Tyler Brooks
Wax seals are a great way to add a unique touch to your mail. While regular candle wax can be used to seal an envelope, it may not be as durable as commercial sealing wax, which is designed to be flexible and colour-fast. Commercial wax seals are also available with self-adhesive backs, making them easy to apply like stickers. If you want to try your hand at making a wax seal with a candle, you can cut a piece of wax from a candle and hold it over a flame until it melts. Then, pour the wax onto your envelope and press shut with a seal.
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What You'll Learn
Using a wax seal kit
Prepare Your Materials
Start by gathering all the materials you need from your wax seal kit. This includes sealing wax, a wax seal stamp, a melting spoon, and a candle. You can find sealing wax in various colours and types, so choose one that suits your preference. Sealing wax candles typically come with or without a wick, so select the type you find easier to work with.
Melt the Wax
Place the sealing wax into the melting spoon. Hold the spoon over the flame of a candle, keeping it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the flame. The heat from the candle will melt the wax. You can also use a lighter or match if your candle doesn't have a wick. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as this can cause bubbling along the edge of your seal. The ideal consistency is similar to thick honey or something sticky rather than runny.
Create a Wax Pool
Once the wax is melted, move the spoon about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the area you want to seal and pour the wax in small circles to distribute it evenly. You want to create a wax pool that is slightly larger than the face of your wax seal. Don't worry about creating a perfect circle, as any extra wax will add character to your final seal.
Apply the Wax Seal
With the wax pool ready, it's time to apply your wax seal. Hold the seal directly above the melted wax and lower it smoothly and gently into the wax. Apply a small amount of pressure to ensure the design is imprinted clearly. Leave the seal in the wax for a couple of seconds before removing it.
Finishing Touches
After removing the wax seal, let the wax harden completely. You can use the unlit end of the candle or a similar tool to smooth out any uneven areas and remove air bubbles. Make small circles in the wax until it has a uniform shape and thickness.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful and secure wax seals using a wax seal kit. Enjoy experimenting with different colours and stamp designs to add a unique touch to your candles!
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The open flame method
First, prepare your workspace. Find a non-flammable surface to work on, as you will be dealing with an open flame. It is also recommended to use a heat-resistant mat to protect your work surface. As wax sealing can be messy, clear any clutter and choose a surface that you don't mind getting wax on.
Next, gather your materials. You will need a candle, sealing wax, a wax stamp, and a melting spoon. Sealing wax comes in various shapes, sizes, and colours, so choose one that suits your needs. You can use a teaspoon if you don't have a wax melting spoon. You can find these at craft stores or online.
Now, it's time to melt the wax. Cut a piece of sealing wax, approximately 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) long, and place it in your melting spoon. If your sealing wax has a wick, remove it before melting. Hold the spoon approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) over the candle's flame, allowing the wax to melt gradually. Avoid holding the spoon too close to the flame, as this may cause the wax to burn, resulting in a streaky seal. Instead, take your time and let the wax soften without dripping.
Once you have a marble-sized amount of melted wax in your spoon, you're ready to apply it to your project. Pour the wax onto your desired surface in a circular motion, creating a pool of wax slightly larger than your wax stamp. If you are sealing an envelope, hold the spoon about 2 inches (5.1 cm) above the centre of the paper and rotate the spoon slightly to let the wax drip onto the desired area.
Finally, apply your wax stamp. Firmly press your wax stamp into the pool of wax and hold it for a few seconds. Leave the stamp in place for about a minute, allowing the wax to harden, before gently removing it. Admire your beautiful wax seal impression!
If you want to create a unique design, try melting different coloured wax beads together to achieve a marbling effect. Additionally, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts are not perfect. Any imperfections will only add character to your wax seal.
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The glue gun method
To start, find a clear, non-flammable surface to work on that you don't mind getting sealing wax on. As you will be working with hot tools, you must use a heat-resistant mat to put tools on when not in use. Plug in your sealing wax gun and place it on the mat. Put your wax stamp on an ice pack to cool. To heat your sealing wax, insert two sticks into the chamber of the sealing wax gun and wait 5-7 minutes for the wax to reach the proper temperature.
If you want to create a marbling effect, alternate 1" plugs of different colours of glue gun wax. The wax will melt into a pooling chamber within the gun, and new colours will mix with the old. If you don't want the colours to mix, consider dedicating one glue gun to one colour, cutting pieces of lesser-used colours to melt in a melting spoon, or using the glue gun wax as a wickless sealing wax and melting it near a flame.
Once your sealing wax has melted, you can start applying it to your candle. Hold the glue gun close against the candle and run it from the bottom up and/or top down. You can also create wax "pools" at the bottom, thick drips, and thin ones. Run a couple of lines of glue along the top edge of the candle to give any clay tops something to grab onto.
Remember that layers are your friend! They add dimension and depth. After going around the top of the candle once, run a ring of glue around the top like a halo and blow on it to dry it quickly. Then, when the next layer is applied, it will hold the glue out and create a rounded 3D edge, softening the harsh edge of the candle.
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Using a sealing wax candle
Using a wax seal candle is a great way to seal your letters and give them a unique, personal touch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a sealing wax candle to create elegant and impressive wax seals:
Preparing the Wax
- Cut a piece of wax around 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in length. Sealing candles without wicks are ideal, but you can also use a candle with a wick as long as you remove it.
- Place the wax chunk into a spoon and hold it over the candle flame until it melts. You can also use a melting pot or a wax melter for this step.
- If you're using a wax stick, light the wick and hold it vertically until the wax around the base starts to melt.
- For a unique marbled effect, alternate chunks of different coloured wax in your melting spoon.
Applying the Wax
- Once the wax has melted, gently pour it onto the paper where you want the seal to be.
- Quickly apply the wax in a circular motion to create a pool large enough for your seal.
- If you're using a wax stick, hold it at a slight angle with the lit end down, and let the melting wax drip onto the desired area.
- Before the wax hardens, use the other end of the candle to make small circles in the pool of wax to ensure a uniform shape and thickness.
Adding the Seal
- Rub the face of your seal with an ice cube for a few seconds to help set the warm wax and make it easier to remove later.
- Press the seal directly onto the wax and hold it for a few seconds.
- Gently wiggle the stamp handle and remove it to reveal your beautiful wax seal.
- Allow the wax to harden completely before handling the envelope or letter.
Remember, sealing wax candles are different from regular candles, and using the latter may not withstand mailing. Commercial sealing wax is designed to be flexible, durable, and non-greasy. You can also purchase self-adhesive wax seals that come with a sticky backing, making them easy to apply like stickers. Enjoy creating your own unique wax seals and adding a touch of elegance to your correspondence!
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Preparing the wax seal
Firstly, cut a piece of wax around 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in length. Sealing candles without a wick are easiest for this, but you can also cut the wax from a regular candle, ensuring you remove the wick. Use a knife to trim a small piece from the end of the candle.
Next, you need to melt the wax. You can do this with a melting spoon, held over a candle flame, or with a glue gun. If using a melting spoon, hold it over the flame until the wax is almost completely melted—it should resemble cold honey. Be careful not to melt it too much, as it may become too thin and spread or run on your project. If using a glue gun, insert the wax stick into the gun and allow it to heat up completely.
Now you are ready to apply the wax to your envelope or paper. Hold the melting spoon or glue gun over the area you wish to seal and gently pour or squeeze out the wax. Rotate the spoon or gun to create a puddle of wax around the same size as your stamp. Don't worry if it's not a perfect circle, as pressing the wax seal will spread the wax.
You are now ready to press your seal into the wax. Before doing so, you can rub the face of the seal with an ice cube to cool it slightly and create a natural barrier of moisture, which will make it easier to lift out of the wax. Press the seal into the wax for 5 to 10 seconds, then gently wiggle the handle to release it. Finally, leave the wax to harden fully.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, regular candle wax can be used to create a wax seal, but it may be more brittle and prone to breaking. Sealing wax is recommended for a more durable and flexible seal.
There are several methods to melt wax for a seal. You can use a melting spoon held over a candle flame, a glue gun with wax sticks, or a wax seal candle held at a 45-degree angle over the desired surface.
Once the wax is melted, slowly rotate the candle to allow the wax to drip onto the desired surface. Continue until you have a puddle of wax around the same size as your stamp. Then, press the seal into the wax and hold it for 5-10 seconds before removing it and allowing it to dry.
To create a uniform shape and thickness, use the unlit end of the candle to spread the wax in small circles until you are satisfied with its appearance. You can also create unique effects by mixing colours or using glue gun wax to create a marbling effect.
Yes, it is important to let the wax seal harden completely before handling it. Additionally, avoid exposing the sealed item to excess heat or direct sunlight, as this can soften the wax.
