Post by Icarus on Mar 24, 2008 11:36:26 GMT -5
How To Make Waterproof Matches:
Use Candles:
Light a candle and let it burn down until you have a good amount of liquid wax (about a half of an inch or 1 centimeter).
Extinguish the candle.
Dip the head end of the match into the wax far enough to cover at least an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) of the stick below the head.
Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the wax to harden slightly and then place the match on a table or counter so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface.
When the wax has cooled, but not completely hardened, pinch the end of the wax coating (towards the stick), forming a tight seal.
Use Paraffin:
Melt enough paraffin wax in a double boiler to be able to coat with wax about a half of an inch (1 centimeter) deep.
Wrap some twine or jute string around several matches from the bottom, to just below the heads of the matches.
Coat the bottom of the torch thickly in wax and the heads lightly. Make sure that there is a complete seal.
Put in water to cool the wax quickly. This makes a torch that can burn for 10 or more minutes.
Use Nail Polish:
Dip the head end of the match into clear nail polish far enough to cover at least an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) of the stick below the head.
Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the polish to dry and then place the match on a table or counter so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface.
TIPS:
If you don't use strike-anywhere matches, be sure to store a striking surface with your matches.
This should be done soon after buying the matches so that the matches don't pick up too much moisture from the air.
Even though the matches will be waterproof, it is a good idea to store your finished matches in a waterproof container, such as a plastic 35 mm film canister.
The nail polish method is easiest and safest, and it produces a much sturdier match: wax can more easily break or be scratched.
Any nail polish can be used, but you'll get fewer laughs from your camping buddies if you use clear rather than a shiny pink.
The candle method works best with a votives or columns, not tapers.
When using either of the wax methods, work as quickly as you can while still being safe so the wax doesn't harden.
If you do not have a double boiler, you can melt the paraffin wax using a metal bowl over a pot of boiling water. You can also melt the wax in a pan on low heat, but this increases the chance of causing a fire.
The matches may also be completely covered with the wax to make sure water can't migrate up the matchstick.
www.wikihow.com/Make-Waterproof-Matches
Use Candles:
Light a candle and let it burn down until you have a good amount of liquid wax (about a half of an inch or 1 centimeter).
Extinguish the candle.
Dip the head end of the match into the wax far enough to cover at least an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) of the stick below the head.
Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the wax to harden slightly and then place the match on a table or counter so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface.
When the wax has cooled, but not completely hardened, pinch the end of the wax coating (towards the stick), forming a tight seal.
Use Paraffin:
Melt enough paraffin wax in a double boiler to be able to coat with wax about a half of an inch (1 centimeter) deep.
Wrap some twine or jute string around several matches from the bottom, to just below the heads of the matches.
Coat the bottom of the torch thickly in wax and the heads lightly. Make sure that there is a complete seal.
Put in water to cool the wax quickly. This makes a torch that can burn for 10 or more minutes.
Use Nail Polish:
Dip the head end of the match into clear nail polish far enough to cover at least an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) of the stick below the head.
Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the polish to dry and then place the match on a table or counter so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface.
TIPS:
If you don't use strike-anywhere matches, be sure to store a striking surface with your matches.
This should be done soon after buying the matches so that the matches don't pick up too much moisture from the air.
Even though the matches will be waterproof, it is a good idea to store your finished matches in a waterproof container, such as a plastic 35 mm film canister.
The nail polish method is easiest and safest, and it produces a much sturdier match: wax can more easily break or be scratched.
Any nail polish can be used, but you'll get fewer laughs from your camping buddies if you use clear rather than a shiny pink.
The candle method works best with a votives or columns, not tapers.
When using either of the wax methods, work as quickly as you can while still being safe so the wax doesn't harden.
If you do not have a double boiler, you can melt the paraffin wax using a metal bowl over a pot of boiling water. You can also melt the wax in a pan on low heat, but this increases the chance of causing a fire.
The matches may also be completely covered with the wax to make sure water can't migrate up the matchstick.
www.wikihow.com/Make-Waterproof-Matches