How to Use Sealing Wax
A letter, card or invitation that bears a lovely design carefully pressed in sealing wax adds a touch of old-world luxury to your correspondence. With a little time and some simple tools, you can add an impressive, colorful and classy accent to your envelopes.
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Instructions
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1
Light the flame source. If you are sealing more than one envelope at a time, it is best to use a candle so that you will not waste matches or handle a hot lighter. It also frees both hands to work with the wax.
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2
Melt the stick of sealing wax in the flame. Move it in and out of the flame until it is very soft but not burned or dripping. Some people actually hold the wax over the paper and apply a flame until the wax drips on the area to be sealed. This is a very time consuming way to form a thick seal, and the wax has a tendency to set up before you can make an impression in the wax.
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3
Apply the melted wax to the paper in the area to be sealed. Using gentle pressure, swirl the stick over the paper keeping the puddle of melted wax thick with rounded edges. Lift the stick of wax away from the paper when you have applied a thick circle of sealing wax to the paper.
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4
Apply the metal stamp to the hot wax to form the decorative impression. Use firm pressure so that the wax fills the crevices in the stamp to make a clear impression. Carefully lift the stamp from the wax.
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5
Examine your impression for clarity. If the impression is not as clear as you would like, you can repeat steps 2 to 4. This will produce a much thicker seal, but it gives you another chance to make a good impression in the wax.
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6
Allow the wax seal to cool before mailing or putting it in an outer envelope.
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Tips & Warnings
If the stamp is not releasing easily from the wax, lightly oil the stamp before making the impression by swiping it over your face or a lightly oiled paper towel.
Avoid touching the hot sealing wax. It is sticky and creates a deep burn because it is difficult to remove before it cools.
Sealing wax can be brittle. Ask the post office to hand-cancel your envelopes to avoid cracking your wax seal.
