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Question

Will liquid (unheated) paraffin work?

Community Answer

No, there will be no heat, so the seal cannot be formed, thus it cannot become waterproof.

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Question

How long will the methods last?

Community Answer

The methods will not last more than three months.

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