How to Seal an Envelope with Wax

You’re getting married and you would like to seal the envelopes for the invitations with sealing wax. Even if you did know where to find the seals and wax, you don’t know how to do use them. You’re in luck; the seals and wax are easy to find and it doesn’t take much practice to get good at using them.

Things You'll Need

• Waxed paper
• Sealing wax, either the traditional or glue gun
• Seal
• Lo-temp glue gun for glue gun sealing wax
• Matches for traditional sealing wax
• Candle in candle holder
• Damp sponge or vegetable oil
• Envelop
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Purchase the sealing wax and seal in the design and color you want. You can find these in the wedding section of hobby stores or online at websites like Letter Seals or Nostalgic Impressions.

2. Use sheets of waxed paper to practice making the seals before attempting to use them on your real envelope. You can also use old envelopes to practice on as well.

3. Place the seal on the paper and lightly trace the outer edge of the seal. This will let you know when you’ve got enough melted sealing wax on the paper.

4. Moisten the surface of the seal. You can use either a damp sponge or run vegetable oil on the surface. This helps prevent the stamp from sticking to the melted wax. If you are sealing a lot of envelopes, put the seal on a piece of ice, to prevent it from heating up.

5. Heat up the sealing wax by plugging in the glue gun and inserting the glue gun sealing wax stick, allowing it to heat for 5 to 7 minutes. With traditional glue sticks, light the candle and then use it to light the wick of the sealing wax stick.

6. Squeeze the right amount of wax from the glue gun onto the paper. For traditional glue sticks, hold the stick at a 45-degree angle and drip the wax onto the paper. Practice holding the stick at different angles to adjust the speed the wax drips. Then blow out the wick and use the other end of the candle to quickly smooth the wax into a circle and remove the black carbon that sometimes drips from the wax.

7. Insert the dampened seal straight down into the hot wax. Hold it there for only 1 or 2 seconds and then lift it up. If there is any wax on the seal, allow it to cool and then brush it off.

Tips & Warnings

• No matter how much you practice, your seals will not always look the same. That’s okay; it gives them a unique and personal look.

• If the traditional sealing wax stick does not stay lit, there might be a build up of wax around the wick. Remove the buildup and it should light easily.

• If you are sealing a large number of envelops, make the seals onto waxed paper and let them dry. Then remove and glue them to the envelopes, using glue. This keeps you from making mistakes on the envelopes.

• Pre-formed, instant seals are available. They’re easier to use, but cost more.

• Always be careful when using a glue gun or candles.