Maddie James
Wax seals are a unique and elegant way to add a personal touch to your letters. They can be used to seal containers, scrolls, and envelopes, and are a great way to add an extra element of class and beauty to any piece of mail. While it is possible to use candle wax to seal an envelope, it is not recommended as it may not withstand the mailing process and could break or melt. Instead, sealing wax is a more durable and flexible option. Here are some steps to help you seal an envelope with a candle and create a beautiful wax seal.
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What You'll Learn
Using a glue gun with wax sticks
First, purchase a low-heat glue gun and wax sticks from a craft store. Ensure that the glue gun is dedicated to wax and does not have any hot glue residue, as this may mix with the sealing wax and cause issues.
Next, insert a sealing wax tube or stick into the glue gun. You may need to use a second wax stick to help advance the first. Rest the gun on a piece of foil to catch any drips or strings. Allow the glue gun to heat up, and then test the flow of wax by gently squeezing the trigger. Practice on a non-stick surface or parchment paper until you get a feel for the quantity of wax needed for your seal.
When you are ready, hold the nozzle of the glue gun directly over the center of the envelope and squeeze the trigger firmly to create a circle of wax. The circle should be roughly the same size as your seal. Quickly press the seal into the wax and hold it there for 5-15 seconds, or until the wax has hardened.
If you are using a strong wax, you can rest your seal on ice before applying it to the wax, which will help it set quickly and release easily.
You can create a marbling effect by alternating wax sticks of different colors. However, if you do not want the colors to mix, you may need to dedicate a glue gun to each color.
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Melting wax with a spoon over a candle
First, prepare your workspace by gathering all the necessary materials: envelopes, wax, a spoon, a candle, and a wax seal stamp. You can use traditional sealing wax or even crayons as your wax source. Place a few wax beads or small pieces of crayon on the spoon. If you're using a stove, light a tealight candle and place it underneath. Otherwise, simply light a candle.
Now, hold the spoon over the candle flame or stove. Be careful not to let the wax touch the flame, as it will burn and smoke. Allow the heat of the flame to melt the wax. You'll know it's ready when the wax starts to drip from the spoon. If you notice the wax bubbling, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly, as this indicates overheating.
Once the wax is melted, slowly pour it onto the envelope where you want the seal to be. You can use the handle of the spoon to stir the wax and create your desired size, shape, and thickness. If you're happy with the wax puddle, let it cool for a few seconds until it's slightly hardened.
Finally, take your wax seal stamp and gently press it into the wax. Hold it there for about 10 seconds, then slowly remove it. Admire your beautiful wax seal impression! If you encounter resistance while removing the stamp, let the wax cool for a little longer.
While this method is fun and elegant, keep in mind that regular candle wax may not be ideal for mailing. It can be more brittle and may break during the mailing process. If you plan to mail your sealed envelope, consider using supple wax or sealing wax, which are designed to be more flexible and durable.
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Choosing the right type of wax
If you opt for sealing wax, you'll find a wide array of colours and types available, including sticks, beads, and glue gun wax. Sealing wax candles can be purchased with or without wicks, and they are typically held at a 45-degree angle and lit to melt the wax. This type of wax is more expensive than regular candle wax but is well worth the investment for its superior performance and results.
For those seeking a more organic and traditional appearance, traditional wax is an option, though it tends to be brittle and fragile, making it less suitable for mailing. A more flexible and durable alternative is supple wax, which can better withstand the rigours of the postal system.
If convenience and speed are priorities, glue gun sealing wax is an excellent choice. This type of wax can be inserted into a large glue gun and heated up, allowing you to quickly squeeze out a dollop of wax onto your envelope. While it may not have the same aesthetic as traditional sealing wax, it is a mess-free and efficient option.
Lastly, for a creative and colourful approach, crayon wax seals can be made by melting crayons over a flame or on a spoon and then pouring the melted wax onto your envelope. This method offers vibrant results comparable to traditional sealing wax.
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Preparing the envelope for sealing
Choose the Right Wax
The type of wax you use will impact the final result and durability of your seal. Regular candle wax can be used, but it tends to be more brittle and may break if not handled carefully. Sealing wax is a better option, as it is designed to be flexible and durable. It is also available in various colours and types, including sticks, beads, and glue gun wax. If you opt for candle wax, choose a rectangular-shaped candle, as these tend to be easier to work with.
Prepare Your Work Area
Before you begin, ensure you have a safe and tidy workspace. Protect your work surface from any potential wax spills by covering it with parchment paper or another heat-resistant material. Gather all the necessary tools, such as a candle or wax sticks, a lighter or matches, a spoon (if melting wax separately), and your envelope.
Trace the Seal Placement (Optional)
If you want to ensure precise wax placement, use a pencil to lightly trace around your seal on the envelope. This step can be helpful for beginners but is not necessary once you become more confident in your wax sealing abilities.
Light the Candle
If using a candle, select a sealing wax candle with a wick or use an external heat source like a lighter, match, or stove to melt the wax. Hold the candle or heat source at a 45-degree angle to allow the flame to melt the wax without touching it directly, as this can cause burning and smoking.
Melt the Wax
If using a spoon, place small pieces of wax or wax beads in the spoon and hold it over the candle flame until melted. Stir the wax gently to avoid creating air bubbles. If using a glue gun, insert the sealing wax stick and allow it to heat up completely.
Apply the Wax to the Envelope
Once you have melted the wax, it's time to apply it to the envelope. Hold the envelope with one hand and gently rotate the candle or spoon with the other, allowing the wax to drip onto the desired area. Continue melting and rotating until you have a puddle of wax around the same size as your stamp. If using a glue gun, squeeze out a dollop of wax directly onto the envelope.
Remember, preparing the envelope for sealing is a crucial step in achieving a successful and aesthetically pleasing wax seal. Taking the time to choose the right wax, set up your workspace, and carefully melt and apply the wax will ensure a smooth and professional-looking result.
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Removing the seal from the wax
Removing the seal from a wax-sealed envelope without damaging the envelope or the seal is a challenging task. The method you choose will depend on the type of envelope and seal you are working with.
If the wax seal is on two overlapping pieces of paper, you can slide a heated or warm thin knife under the upper piece of paper and through the wax. Then, refold the paper, warm the bottom of the seal, and press the pages back together.
If the envelope is made of parchment, you can carefully shave the paper very closely and rebuff it. Then, place the seal on a hot surface to remelt the wax and remove the old parchment. Finally, re-adhere the seal to the envelope.
If you are looking to remove wax from a stamp, you can try dunking the stamp in hot water, which will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top of the water. You can also try freezing the wax and using toothpicks to remove it, or using alcohol to break down the wax before using toothpicks.
It is worth noting that regular candle wax may not be suitable for sealing envelopes, as it can be more brittle and may break open if not handled carefully. Sealing wax is more durable and flexible and is less likely to break during the mailing process.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the candle about 2 inches (5.1 cm) over the centre of the envelope. Light the candle and hold it at an angle to melt the wax. Rotate the candle to let the wax drip onto the paper.
Regular candle wax is more brittle and may break open if not handled carefully. It may also not withstand the mailing process, as it could break, melt or leave oil stains.
You can use a glue gun to apply wax directly to the envelope. You can also use sealing wax beads or sticks, melting them with a spoon over a flame before pouring the wax onto the envelope.
