Waterproofing Matches

The ability to build a fire is one of the most important survival skills you can master.
Not many folks I know excel at starting fires by striking a few rocks together, so it is important that you have some ignition sources in your supplies. The wise person doesn’t rely on just one ignition source, they generally keep at least 3 different sources on hand. For instance, matches, lighters/fluid, firesteel or a magnesium firestarter. Part of being prepared and surviving is that you always have a back up for everything possible.
Matches are one of the most surefire and convenient ways to start a fire. However the problem with matches is they are susceptible to moisture from water or even the humidity in the air. If your matches become damp or wet they will not kindle and could put your survival at risk.
The solution to the wet matches problem is to waterproof your matches. While you could purchase waterproof matches from your favorite survival supply store, waterproof matches cost a premium when compared to ordinary non-waterproof matches, they may not always be available, and could be of suspect quality.
During a survival situation is not the time to discover your supposedly high priced waterproof matches will not kindle. In my opinion you are far better off knowing how to make waterproof matches for yourself. In that way you can personally control the quality and quantity of this very important article of survival gear. Get in the habit of buying a couple of boxes of wood matches every time you go to the store. You can get boxes of wooden matches very cheaply at the Dollar Tree, Dollar Store, Family Dollar, etc. You can never have too many matches. Another habit you should get into is waterproofing those matches as soon as you get them home. That way, it’s already done and you won’t have to worry about it later.
You can often find wooden strike anywhere matches at your local hardware store or wood burning stove dealer. I prefer wooden strike anywhere matches, with them I do not need to rely upon a special striker surface to light the matches. In survival situations the fewer working parts that can fail the better.
Although you could try to make paper matches waterproof they will be less durable and reliable than wooden matches. If you are serious about surviving you are better off purchasing at least several boxes strong wooden matches and reserve the paper ones for everyday use at home.

The process for making waterproof matches is simple:

Set up a double boiler for the melting of wax on your stove or even over a campfire.
Once the wax has melted dump in your matches and stir, making sure that the wax has
completely coated the matches.
Remove from the pot of melted wax and put on a piece of wax paper. It only takes a few minutes for the wax to completely harden on the matches.
And there you have it; waterproof matches. The thin layer of wax all around the match ensures the match will catch fire even if it has been immersed in water. As an added bonus the wax will help the match burn longer and hotter.
Store your home made waterproof matches in a waterproof match case and you have gone far toward ensuring you can start a fire when you need to even if your matches get wet.