Waterproofing matches is a practical skill for campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a reliable flame in wet conditions. By applying a protective layer, you can ensure your matches ignite even after exposure to rain, humidity, or accidental submersion. This guide explores several effective methods to waterproof your matches, making them a dependable tool for outdoor adventures.
Why Waterproof Your Matches?
Carrying waterproof matches can be a lifesaver when you’re out in the elements. Imagine being caught in a sudden downpour miles from shelter; a reliable fire source becomes essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling. Standard matches are highly susceptible to moisture, rendering them useless when you need them most.
The Importance of Fire in the Outdoors
Fire provides critical functions in survival and recreational outdoor scenarios. It offers warmth, allowing you to regulate body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Fire is also vital for purifying water by boiling and for cooking food, making it safe and palatable. Furthermore, a fire can be used for signaling for help in emergencies.
Common Match Vulnerabilities
Regular matches are typically made of wood or cardboard with a chemical head. The cardboard or wood can absorb moisture, swelling and preventing proper friction against the striking surface. The chemical head itself can dissolve or become inert when wet, failing to ignite. Even slight dampness can significantly reduce their reliability.
Effective Methods for Waterproofing Matches
Several straightforward techniques can transform ordinary matches into waterproof fire-starters. These methods involve creating a barrier that repels water, protecting both the matchstick and its head.
Method 1: Wax Dipping
This is perhaps the most popular and effective method for waterproofing matches. It creates a robust, water-repellent coating.
Materials Needed:
- Matches: Standard wooden matches work best.
- Container: A heat-safe container like an old can or a small pot.
- Wax: Paraffin wax, beeswax, or even old candle stubs.
- Heat Source: A stovetop or a double boiler.
- Tongs or Tweezers: For holding the matches.
Steps:
- Melt the Wax: Gently melt the wax in your heat-safe container. If using a stovetop, use a double boiler to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Keep the wax at a low, consistent temperature.
- Dip the Matches: Using tongs or tweezers, carefully dip each match into the melted wax, ensuring the entire matchstick and head are fully submerged.
- Allow Excess Wax to Drip: Lift the match out and let any excess wax drip back into the container for a few seconds.
- Let Them Dry: Place the dipped matches on wax paper or parchment paper to cool and harden completely. Avoid touching them until the wax is solid.
Benefits of Wax Dipping:
- Excellent Water Resistance: The wax forms a solid barrier against moisture.
- Increased Burn Time: The wax can contribute to a slightly longer burn time.
- Durability: The coating is quite resilient to rough handling.
Method 2: Using Nail Polish
A quick and accessible method, nail polish offers a decent level of waterproofing.
Materials Needed:
- Matches: Any type of match.
- Clear Nail Polish: Preferably a quick-drying formula.
- Small Dish or Plate: To hold the nail polish.
Steps:
- Pour Nail Polish: Pour a small amount of clear nail polish onto a dish.
- Dip Match Heads: Dip only the heads of the matches into the nail polish. You can also coat the entire stick if you prefer, but the head is the most critical part.
- Let Them Dry: Stand the matches upright in a container or lay them on wax paper to dry completely. Ensure good ventilation as nail polish fumes can be strong.
Considerations for Nail Polish:
- Less Durable: The coating can chip or wear off more easily than wax.
- Fumes: Requires good ventilation during application and drying.
- Speed: It’s a faster method than extensive waxing.
Method 3: Using Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
This method is simple and uses a readily available household item.
Materials Needed:
- Matches: Standard matches.
- Petroleum Jelly: A generous amount.
- Container: A small jar or zip-top bag.
Steps:
- Coat the Matches: Place matches in a container. Add a good amount of petroleum jelly and gently roll the matches around to coat them thoroughly. Ensure the heads are well covered.
- Wipe Excess: Carefully wipe off any excess petroleum jelly, leaving a thin, even coating. Too much jelly can hinder ignition.
- Store Properly: Store the coated matches in a waterproof container.
Pros and Cons of Petroleum Jelly:
- Ease of Use: Very simple and requires no heat.
- Accessibility: Petroleum jelly is widely available.
- Potential Ignition Issues: Excess jelly can sometimes interfere with the striking surface or the initial flame.
Storing Your Waterproofed Matches
Proper storage is just as crucial as the waterproofing method itself. Even waterproofed matches can degrade over time or be damaged if not stored correctly.
Waterproof Containers
Invest in small, waterproof containers or water-resistant bags. These can include:
- Small plastic containers with screw-on lids.
- Waterproof match cases.
- Ziploc bags placed inside a larger waterproof pouch.
Desiccants
Consider adding a desiccant (like silica gel packets) to your storage container. These absorb any residual moisture, further protecting your matches.
Temperature and Humidity
Store your waterproofed matches in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. High heat can melt wax coatings, and prolonged exposure to humidity can eventually compromise even well-protected matches.
Testing Your Waterproofed Matches
Before relying on your waterproofed matches in a critical situation, it’s wise to test their effectiveness.
The Submersion Test
Take a few of your treated matches and submerge them in water for a short period (e.g., 30 seconds to a minute). Remove them, dry the striking surface if necessary, and attempt to strike them. They should ignite readily.
The Humidity Test
Leave some matches in a humid environment (like a steamy bathroom) for a few hours. Then, try to strike them. This tests their resilience against ambient moisture.
People Also Ask
### How long do waterproofed matches last?
Waterproofed matches can last for a considerable amount of time, often for years, provided they are stored correctly in a waterproof container with minimal exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures. The longevity depends on the waterproofing method used and the quality of the storage.
### Can I use regular matches after they get wet?
If
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