How To Make Wax Seals
Updated 2021 Jan 22nd
Wax seals are an elegant and blissful way to elevate your stationery, gifts, packaging and more. But how do you get your wax seals perfect every time? In this article we are going to show you how to make wax seals using the popular glue gun method as well as the sealing wax bead method, so you can look like a seasoned artisan with every impression.
How To Use Sealing Wax Sticks
Materials Required
- Wax Stamp
- Sealing Wax Sticks
- Sealing Wax Gun
- Ice pack
- Heat resistant surface, ex: silicone baking mat
- Microfiber cloth (optional)
Set Up
To start, find a clear surface to make your wax seals on. Creating wax seals can be messy, so be sure to clean any clutter around you, and make sure you aren't making on a surface you do not want potentially damaged. Once you have your cleared area, plug in your sealing wax gun and place it on a heat resistant mat. Next place your wax stamp on your ice pack to cool.
Step 1 - Heat sealing wax sticks
To heat your sealing wax, insert two sticks into the chamber of the sealing wax gun. Then wait 5-7 minutes for the wax to reach the proper temperature. It is important to give a test squeeze every couple of minutes, as waiting too long will overheat the wax. Once you can squeeze the sealing wax from the gun with low effort you are ready to pour.
Step 2 - Dispense sealing wax
Once your sealing wax is properly heated, bring the sealing wax gun nozzle 1-2 inches above your surface and squeeze the trigger. Aim for a pour slightly larger than your wax stamp. As a note, your wax seal will mimic the shape of your pour. For a uniform look, try to create a round pour, for an organic look, try to add some variantion. Once you've finished pouring, return your sealing wax gun to the mat.
Step 3 - Stamp sealing wax
Remove your wax stamp from the ice pack and wipe any condensation with the palm of your hand or a microfibre cloth. Then press your wax stamp into the sealing wax, making sure to keep your stamp level and applying a fair amount of pressure. Leave in the sealing wax for 5-10 seconds.
Step 4 - Reveal wax seal
After waiting for the sealing wax to cool, give your stamp a test pull. If you feel the stamp sticking, simply wait another 5-10 seconds and try again.
How To Use Sealing Wax Beads
Materials Required
- Wax Stamp
- Sealing Wax Beads
- Sealing Wax Spoon
- Ice pack
- Heat resistant mat, ex silicone baking mat
- Microfiber cloth (optional)
Set Up
Find a surface to work on that is not flammable, and you don't mind getting sealing wax on. As you will be working with hot tools and an open flame you must work with a heat resistant mat to put tools on when not in use.
Start by placing your wax stamp on an ice pack, and lighting a candle. Tealight candles are suitable, however larger candles will make melting wax quicker. You can use your favorite scented candle for this project.
Step 1 - Melt your sealing wax beads
Place 1-2 sealing wax beads in your spoon and hold just outside of the flame on your lit candle. It will take 30-60 seconds to melt your beads depending on the size of flame. Ensure to avoid direct skin contact with the spoon when melting.
Bonus: Try melting different color beads together to create a marbling effect.
Step 2 - Pour melted sealing wax
Once your sealing wax beads have melted, pour onto your project with a circular motion. Aim for a pour size that is slightly larger than your wax stamp. Be deliberate in making your edge, as your final seal will resemble the pour.
Step 3 - Press into sealing wax
Press your wax stamp into the poured sealing wax. Be sure to apply a reasonable amount of pressure, and to keep the stamp level. Allow 5-10 seconds to cool.
Step 4 - Pull away and reveal wax seal
After you've allowed the sealing wax to cool, start with a test pull by gently lifting your wax stamp. If you feel it sticking that is a sign the wax hasn't fully cooled. Give another 5-10 seconds to cool more, until you can easily lift the stamp from the wax.
Troubleshooting
Can I Use Candle Wax To Make Wax Seals?
Sealing wax has a different composition to candle wax. Your wax stamp will leave an impression, however candle wax will crumble and break easily.
I Am Trying To Switch Colors In My Sealing Wax Gun
To switch colors, first clear the chamber with regular glue gun sticks until it dispenses clear. Then insert the new color and squeeze the trigger to push the glue out until it dispenses only sealing wax. If you switch colors often, we recommend investing in a sealing wax gun for each color you use.
My Sealing Wax Is Bubbling
Bubbling sealing wax means your wax is overheated. Simply unplug from the wall and continue to work until it is cool. Once the trigger become difficult to squeeze, plug the sealing wax gun in again.
My Sealing Wax Gun Is Dripping
This happens when your sealing wax is overheated. Unplug your gun, and continue to make seals as the wax cools. Once it becomes difficult to squeeze the trigger, plug in again.
My Wax Stamp Keeps Sticking
Your sealing wax is too hot, or you haven't cooled your wax stamp enough. Leave your wax stamp on the ice pack longer between seals or give some time for the wax to cool before pressing.
There Is Wax Stuck In My Stamp
Pour some sealing wax and make a wax seal, this should remove any leftover wax. If this doesn't work, you can use a toothpick to pluck the wax. Avoid using a metal object as it can scratch the stamp.
My Sealing Wax Spoon Is Covered In Soot
This is normal as an open flame will cause soot to form on the bottom of your sealing wax spoon. We recommend cleaning with every use. To clean your spoon simply wipe with a paper towel once it has cooled.
How Many Seals Can You Get Out Of A Wax Stick?
You can make 8-10 1" seals for each of our sealing wax sticks. We sell them in packs of 6 to make a total of 50-60 1" seals per pack.