Tyler Brooks
Wax seals are a great way to elevate your stationery, gifts, and packaging. They can be used to seal envelopes, gift bags, bottles, and more. While it is possible to use candle wax to create a seal, sealing wax is designed to be more flexible, durable, and colour-fast. There are several methods for creating wax seals, including the open flame method, the glue gun method, and the sealing wax bead method. The open flame method involves melting wax over a candle flame and pouring it onto paper, while the glue gun method uses a low-heat glue gun and wax sticks. The sealing wax bead method involves melting wax beads with a lit candle and pouring the melted wax onto your project.
How to Make a Wax Seal Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Type | Beeswax, Cheese Wax, Paraffin Wax, Sealing Wax Beads, Crayons, Glue Sticks |
| Wax Form | Solid Wax Sticks, Wax Beads |
| Wax Melting Method | Open Flame, Glue Gun, Pot of Simmering Water, Candle Melter |
| Stamp Application | Press Stamp into Melted Wax, Pour Wax onto Stamp |
| Stamp Removal | Remove Stamp after a Few Seconds, Remove Stamp when Wax is Dry |
| Surface | Heat-Resistant Mat, Cutting Mat/Board |
| Tools | Wax Stamp, Spoon, Knife, Ice Pack, Heat-Resistant Gloves |
| Precautions | Avoid Direct Skin Contact with Melted Wax, Work on a Non-Flammable Surface |
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What You'll Learn
Using a wax seal kit with a spoon and candle
Prepare Your Materials
You will need a wax seal kit, which typically includes a spoon, a candle, wax beads or sticks, and a sealing stamp. You can purchase these items separately or as a set. Ensure you have all the necessary components before you begin.
Melt the Wax
Place small chunks of wax or wax beads into the spoon. If you're using a stove, light a tealight candle and place it underneath the stove. Hold the spoon over the candle flame or stove until the wax has completely melted. Stir the wax gently to ensure even melting. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as it may start bubbling. If this happens, remove it from the heat and let it cool down until the bubbles disappear.
Pour and Shape the Wax
Once the wax is melted, slowly pour it onto your desired surface. If you're sealing an envelope, gently pour the wax onto the paper where you want the seal to be. Shape the wax into a small, flat circle slightly smaller than your stamp head.
Apply the Seal
Firmly press your sealing stamp into the melted wax. Hold it in place for a couple of seconds, then slowly remove the stamp. Allow the wax to harden completely before touching or moving the seal. This usually takes about a minute.
Clean Your Tools
To clean your sealing spoon, wipe away the excess wax with a tissue while it is still warm. You can reuse the wax if you want. Additionally, wipe off your wax stamp on a towel to remove any condensation before storing it.
Tips and Precautions
If you're using traditional wax, be aware that it may not be suitable for mailing due to its brittle nature. Consider using supple wax, which is more flexible and can withstand the postal system's rough handling. Additionally, if you want to use the wax seal later, pour the melted wax onto a heatproof, non-stick surface to cool and store it for future use.
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The glue gun method
To start, find a clear, heat-resistant surface to work on that is not flammable and that you don't mind getting sealing wax on. Creating wax seals can be messy, so be sure to clean any clutter and make sure you are not working on a surface that could be damaged by wax. Place your wax stamp on an ice pack or a bag of ice to cool it down. You can also use plain ice, which you can place in a bowl and tip out the water as it melts.
Next, insert your wax stick into the glue gun. Choose a wax stick according to the colour of the stamp you wish to make. If you are using a temperature-controlled mini hot melt glue gun, set the temperature to low and allow a couple of minutes for the glue gun to heat up. Rest the glue gun on a mat or sheet of foil to protect surfaces from dripping wax.
Once your wax is dripping from your glue gun, it's ready to use. Pump a few dollops of wax onto your surface. Take your wax stamp off the ice and dab it on a towel to get rid of any moisture (otherwise, droplets will show up on your wax seal). Make sure the wax stamp design is at the right angle and not upside down. Resting your wrist on the table for support, press your stamp firmly into the centre of the wax. If your wax is bubbling or too runny, your wax is too hot. In this case, switch off or unplug your glue gun for about thirty seconds.
Rest your stamp in the wax for a few seconds, then lift it upwards. Make sure to place the stamp directly back on top of the ice so it stays chilled if you are using it again. If your wax is sticking to your stamp, it means your stamp is too hot. Keep the stamp cold so that the hot glue seal doesn’t stick to it. Wipe it off with a soft cloth when you’re done and ensure it is completely dry before attempting to stamp the glue.
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Using wax sticks and a hot glue gun
Wax seals are a great way to elevate your stationery, gifts, and packaging. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make wax seals using wax sticks and a hot glue gun:
First, find a clear, heat-resistant surface to work on. Creating wax seals can be messy, so make sure you don't mind getting sealing wax on the surface. Plug in your sealing wax gun and place it on a heat-resistant mat. Rest the glue gun on a mat or a sheet of foil to protect surfaces from dripping wax.
Next, insert the wax sticks into the glue gun. The 7mm sealing wax sticks are compatible with temperature-controlled mini hot melt glue guns on low heat. Set the temperature to low and allow a couple of minutes for the glue gun to heat up.
Now you're ready to start making your wax seals. Aim the nozzle close to the surface you want to seal and lightly squeeze the trigger to release the melted wax. Two pulls of the trigger should produce enough wax for a 25mm seal stamp. If this is your first time, consider doing a test run on a piece of scrap paper to get a feel for the consistency of the wax and how it stamps.
After releasing the wax, quickly place your stamp on the melted wax and press slightly. Allow the stamp to cool before removing it from the wax. You can speed up the cooling process by using an ice pack or cold water (be careful when using ice packs as the hot stamp can melt the plastic). Remember to let your stamp cool between each seal, as the brass plate will heat up and start sticking to the wax after a few seals.
Finally, enjoy your beautiful wax seals! This method is ideal for DIY projects requiring multiple seals, and you can easily change colours by using a glue stick in between to flush out the previous colour.
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Melting wax with a small pot
First, prepare your wax. If you are using leftover candle wax, scoop it out of its container and place it into your small pot or saucepan. Ensure that your pot or saucepan is made of a suitable material, such as ceramic or glass, and always check for "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" labels.
Next, you will need to heat your wax. Place your pot or saucepan on a stove and heat it gently. It is important to monitor the temperature closely to prevent the wax from scorching or reaching its flashpoint. The flashpoint of a material is the "lowest liquid temperature at which, under certain standardized conditions, a liquid gives off vapours capable of forming an ignitable vapour/air mixture". To avoid scorching and reaching the flashpoint, heat the wax slowly and at a low temperature. One source recommends heating the wax in one-minute intervals until it reaches 80°C, then switching to two-minute intervals until it is fully melted.
Once your wax has melted, remove it from the heat source and place it on a safe, even, covered surface. Allow it to cool slightly, aiming for a temperature of around 70°C. At this point, you can add colour and fragrance if desired. We recommend adding 0.2% colour and 6-10% fragrance oil by weight. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the additives are fully incorporated.
Now your wax is ready to be used for your seal! Simply pour it onto your desired surface and press shut with your seal. If you are using a metal stamp, be sure to wipe it on a towel first to remove any condensation.
An alternative method is to use the "open flame method". Place small chunks of wax in a spoon and hold it over a candle flame until melted. Then, gently pour the wax onto your paper and press shut with your seal. This method may be more suitable if you are only sealing one or two envelopes, as it does not require the use of a pot or heat sources such as a stove or microwave.
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Using a wax seal candle
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Start by clearing a work area that is heat-resistant and not flammable. Creating wax seals can be messy, so be sure to protect your work surface and avoid any clutter.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
You will need a wax seal candle, a wax stamp, an ice pack, a heat-resistant spoon, and an envelope or paper to seal. You can also use sealing wax beads or sticks, and a glue gun for a more controlled application.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
If using a wax seal candle, light the candle and place the spoon just outside the flame. Place 1-2 sealing wax beads or small pieces of wax from the candle onto the spoon and hold it over the flame until melted. You can also use a hot glue gun to melt the wax, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4: Apply the Wax
Once the wax is melted, pour it onto your envelope or paper in a circular motion. Aim for a size slightly larger than your wax stamp. Work quickly, as the wax will start to dry and harden.
Step 5: Stamp Your Design
Place your wax stamp on the ice pack to cool it down. Then, press the stamp directly onto the melted wax and hold it for a few seconds. Carefully remove the stamp to reveal your design.
Step 6: Let It Dry
Allow the wax to dry completely before touching it. Traditional wax tends to dry brittle, so be careful when handling the sealed item.
Tips and Tricks:
- If using a glue gun, dedicate it solely to wax to avoid mixing with glue.
- To create a marbling effect, try melting different coloured waxes or beads together.
- For mailing wax-sealed envelopes, hand-cancel them at the post office to avoid damage from mail sorting machines.
- If using a candle, larger candles will melt the wax quicker.
- Be cautious when working with open flames and hot tools.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle wax tends to be more liquid when melted and can seep through paper. Sealing wax has a different composition and is designed to be flexible and durable. However, in a pinch, you can use candle wax, but be aware that it may not work as well.
The glue gun method involves using a low-heat glue gun and wax sticks. Let the gun heat up and apply wax directly to the envelope. This method is mess-free and faster than traditional methods.
The open flame method involves placing small chunks of wax in a spoon and holding it over a candle flame until melted. Then, pour the wax onto your desired surface and press shut with a seal.
The sealing wax bead method involves placing 1-2 sealing wax beads in a spoon and holding it just outside the flame of a lit candle. Once melted, pour the wax onto your project in a circular motion and press your wax stamp on top.
Creating wax seals can be messy, so be sure to work on a heat-resistant, non-flammable surface. If you plan on mailing your wax-sealed envelope, hand-cancel your envelopes if possible, as mail-sorting machines can break wax seals.
