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Thread: Matches dipped in nail polish

  1. #1

    Default Matches dipped in nail polish

    I was reading a magazine last night, and saw a "thing" about dipping matches in nail polish rather than wax to water proof them. Being unsure if anyone else had ever heard of this, since I hadn't, I thought I'd post the idea. This keeps the match strike "thing" clean of wax too.

    *Note: I've never tried this. Sounds good though.


  2. #2
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    Well, nail polish is flammable. More so than wax. Although I haven't done it that way either. Hmm, where's my daughter's nail polish?

    Well, I'll vote with those who have tried it. I use regular wood kitchen matches btw and replace them if they show signs of deterioration. test them often.

    I found some at Wally World and bought every box they had on the shelf, so have a good supply of them now. I knew 'somebody' was shipping them out despite the hazardous element.
    Last edited by Ridge Wolf; 06-21-2008 at 10:51 PM.

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    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    I've used nail polish in the past. I prefer wax. In addition to water proofing them, it causes them to burn quite a bit longer than just a plain match. I found that the nail polish, while it worked tended to decrease the burn time. If it's damp outside, I prefer the longer burn time.
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    I agree with crash.
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    Super-duper Moderator Sarge47's Avatar
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    Cool Well, since you asked....

    I've used nail polish in the past, but couldn't find a color that'd match my Survival Knife. It water-proofs the matches okay, but I've never checked out the "burn time" that Crash mentions. Since reading his post, think I'll stick to wax.
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    Okey dokey. Just passing it on. I think the article was in Outdoor Life or Field & Stream.

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    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Arkansas_Ranger View Post
    Okey dokey. Just passing it on. I think the article was in Outdoor Life or Field & Stream.
    It's always good to share stuff. Many may have not seen or heard of the idea before.
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    Senior Member Ole WV Coot's Avatar
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    Wax works. I dip the whole thing. Now this nail polish dipping is it just the match head or the whole match that is dipped? I must confess I haven't bought any nail polish lately, still have some for chiggers somewhere. Rotor cup is almost healed and I need to start loading the ATV & trailer.
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    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    When I have use the nail polish, I just dipped the head (about 3/4"). Some do it with wax the same way. I prefer to dip the entire match with wax. If you only dip the head and the matchstick gets wet it could wick up to the head. I have taken the fully dipped matches and put them in a glass of water overnight - wiped them off, removed the wax from the head, and lit them.
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    Senior Member Ole WV Coot's Avatar
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    Thanks,I will stick with the wax, sounds like one would have to dip the whole match or most of it in polish. That sounds like a pain and long drying time.
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    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ole WV Coot View Post
    Thanks,I will stick with the wax, sounds like one would have to dip the whole match or most of it in polish. That sounds like a pain and long drying time.
    ....and if you use the wrong color the others will whisper about you behind your back.
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    THE ROCK FACE jrock24's Avatar
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    Why not buy waterproof matches?
    Surviving in Los Angeles-

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    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    Cost. You can take strike anywhere matches and turn them into water proof matches in about 15 minutes of work.
    Tracks Across the High Plains...Death on the Bombay Line...A Touch of Death and Mayhem...Dead Rock...The Griswald Mine Boys...All On Amazon Books.

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    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jrock24 View Post
    Why not buy waterproof matches?
    As Rick said cost, and IMO when I coat them in wax they are better than the "store bought" ones.
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    Senior Member Ole WV Coot's Avatar
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    You left out the main reason, we are just plain cheap. Had to have grease fittings installed in my knees to sneak thru the woods.
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    THE ROCK FACE jrock24's Avatar
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    Ok, I have never had to buy any. I get a box every year for Xmas.
    Surviving in Los Angeles-

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    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    I'm with you, Coot. Grease nipples are a lot cheaper than those so called sealed knee joints. They do hang up on the pants a bit, though.
    Tracks Across the High Plains...Death on the Bombay Line...A Touch of Death and Mayhem...Dead Rock...The Griswald Mine Boys...All On Amazon Books.

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