6 Ways to Wax Sealing

Wax sealing is an elegant and creative way to add flair to your letters, art, or gifts. Whether you’re using wax sticks, beads, or exploring glue gun alternatives, the methods vary, but each has its own charm. Let’s explore six different ways for creating wax seals, and how to make use of leftover wax scraps!

1) Wax Sticks

Wax sticks are one of the most traditional methods for creating wax seals. They offer an authentic look and are perfect for blending multiple colors to achieve beautiful, customized effects.

• Material: Made of wax, which gives varied and unique stamp edges as the melted wax may flow unevenly.
• Heat Source: Requires fire to melt. Most commonly, candles are used to drip wax directly onto your project or into a melting spoon before pouring.
• Blending: Easily mix multiple wax colors by melting them together in a spoon for stunning multicolor seals.

Wicked Wax Stick

Some wax sticks come with a built-in wick, allowing you to light them directly and drip wax as needed. This method feels especially authentic, but be aware that the wax may start cooling before you can make the stamp, leading to a more textured impression.

2) Wax Beads

Wax beads are a convenient and pre-portioned alternative to wax sticks.

• Material: Made of wax, which gives varied and unique stamp edges as the melted wax may flow unevenly.
• Heat Source: Requires fire to melt, and you need to use a melting spoon because the beads are too small to otherwise hold. The benefit is that they are ready-to-go size to be dropped into the melting spoon.
• Blending: Easily mix multiple wax colors by melting them together in a spoon for stunning multicolor seals.

3) Glue Gun Wax Sticks

Wax glue gun sticks makes sealing fast and efficient, if you need to create a larger number of wax seals.

• Material: Made of wax, which gives varied and unique stamp edges as the melted wax may flow unevenly.
• Heat Source: Requires a glue gun to melt, which require electricity rather than fire.
• Cleanup: Less mess—no need for a melting spoon.
• Faster: Very helpful if you need to make many wax seals.
• Blending: Not ideal for blending colors together as the stick is mounted inside the glue gun.

4) Glue Gun Sticks

Glue sticks offer a flexible, durable alternative to wax, great for creating “perfect” seals.

• Material: Plastic glue, more flexible than wax. They are less brittle than wax, and makes it easier to create “perfect” circles.
• Heat Source: Requires a glue gun to melt, which require electricity rather than fire.
• Cleanup: Less mess—no need for a melting spoon.
• Faster: Very helpful if you need to make many wax seals.
• Blending: Not ideal for blending colors together as the stick is mounted inside the glue gun.

5) Glue Gun Glitter Sticks

For those who want to add a bit of sparkle, glitter sticks make glittery, flexible seals.

• Material: Plastic glue with glitter sparkles, more flexible than wax. They are less brittle than wax, and makes it easier to create “perfect” circles.
• Heat Source: Requires a glue gun to melt, which require electricity rather than fire.
• Cleanup: Less mess—no need for a melting spoon.
• Faster: Very helpful if you need to make many wax seals.
• Blending: Not ideal for blending colors together as the stick is mounted inside the glue gun.

6) Glue Gun Faux Wax Stick

Faux wax sticks give you the look of traditional wax with the convenience of a glue gun.

• Material: Plastic glue made to look like wax, more flexible than wax. They are less brittle than wax, and makes it easier to create “perfect” circles.
• Heat Source: Requires a glue gun to melt, which require electricity rather than fire.
• Cleanup: Less mess—no need for a melting spoon.
• Faster: Very helpful if you need to make many wax seals.
• Blending: Not ideal for blending colors together as the stick is mounted inside the glue gun.

Tip: If your seal get stuck when making impressions, you can try to cool the seal between each time you make an impression.

Leftover Wax

Don’t let your leftover wax scraps go to waste! I’ve always loved finding ways to make every bit count—whether it’s with paper, inks, or pens—and wax sealing is no different. Even the smallest scraps can be transformed into something special.

You can easily melt down leftover wax to create unique, multicolored seals. Simply place the scraps into a melting spoon and heat them over a candle flame, or sprinkle small bits of leftover wax on top of a fresh seal for a creative pop of color.

While the results can sometimes be unpredictable due to the mix of colors, that unpredictability often leads to beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs. For a more controlled outcome, try organizing your leftover wax by color to achieve a consistent look when you reuse them.