Just wondering how others waterproof their matches...when you can find strike-anywhere kitchen matches, which is getting harder and harder every day. IMO all strike-on-box or -book matches are worthless. Yes, you can buy them at Amazon and the outdoor box stores, both kitchen and already-waterproofed matches, but I've got too much financial astuteness to buy them. And there's no romance with butane.For years I've been using two coats of the cheapest clear nail polish I can get. 1st coat covers head & 1/4" of the stick, 2d coat recovers head and 3/4 to 1" of the stick. Not only does a pretty goo waterproofing job, the laquer is very flamable, making a nice little hot flame.

I dipped them in melted paraffin. Then I bought a small round waterproof container with a striking surface on the bottom and didn't need to waterproof them anymore.

Hi,I like your lacquer idea.I have taken a different route. As I also whitewater boat, I carry two lighters and two separate packs of matches, well wrapped up. The matches are only used in an emergency and, as long as they stayed wrapped up, they seem "water proof" (numerous swims have confirmed this) enough. Regarding lighters. The style you get in camping and RV stores with the long necks suck when just slightly damp from dew where cigarette lighters (with a flint/steel) work fine....other than your fingers get singed when lighting stoves that is.Steve

When I was a Boy Scout. We used to make our own. Farmer matches (strike anywhere)and dip in melted paraffin.Used to wrap about 6 in a bundle. Use as fire starters.

I also dip mine in a very thin layer of wax (I use an old candle) and store them in an old tea can with a strip of emery board glued to the inside of the top. Been doing this for more years than I care to count!!

Waterproof Matches | Good Sam Community

endlesssky
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
Just put them in a pill bottle.
pitch
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2014
I'm a butane guy.
orfsotr
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
I also dip mine in a very thin layer of wax (I use an old candle) and store them in an old tea can with a strip of emery board glued to the inside of the top. Been doing this for more years than I care to count!!
rvten
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
When I was a Boy Scout. We used to make our own. Farmer matches (strike anywhere)and dip in melted paraffin.

Used to wrap about 6 in a bundle. Use as fire starters.
SteveAE
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
Hi,

I like your lacquer idea.

I have taken a different route. As I also whitewater boat, I carry two lighters and two separate packs of matches, well wrapped up. The matches are only used in an emergency and, as long as they stayed wrapped up, they seem "water proof" (numerous swims have confirmed this) enough. Regarding lighters. The style you get in camping and RV stores with the long necks suck when just slightly damp from dew where cigarette lighters (with a flint/steel) work fine....other than your fingers get singed when lighting stoves that is.

Steve
Clay_L
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
I dipped them in melted paraffin.
Then I bought a small round waterproof container with a striking surface on the bottom and didn't need to waterproof them anymore.

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