If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, camper, or just someone who likes to be prepared, you know how frustrating it can be when your matches get wet. But with a few simple tricks, you can make matches that stay dry and ignite reliably—even after taking a dip in water. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating waterproof matches at home.

Step 1: Protecting the Matches with Nail Polish

One of the easiest ways to waterproof matches is with clear fingernail polish. Here’s how it works:

1. Take a single match and dip the tip into a bottle of clear nail polish.

2. Use a piece of corrugated cardboard to hold the match while it dries. You can cut a small hole in the cardboard to help keep the match upright.

3. Allow the polish to fully dry before handling.

This initial coating gives the matches a layer of protection, making them more resilient against moisture.

Step 2: Storing the Matches

After the nail polish dries, you can store the matches directly in the cardboard holder. Some people prefer to transfer them to a small can for longer-term storage—but either method works fine as long as they’re kept dry.

Step 3: Wax Dipping for Extra Waterproofing

For maximum waterproofing and improved burn performance, you can dip the matches in paraffin wax:

1. Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler. This is important—melting wax directly in a pot can get too hot and be dangerous.

2. Once the wax is warm and melted, dip your matches into it. You can dip them twice for added coverage.

3. Let the wax cool and harden.

This layer of wax not only makes the matches waterproof but also helps them burn a little better.

Step 4: Testing Your Waterproof Matches

Now for the fun part: testing! Drop a match into water, then strike it. If you’ve done everything correctly, it will ignite perfectly. The wax coating ensures that the match burns reliably, even after being submerged.

Waterproof matches are a simple yet invaluable tool for camping trips, survival kits, or any situation where staying dry is a challenge. With just nail polish, wax, and a little patience, you can make sure your fire-starting supplies work every time.