How to Make Sealing Wax

Before the Industrial Revolution, envelope flaps didn't contain any glue. Sealing wax was applied to the envelope flap and molded with a signet ring to seal the envelope and guaranty the authenticity of the contents. We don't need sealing wax for that anymore, but sealing an envelope with sealing wax highlights the importance of the contents. Today, sealing wax is usually used for invitations to weddings or other important life events. Do-it-yourself crafters can make their own sealing wax. The ingredients may surprise you, as sealing wax doesn't contain any wax at all.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gum lac
• Venice turpentine
• Artist's pigments
• Small pane of glass
• Molds (if desired)

1. Melt equal amounts of gum lac and Venice turpentine. Gum lac is a substance similar to shellac and produced by insects in Madagascar. It comes in the form of dried flakes. Venice turpentine is collected from the larch tree, rather than pine trees like regular turpentine. It has drying and hardening properties and is used to coat horses' hooves to protect them from excess moisture. Melt them in an electric hot pot or electric frying pan.

2. Add artist's pigments for desired color. Start with a small amount and add a little at a time until the mixture is the color you want. Stir and mix well. When hardened, the color of the sealing wax will be slightly lighter.

3. Allow the mixture to congeal slightly, but not harden.

4. Scoop up small amounts and roll into cylinders on the pane of glass. Or, while still liquid, pour into well-oiled cylinder-shaped molds.

Tips & Warnings

• For a shiny glossy finish, pass the sticks of sealing wax rapidly through the flame of a candle after they are completely hardened. This will melt the superficial film on the outside. A few drops of essential oil can be added to the melted mixture if you want a scented sealing wax.

Resources

• Source for Venice Turpentine
• Source for Gum Lac