Using wax and seals is a method for sealing or closing letters that were hand delivered and it dates back to ancient times where the sealing material was clay. The process involves melting a wax stick and dripping it onto a material, most often a letter, wrapping paper, a parchment, an envelope, ribbons or twine wrapping. Next you press your seal into the wax before it hardens. The bond formed on or between your materials is difficult to break without notice.

Melting Wax & Applying Seals

Wax sticks, with wicks and without, are some of the most common forms of sealing wax available. You will also find wax granules. Waxes with wicks can be lit like a candle to begin melting the wax. Wax sticks can melted at one end using a flame; be careful not to ignite or blacken the wax! Alternatively, you can cut wax sticks into pieces around 3/4" long and place them in a spoon. Wax granules are also melted using a spoon over a flame. Pour or drip the melted wax onto your desired location. While the wax is still soft, quickly and firmly press your seal directly down into it and release. For best results with your impression, chill your seal beforehand. If you didn't chill your seal, wait a minute for the wax to cool before removing your seal.

Wax Stamps & Sealing Wax Seals Today

Today using wax sticks for wax seals are more about ceremony than security. Wax seals are great for wedding invitations or bottle decorations. A nice wax seal will bring the ordinary to extraordinary. While there are many wax seal and stamp manufacturers that continue to make traditional sealing wax candles using historical formulations, there are new styles of wax that are flexible and can survive mailing through the modern postal system. These are known as glue-gun sealing wax sticks or flexible sealing wax sticks and are also used extensively in craft projects.