[header] How to make waterproof matches [title] Pour 2 to 3 large tablespoons of turpentine into a small (tumbler sized) glass. [title] Place the matches, (head down) into the turpentine and allow the matches to soak for 5 minutes. [title] Remove the matches and spread them out to dry out on a sheet of newspaper. 
[step] Generally , 20 minutes for excess turpentine to evaporate is recommended. Matches treated in this way remain waterproof for several months or longer.