Frequently Asked Questions About Wax Seals
In the world of wax sealing there are plenty of questions about its use, origins and different application methods. That's why today we wanted to talk you through the most frequently asked questions about this trend, to help you clear up any doubts you might have about wax and its many uses.
Today we're answering the most frequently asked questions about wax seals.
What types of sealing wax are there?
What formats of sealing wax can you buy?
How do you calculate how much wax you need?
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Are all wax seal stamps the same?
What types of wax seal stamps can I find?
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How do you use wax seals for wedding invitations?
How do you use wax on bottles?
How do you post wax seals by mail?
How do you stop the paper tearing when opening a wax seal?
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What is sealing wax?
It's a solid paste made from a blend of resins that melts when heat is applied, allowing you to stamp whatever design you like. Once it cools and hardens, it will keep that design permanently marked.
Originally, it was used to guarantee the secure delivery of letters or official documents, and even as a personal signature.
Since it's a brittle material placed on the envelope flap, once opened the wax seal would break, showing that the contents had been revealed.
Its uses have evolved from ancient times to the present day, and it's now used for all kinds of events and celebrations.
Wax sealing is a trend for wedding invitations, all kinds of crafts, product packaging and branding, and it's ideal for adding an elegant, exclusive touch to any project.
What types of sealing wax are there?
There are two types of sealing wax you should know about, depending on the finish you're after, how you'll use it, or the look of your stamp.
TRADITIONAL SEALING WAX
As its name suggests, this is the classic way of making wax seals. It's easy to recognise, since it feels hard and brittle to the touch.
It's usually sold as candles or long sticks. Because of its composition, it's known for its shine and fragility — an effect used to guarantee a secure closure on letters or documents, since the seal breaks when opened.
Available in a range of neutral tones, with vermilion being the most iconic. It's not recommended for sending by post, and you need to take extra care when melting it.
SYNTHETIC SEALING WAX
This is a flexible blend of wax and resins. It's the most popular type of sealing wax on the market, thanks to how easy it is to use, its flexibility, and its wide range of finishes and shades.
It can be used on curved surfaces such as bottles.
It can be safely sent by post, as its flexibility means it won't break.
There are countless finishes available, from matte pastel tones to metallic shades.
What formats of sealing wax can you buy??
This is the best-known and most widely used format for wax sealing.
These are thin sticks of flexible sealing wax that are melted using a heat gun.
The easiest, quickest and safest way to make your seals.
READY-MADE SEALS
The fastest way to enjoy your wax seals straight away.
You can order as many ready-made seals as you like, already prepared and ready to place on the envelope flap or any other item you can think of.
They can be safely sent by post, as their flexibility means they won't break.
They come with an adhesive sticker on the back for instant fixing.
How do you calculate how much wax you need?
This is one of the most common questions when making wax seals. Below, we've set out in a table the recommended amounts of wax for making standard-diameter seals (25 mm) with a low-temperature gun.
· Each stick makes 8-10 seals
· Each pack includes 5 sealing wax sticks*
| Number of seals | Number of packs |
| 50 seals | 2 packs |
| 75 seals | 2 packs |
| 100 seals | 3 packs |
| 150 seals | 4 packs |
| 200 seals | 5 packs |
| 250 seals | 7 packs |
*Each wax stick measures 10 cm long by 1.2 cm in diameter.
How do you use a wax gun?
In our experience, it's definitely the ideal way to create your own wax seal designs.
It lets you have precise control over the amount of wax you use.
It's safe, and helps prevent spills and burns.
And it's the quickest solution when you need to make a large number of seals.
What you'll need:
Wax seal stamps
Sealing wax sticks
Low-temperature wax gun
A bowl of ice
A microfibre cloth or similar
Step 1
· Plug the wax gun into the mains..
· Insert two wax sticks into the back of the gun.
· Wait 3-5 minutes for the gun to heat up and start melting the wax sticks.
Step 2
· Hold the gun 5-8 cm above the surface where you want to apply the wax.
· Gently squeeze the trigger all the way down.
· Move the gun in small circles as you apply it, to avoid trailing wax outside the surface.
Step 3
· Keep the seal stamp chilled in the bowl of ice.
· Dry the stamp with a cloth to prevent water droplets falling on the wax.
· Press the stamp onto the wax for 5-10 seconds.
· Gently lift the stamp away from the wax.
How to Make Wax Seals
What is a Wax Seal Stamp?
Wax seal stamps are metal pieces (copper, brass or bronze) engraved with a motif or design, used to stamp an impression onto the wax.
Metals are excellent heat conductors, which helps the wax harden properly once stamped.
In the past, they were handcrafted by chiselling the desired crest or emblem directly into the metal.
Nowadays, methods like milling or laser engraving are used, achieving maximum detail in the finished seal.
Are all wax seal stamps the same?
No, not all wax seal stamps are the same — they mainly differ in the method used to engrave them, which determines their finish and quality.
Hand engraving
· This is the traditional method, where the heraldic crest of the time, or any other design, was hand-chiselled.
· A slow, delicate process that has gradually been lost as new technologies have evolved.
Milled engraving
· This is one of the most common methods of engraving stamps: a conical bit gradually carves away the metal piece to create the design.
· It's an affordable way to make wax seal stamps, though the detail is more limited, as the conical bit wears down the edges as it cuts deeper, losing sharpness.
Laser engraving
· This uses the most advanced technology, using a laser to mark and cut into the metal, achieving perfect detail and sharpness and guaranteeing the highest quality — this is the technology we use at Marmarina for all our seals.
What types of wax seal stamps can I find?
At Marmarina, we classify our wax seal stamps by design.
This is a collection of designs where the star of the show is the first letters of your names or surnames, playing with typography, floral or minimalist designs.
(Also available with a single initial)
A collection of designs where the star of the show is your full names or surnames, playing with typography, floral or minimalist designs.
(Also available with a single name)
A collection of designs where the star of the show is the date of your ceremony, with floral and minimalist styles.
A selection of designs with floral motifs. Every kind of plant life, from the depths of the sea to the densest forests — you'll find the motif you were looking for.
The most fun, cutting-edge designs of all our collections. From constellations and astronauts to ocean waves — no one will stay indifferent. Go for it!
We're captivated by nature, but animals even more so — which is why launching this collection couldn't excite us more. A family that grows every day with all kinds of animals, from the smallest and most beautiful to the largest and most magnificent.
If you have a pet, or you're a dog or cat lover and want them to feature on your wedding invitations, this is the collection for you. You're sure to find your perfect seal.
If you have your own design and want to enjoy the same quality as our wax seals with maximum definition, this is your best option.
How Do You Use Wax Seals for Wedding Invitations?
There are endless ways to use wax seals on your wedding cards or invitations — here are the most popular ones.
Wax Seals on the Envelope Flap
This is the most classic way to use seals: placed centrally on the envelope flap, acting as a closure and adding a touch of elegance with your initials, names, or the date of the event.
Wax Seals on the Invitation Card
You can add it to the invitation card to hold another information card in place, or simply as a finishing touch — you can even add a small sprig or flower.
Wax Seals with Cord or Silk Ribbon
An ideal way to add a special touch to your invitations with a pretty cord or silk ribbon that matches the style and tones of the card or the wax.
How Do You Use Wax Seals on Bottles?
You can click the link below, where we explain in full detail — and on video — how to wax-seal bottles.
How Do You Post Wax Seals by Mail?
The wax seals we provide at Marmarina are flexible and hard-wearing, so there's no risk or issue in sending them by post on a sealed envelope.
That said, we always recommend placing it inside an additional outer envelope, both for extra protection and for aesthetics, to prevent it getting dirty or scratched — and even to avoid marks from the postmark, it's best positioned near the top of the envelope.
How Do You Stop the Paper Tearing When Opening a Wax Seal?
If you're using your seals on paper, or to close an envelope flap, it's inevitable that opening it or peeling off the seal will tear the paper slightly, creating a torn effect that isn't to everyone's taste.
That's why we offer special self-adhesive stickers for wax seals, which help you avoid this effect.
Since these are removable self-adhesive labels, they let you open the envelope without tearing or damaging the paper. The perfect solution!
Where Can I Buy Wax Seals?
On our website you'll find every one of our wax seal designs, along with everything you need to make your own.
Have Any Questions?
If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to get in touch with us by phone on 985 43 77 00 or 686 57 08 86, or by email at info@marmarina.com
We'll be delighted to help.
Love, Marmarina.
