How To Make Wax Seals
In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore the art of crafting wax seals, allowing you to add a dash of vintage charm to your projects.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or new to the art of wax sealing, these methods allow you to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your creations with ease. Read on below to learn how to create wax seals using wax beads or glue sticks.
Crafting Wax Seals with Wax Beads
Wax beads can be melted in a spoon with a wax stove to create wax seals and come in a wide range of colours, perfect for various projects and mixing different sealing wax colours.
Note: For a standard wax seal size of 25mm, you need approximately 2-4 beads per wax seal.
Step 1 - Gather Your Materials
- Wax Beads
- Wax Seal Stamp
- Wax Melting Spoon
- A Candle
- Wax Melt Burner (Optional)
- Heat resistant Mat or Baking Paper
Step 2 - Prepare Your Workspace
Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area and lay down a non-stick mat or baking paper.
Step 3 - Melt the Wax Beads
Light your tea light candle and hold your spoon approximately 5cm above the flame. If you are using a Wax Melt Burner, place your candle in the burner before igniting the flame. Add 3-6 wax beads into the melting spoon.
It will take 30-60 seconds to melt your beads, depending on the size of the flame. When your wax is the same consistency as honey, you are ready to pour the wax.
*Ensure to avoid direct skin contact with the spoon or wax when melting.
Tips:
- Avoid allowing the wax to bubble, as this means your wax is too hot and bubbles will appear on your wax seal.
- Melt 5-6 wax beads for your first pour, as some of the wax will remain in the spoon.
- Try melting different colour beads and mixing together with a wax stirrer to create a marbling effect.
Step 4 - Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax onto the desired area of your envelope or non-stick surface, forming a circle or shape roughly the size of your wax stamp head. Be deliberate in making your edge, as your final seal will resemble the pour.
Tip:
- If you’re adding foil leaf or embellishments to your seal, add them in using fine point tweezers once you have poured your wax. Work quickly to avoid the wax cooling down as a cooler wax temperature, will impact the shape of your wax seal.
Step 5 - Stamp Your Seal
Quickly press your wax seal stamp into the melted wax with firm and even pressure. Ensure you press your wax stamp immediately after your pour, as the wax dries quickly. Leave the stamp in place for a few seconds to allow the wax to cool and set.
Tip:
- Use a cold stamp for better efficiency. If you are making many wax seals in one sitting, cool the wax stamp in-between making each seal on an ice cube - dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 6 - Remove the Stamp
Gently lift the stamp away from the wax to reveal your beautifully embossed seal. If the wax sticks to the stamp, wait a few moments longer before attempting to remove it.
You have a beautifully embossed wax seal!
Step 7 - Allow the Seal to Cure
Allow your wax seal to fully cool and harden before handling your sealed letter or wax seal. This typically takes a minute or two, depending on the ambient temperature.
Crafting Wax Seals with Wax Sticks
Modern and easy to use, the sealing wax stick, which comes in various colours, is used with a sealing wax gun/glue gun. This sealing wax method is recommended if you make large quantities of wax seals.
Note: For a sealing wax stick of 11mm in diameter & 135mm in length, you can make approximately 10-12, 25mm wax seals.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
- Glue Gun: Use a low-temperature glue gun to prevent scorching the wax. Ensure you have a quality gun to avoid dripping wax.
- Sealing Wax Sticks
- Wax Seal Stamp: Choose a stamp that complements your project
- Non-Stick Mat or Parchment Paper: Protect your workspace by ensuring you also have a non-stick surface to rest your heated gun.
Step 2: Load the Glue Gun
To heat your sealing wax, insert one to two sticks into the chamber of the sealing wax gun. Turn on your gun and wait a few minutes for the wax to reach the proper temperature. It is essential to give a test squeeze every couple of minutes, as waiting too long will overheat the wax. You are ready to pour once you squeeze the sealing wax from the gun with a low effort.
*Ensure to avoid direct skin contact with the tip of the gun or wax when melting.
Tip:
- To switch colours, first clear the chamber with regular glue gun sticks until it dispenses clear. Then insert the new colour and squeeze the trigger to push the glue out until it dispenses, only sealing wax. We recommend investing in a sealing wax gun for each colour you use if you regularly switch colours.
Step 3: Pour the Wax
Once your sealing wax is adequately heated, bring the wax gun nozzle above your surface and squeeze the trigger of the glue gun to dispense the melted wax onto the desired area of your envelope or non-stick surface. Form a circle or shape roughly the size of your wax stamp head. Be deliberate in making your edge, as your final seal will resemble the pour.
For beginners, it may take a few tries before you get the hang of using the right amount of sealing wax for your wax stamp.
Tip:
- Bubbling sealing wax means your wax is overheated. Unplug from the wall and continue to work until it is cool. Once the trigger becomes difficult to squeeze, plug the sealing wax gun in again.
Step 4: Stamp Your Seal
Quickly press your wax seal stamp into the melted wax with firm and even pressure, holding it in place for a few seconds.
Tip:
- Use a cold stamp for better efficiency. If you are making many wax seals in one sitting, cool the wax stamp in-between making each seal on an ice cube - dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 5: Remove the Stamp
Carefully lift the seal stamp away from the wax to reveal your embossed seal. If the wax sticks to the stamp, wait a few moments longer before attempting to remove it.
Step 6: Allow the Seal to Cure
Let the wax seal cool and harden completely before handling.
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Whether designing wedding invitations, letter seals, or wax seal DIY projects, this wax seal making step-by-step guide provides the inspiration and information you need to begin your wax sealing journey.♡
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Happy sealing!