How to Waterproof Matches

How to make wooden matches waterproof using a common household product so you will be able to use them in an emergency or if you get rained on during a camping trip.This activity can be modified for higher age groups and chemistry classes by examining the chemical properties of the nail polish.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clear Nail Polish
• Wooden Matches
• Styrofoam Eggcarton
• Adult Supervision

1. Use the brush from the clear nail polish to coat the striking tip of the wooden matches. Make sure the tip is completely covered. Place the matches into a styrofoam eggcarton, or some other material to keep the painted tips sticking up. Don't touch the painted tips.

2. Let the matches dry completely. Then add another coat of clear nail polish. Let the matches dry overnight.

3. The next day, take a match from the egg carton or other container and dip it in some water. After dipping it in water, try to light the match. It will ignite!

Tips & Warnings

• How does it work? The nail polish coats the chemicals on the match tip and seals them. Since the nail polish is a hard substance, it creates a barrier to moisture, like a raincoat. When the match is struck, the polish is scratched away, allowing the chemicals to ignite as the normally do.
• Be Careful Using Matches!