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Adventure Tips

This blog is a collection of outdoor adventure tips and "how to's" to help the novice to outdoor activities become better equipped or just give ideas to help you through your trekking adventure. Getting out in the vast arenas of our national parks will fill you with wonders you never imagined and wouldn't want to be left out from experiencing.

How to make water-proof matches

Here is a homemade way to make water-proof matches, which can become very handy while exploring the outdoors. Yes, you can put your matches in a plastic bag, but what if that bag breaks open; you no longer have dry matches. Matches are a very important necessity in the great outdoors; they can save your life. These homemade water-proof matches can be used when camping, backpacking, or in an emergency. It only takes a few minutes to make them and you will be able to use them if they do get wet. One way of making your matches water-proof is by using nail polish. Start by dipping the head end of the match into clear nail polish far enough down to cover most of the stick below the head. Cover at least three millimeters of the stick part of the match. Then hold the match with the dry end to allow the polish to dry. Then place your polish covered matches on a counter/table with the head hanging off the edge to allow to air dry properly. Another way of making your own water-proof is by using a candle. Start by lighting the candle and letting the wax burn down, until you have a good amount of melted wax. Then dip the head end of the match into the wax far enough to cover almost the whole match. Hold the match by the dry end to allow the wax to harden. When the wax has cooled, but not fully hardened pinch the ends of the wax to create a seal. Pinching the matches’ ends allows for the actuall match part to stay dry.

Tips to remember:

If you plan on making your own water-proof matches, make sure you do not wait too long after purchasing your matches. You don’t want your matches to absorb too much moisture from the air.
Although your matches may be water-proof you should still take safety precautions and store them in an air tight container.
The nail polish method is easier and safer, plus it produces a much stronger match.
Any nail polish can be used, but you can get creative if you would like.
The candle method works best with votives or columns.
If you are making your matches with the wax method, work as quickly as you can while still being safe so the wax doesn't harden too quickly.
The matches may also be completely covered with the wax to make sure water does not come in contact with the match at all.

Warnings

Always use caution when working with fire.
Wax in its liquid state is very hot and may cause burns.
Nail polish and wax can stain fabric and surfaces, so it is a good idea to cover your work surface in newspaper.

Only published comments... Mar 12 2008, 08:09 AM by accarrie with 103 view(s)

Filed under: hiking, waterproof, camping, nail polish, wax, fire, matches, homemade

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