Field Expedient Match Waterproofing

This technique is not meant as a replacement for commercially available waterproof matches. They are manufactured using a varnish that will result in a product that probably is more durable and reliable than the ones you are about to make. However, if you are in an emergency situation and have only regular matches, this is a good way to ensure that they will remain usable. Be aware that wax and paraffin do have a flashpoint, although you shouldn't have any problems if you don't leave it cooking unattended or use an oxy/acetelene torch as your heat source.

To waterproof your matches, you will need a small amount of paraffin, a heat source, a spoon or shallow metal container, and some wooden matches.

You can shave a bit of paraffin from the bottom of a survival candle or any other candle as long as it does not contain beeswax. I have experimented with pure beeswax and it does an excellent job of waterproofing but even a thin coat prevents the match from sparking. It also fouls the striking surface on the matchbox to a greater extent than paraffin. Be aware that some candles contain a 50/50 mix of beeswax and paraffin, which I haven't had an opportunity to test.

Melting the paraffin

Heat the paraffin in a spoon over a flame. As you can see from the photo, I am using a candle for this. When it has completely melted, dip the top half of a match into the paraffin, rolling it from side to side and then quickly remove it and hold between your fingers until the paraffin goes from opaque to clear, which means that it is dry.

Dipping the match

If you do this once, the match will almost always strike without any problems. The benefit of repeating this process several times is that you will have a thicker coat on the match, which offers more protection from water. The downside is that before striking, you will need to carefully scratch some of the paraffin from the match head using a fingernail, being sure not to remove material from the striking surface.

Immersing the match in water

Once the match cools, you should be able to immerse it in water, remove, dry, and successfully light it. Be careful that the hot paraffin from the burning match doesn't contact your fingers.
My testing indicates that a single-dipped match can be immersed in water for at least four minutes without being compromised. At five, the match has wicked in too much water and the head will be soggy. The only way I was able to successfully light one after five minutes was to dip it three separate times.

Waterproofed match burning

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Last updated December 11, 2005

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