Things to use for wax seal imprints on envelopes?

[Gran]

Has anyone used something besides an official wax seal stamper or ring on sealing wax?

 

If you've tried something, or categories of some things, I'm interested to know what works well and what doesn't.

 

Will ordinary utility candles suffice?

 

Thanks much.

 

 

 

[coldman]

I've usually used a coin. That way I can seal my letters with a portrait of the king

The wax sticks a bit to the coin, so I have to remove it carefully, but it's usually not difficult, just requires a few seconds of patience.

Edited February 3, 2009 by coldman

[Paddler]

In my experience, ordinary candles (stearic acid and paraffin) are too weak and brittle - not durable enough to survive the postal machines. Add some of the red wax from a Gouda cheese and you're in bidness.

 

Your thumb makes a good seal imprint and it is hard to counterfeit. Just make sure the wax isn't too hot.

 

Paddler

 

[HerosNSuch]

I used to use a Navy issue peacoat button. They(the old ones at least) have steel buttons with a nice looking anchor and rope design. A paper clip run through the fastening hole helps to release it quickly before the wax cools and adheres to the fine detailing of the ropes.

 

I stopped using that when I got a monogramed brass stamp for my birthday a few years back. Now I'm all nostalgic and will probably break that thing out because it just looked cool in the saffron colored wax that I used to use.

[mikey]

I can only add that the "flexible" type of wax will hold up better in the mail. Of course, I would recommend going with traditional red.

 

Thanks,

Mike

[someonesdad]

Here's a way of doing it without wax...

[Shangas]

In the old days, people used all kinds of things to seal wax with. The standard items were of course, sealing-stamps and signet-rings. But some people used cufflinks, or coins.

[rosemaryknits]

My girls find that if they dip the stamper thing in water first, that the wax will let go more easily. They also place it on the hot wax (actually plastic, I think), press lightly, then leave it there until the wax cools/hardens. Then it comes right off.

 

Cheers!

Rosemary

[hardyb]

Rub the seal against your skin or against your hand if you use hand cream and the natural oil of your skin will make it much easier to use.

 

Also:

http://www.diplomastock.com/resin/

http://www.ateliergargoyle.com/

Edited February 5, 2009 by hardyb

[kudzu]

I've seen the ornate end of a spoon handle used as the stamper, too.

[Wildoaklane]

I've seen the ornate end of a spoon handle used as the stamper, too.

Ooooh! I like this idea, especially if the spoon is from some heirloom family silver.

[jmkeuning]

I seal my letters with a kiss.

[AndyH]

I seal my letters with a kiss.

 

Just don't do it when the wax is too hot....

[leather09]

I use coins to remove the wax seal imprints.

[JakobS]

You can also use you breath to create a moisture barrier that many traditional waxes may need to have in order to release the sealer from the wax. If you are using A Gargoyle this is said not to be needed, and I have never needed it on J Herbin's supple wax either. I need to try it with the Canadian two dollar coin I got a few years ago, a polar bear seal would be really neat. I have got to say that it's my favorite coin of any nationality that I know of!!

[Vulcan1066]

Ive carved a few seals of my own in lead, used buttons, and used ready made wax seals. On all of them, except the lead, I lick the seal before pressing it into the wax. Doing so makes the wax release easier. I also wait 3 seconds after my wax pool is the correct size before pressing the stamp into it.

 

on a side note if any one ever sees a wax seal with the imperial logo from StarWars please contact me. I know there are a few places that I can get one custom made but I have seen them ready made as well...I just cant find the website anymore

[linuxchiq]

on a side note if any one ever sees a wax seal with the imperial logo from StarWars please contact me. I know there are a few places that I can get one custom made but I have seen them ready made as well...I just cant find the website anymore

 

That would be a great find!

 

hmmm . . . I could use the center portion of my Pink Five wings, but of course that is a Rebel logo....

[linuxchiq]

I have also used the flat side of an Egyptian scarab. Some of them have quite credible hieroglyphs, and the originals were made for this purpose.

[DixieAmazon]

I frequently use a button from my uncle's Reynolds Aluminum uniform.

[publius]

I have a signet ring which belonged to my grandfather. At least, that's what I assume it is — otherwise why would it have an incuse bust of Pallas Athene on it? He passed away about a year ago, & all Grandmother can remember about is that he was wearing it when they met in 1944. One of these days I'm going to get around to actually using it.