How to Make a Seal with Candle Wax
Wax seals were used centuries ago to give documents a stamp of authority and approval, similar to what handwritten signatures mean today. Seals were also used as a measure of privacy before the invention of the gummed envelope. Today wax seals are used as a personal expression or decorative embellishment, and most craft and hobby retailers sell sticks of sealing wax. It's also possible to use regular candle wax, but because it doesn't contain the same resins, it won't be as strong, and your seal imprint may not look as pronounced.
Instructions
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Prepare your work surface. Place a sheet of paper on your table to catch drips, and place the closed envelope you want to seal in front of you.
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2
Light your candle. Tilt the candle downward at a 45-degree angle over the area you want sealed.
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3
Create a circle outline with wax, slightly larger than your metal seal, centered over the edge of the envelope flap. Making an outline first will prevent the center from setting too quickly.
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4
Fill in the center of the circle. Blow out the candle, and set it aside.
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5
Let the candle wax cool slightly until the surface gets a matte finish. This will take about 30 seconds.
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6
Press the seal firmly into the center. Wait about five seconds for the wax to harden, then slowly lift the seal from the wax.
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Tips & Warnings
Because candle wax is not as strong as sealing wax, it won't hold up through the mailing process. For mailed materials, use sealing wax, and place the sealed envelope inside a larger mailing envelope. Mark "Hand Cancel" on the outer envelope, and hand deliver to your post office.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stamp ant twin image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
