How To Use Wax Seals With / Without A Glue Gun
Wax seals add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your letters, invitations, and crafts. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the simple yet enchanting process of making wax seals. Whether you’re sealing a heartfelt gift or embellishing wedding invitations, wax seals bring a timeless charm to any project. From choosing the right materials to mastering the technique, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create beautiful wax seals that leave a lasting impression. Let’s dive into it!
What you'll need:
- A standard sized low-temperature glue gun (Not mini size)
- Glue gun format sealing wax
- Wax seal stamp
- Envelopes
- Some parchment paper (baking sheets) for practice and resting your glue gun
Steps
- Select your wax color and insert one stick into the glue gun.
- Wait for the glue gun to heat up for 1-2 mins. Once it’s ready, dispense the wax onto your envelope.
- Place the seal in the center of the wax, ensuring a firm and even impression.
- Allow the wax to cool for 10-15 seconds and then lift the wax stamp.
Tips: Place the metal part of the stamp on an ice pack for a few seconds in between uses. The cooler temperature will help prevent the wax from sticking.
The Melting Spoon Way
What you'll need:
- Wax seal beads (Or you can cut off a wax stick with scissors)
- Wax seal stamp
- Melting spoon
- Candle
- Lighter
- Envelopes
- Some parchment paper (baking sheets) for practice and resting your melting spoon
Steps
- Segment a small portion of wax from the stick and place it within a metal spoon. It is advisable to opt for a non-metal handle spoon to prevent burning your fingers.
- Light up a candle and hold the spoon over the flame. Wait until the wax is melt completely. You can also mix 2-3 colors to create a beautiful marbled seal!
- Pour the wax onto the envelope and place the seal in the center of the wax.
- Allow the wax to cool for 10-15 seconds and then lift the wax stamp.
Troubleshooting
1. If your wax stamp is getting stuck in the wax, here are some tips to help resolve the issue:
- Chill the Stamp: Place the metal part of the stamp on an ice pack for a few seconds in between uses. The cooler temperature will help prevent the wax from sticking.
- Work Quickly: Press the stamp into the wax as soon as it is poured and begins to set but is still soft. Waiting too long can cause the wax to harden and stick to the stamp.
- Proper Pressure: Apply firm and even pressure when pressing the stamp into the wax, then hold it for a few seconds to ensure a clear impression.
- Wax Quality: Ensure you are using high-quality sealing wax that is designed for use with wax stamps. Lower-quality waxes might be more prone to sticking.
- Clean the Stamp: Regularly clean your wax stamp with a soft cloth to remove any residual wax. This ensures a smooth surface for future use.
2. How to avoid bubbles and swirls during wax sealing?
- Practice Temperature Control: Set the glue gun on low temperature. High temperature can cause the wax to boil and create bubbles. Allow the melted wax to cool slightly before dispensing. If you are using a melting spoon over a candle, make sure the flame does not directly touch the spoon.
- Proper Melting Technique: To correctly use a glue gun and prevent bubbles in the wax, the key is to place the nozzle on the paper surface while dispensing the wax, rather than holding it above the paper surface.
- Stirring: If you are using a melting spoon, gently stir the melted wax with a toothpick or similar tool to release any trapped air bubbles before pouring it onto the paper.
- Pouring Technique: Pour the wax slowly and steadily onto the sealing area. Pouring too quickly can introduce air bubbles.
- Wax Quality: Use high-quality sealing wax designed for wax seals. Low-quality waxes are more likely to produce bubbles and swirls.
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