All too often I light a match, only to have it go out again three seconds later. If that doesn't happen, I often fail to realise that it is still lit, and burn my fingers inadvertantly.

I propose that matches be soaked in wax (except for the tip), so that you can easily light it, but it will stay lit for a long time, enabling you to use it for more than one candle, and also removing the need to bring candle and matchbox near each other.

The amount of wax would be just enough for the flame, but not enough for annoying molten wax drips everywhere. It would be very cheap wax, to reduce prices.

This would save time and money for (almost) all involved.
-- dbmag9, Apr 22 2006

Wax matches http://www.rajexim....s/wax-match-box.jpg
[skinflaps, Apr 24 2006]

So you want a water-proof match made the wrong way? You want a defective water-proof match. You're looking to put the esteemed water-proof match people out of business, aren't you? Give them a bad name with matches that have wax on the wrong side, so's people get confused. My grandfather was a water-proof matchmaker, dipping each match *by hand* mind you. <mutters to self> Wants to ruin the water-proof match makers' reputation, that's what he wants. No good piece of ...<mts>
-- NotTheSharpestSpoon, Apr 22 2006


I think you'll find many matches are already impregnated with wax - if you look carefully as one burns, you'll see the wax liquifying.
-- AbsintheWithoutLeave, Apr 22 2006


Really? Can you post a link. I should like to buy some. Sorry, spoon. I didn't mean to offend you.
-- dbmag9, Apr 23 2006


I'm not sure, but French and Italian matches are like this too, I think - (they're usually much skinnier than the traditional Britsh wooden match, and nothing like the card book of matches) they look like tiny candles with a bulbous red tip. They look as though they're made of wax-dipped rolled-up paper, then dunked into some igniting material, and left to set) - I'll see if I can find a picture... Sorry - couldn't find one. :(
-- Dub, Apr 24 2006


Matches used to be made of wax - I once had a box of these matches which was about 100 years old.
-- hippo, Apr 24 2006


c'mon, think big. howabout magnesium-impregnated matches. Light 'em up and they'll burn through nearly anything.
-- sninctown, Apr 24 2006


With Sodium tips so you just dip them in water to light. (or lick them in Biker Bars.)
-- Galbinus_Caeli, Apr 24 2006


Go ahead and dip your wooden matches in wax. They will become waterproof and all that. You could use patchoulli-scented candle wax for the dipping, for that patchoulli-scented mystique.
-- bungston, Apr 24 2006


Clear nail polish works, too. But these days, it's easier to flick your Bic (lighter, keep your minds out of the gutter!)
-- csea, Apr 24 2006


//Go ahead and dip your wooden matches in wax.//

My grandfather told me that you had to be in the Waterproof Matchmaker's Union to that. He told me it was against the law for unauthorized people to go around dipping matches in wax. He said that people could die a violent, horrible, burning death if they didn't know what they were doing. So I'm warning you- watch where you dip that tip.
-- NotTheSharpestSpoon, Apr 24 2006


Waxy lyrics?

Sexy Watches?
-- Dub, Apr 26 2006


Wax-dipped matches are thoroughly baked and this technique is recommended on many survival sites.
-- webfishrune, Feb 02 2007



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