Melting Sealing Wax

[rfranca]

I`ve started using use a creme brulee torch too.

 

I tried once to melt the wax in a spoon but when I tried to apply it to the paper, instead of dropping and making a nice round lump it ran all over the place...

[DavidHandmade]

Hello, all.

I've been experimenting with a few different sealing waxes and melting methods, lately; and have picked up a few leather seals from "Tandy" with pleasing results. Although, the "guitar" seal has been disappointing, so far; I think that I need a thicker pool of wax to make a good impression.

 

I have a "novice" question, though, relative to an earlier mention in this thread:

 

What is a "torch-lighter?" I imagine something that looks like what Smokejumpers use to start FireBreaks...(!)

 

And - Do any of you have experience with a "cigar lighter?"

 

I've been using basic/cheap "Bic" cigarette lighters for my practice, but they all eventually overheat and self-destruct before the butane runs out.

 

I like the creme-brulee torch idea, and may proceed with that one, but I was wondering about Posters' experience with cigar lighters.

 

My experience with "Natural" sealing wax:

I find that it's too "thin" to hold the details of a seal; and spreads so thin that the paper shows through. I have to lay down a dark color with a lighter one on top, in order to obtain a seal with good details.

 

I find that the waxes from Ireland(?) work very well: thick and creamy consistency; hold nice detail; and are easy to use.

 

I'd like to try those "Gargoyle" waxes, and maybe the J.Herbins, next.

 

[Edited for spelling...]

 

Edited December 30, 2010 by DavidHandmade

[kiavonne]

Hello, all.

I've been experimenting with a few different sealing waxes and melting methods, lately; and have picked up a few leather seals from "Tandy" with pleasing results. Although, the "guitar" seal has been disappointing, so far; I think that I need a thicker pool of wax to make a good impression.

 

I have a "novice" question, though, relative to an earlier mention in this thread:

 

What is a "torch-lighter?" I imagine something that looks like what Smokejumpers use to start FireBreaks...(!)And - Do any of you have experience with a "cigar lighter?"

 

I've been using basic/cheap "Bic" cigarette lighters for my practice, but they all eventually overheat and self-destruct before the butane runs out.

 

I like the creme-brulee torch idea, and may proceed with that one, but I was wondering about Posters' experience with cigar lighters.

 

My experience with "Natural" sealing wax:

I find that it's too "thin" to hold the details of a seal; and spreads so thin that the paper shows through. I have to lay down a dark color with a lighter one on top, in order to obtain a seal with good details.

 

I find that the waxes from Ireland(?) work very well: thick and creamy consistency; hold nice detail; and are easy to use.

 

I'd like to try those "Gargoyle" waxes, and maybe the J.Herbins, next.

 

[Edited for spelling...]

 

 

Hm, I'm not sure what my dad used to start firebreaks!

 

There are micro torches that use butane and some that use propane. I think basically we're looking for a blue flame rather than a carbon flame in explanation? Something that stays away from allowing carbon soot to add to the wax, generally. Anyway, I use my bic lighters or a fireplace lighter most of the time, even though I did purchase a creme brulee/micro torch recently. The micro torch is a bit awkward for me to handle at the moment and it goes through butane fast, it seems. Once I have time to master it, it might be my tool of choice, but for now I prefer the fireplace lighter.

 

Love my Atelier Gargoyle wax, so much so that I had a special order batch whipped up with my favourite scent - clove (they very lightly scent their waxes). Cost a bit, but I will never run out of red sealing wax. Well, I shouldn't run out of red sealing wax...

Edited December 30, 2010 by kiavonne

[PacificCoastPen]

DIY alcohol lamp. Take a small glass bottle with a metal screw on lid...like those little jam jars in gift baskets. Punch a hole in the center of the lid with a good sized nail and hammer. (off the bottle). Insert a short piece of shoe lace and adjust the length for the flame. Add some rubbing alcohol. Screw the top tightly. There you go.

Edited December 30, 2010 by PacificCoastPen

[jbb]

Love my Atelier Gargoyle wax, so much so that I had a special order batch whipped up with my favourite scent - clove (they very lightly scent their waxes). Cost a bit, but I will never run out of red sealing wax. Well, I shouldn't run out of red sealing wax...

 

I love the scent of Atelier Gargoyle's vermillion sealing wax. I think that might be clove too. Do you know if it is? Does each color always come in the same particular scent?

[kiavonne]

Love my Atelier Gargoyle wax, so much so that I had a special order batch whipped up with my favourite scent - clove (they very lightly scent their waxes). Cost a bit, but I will never run out of red sealing wax. Well, I shouldn't run out of red sealing wax...

 

I love the scent of Atelier Gargoyle's vermillion sealing wax. I think that might be clove too. Do you know if it is? Does each color always come in the same particular scent?

 

They have just a few scents they use, and they can show up in more than one color. I think it depends on Linnea's mood/whims at the time she's whipping up a batch. I remember there is clove, pine, and cinnamon, maybe nutmeg... I can't remember all. I just knew that I had to have as much clove as possible.

[PacificCoastPen]

DIY alcohol lamp. Take a small glass bottle with a metal screw on lid...like those little jam jars in gift baskets. Punch a hole in the center of the lid with a good sized nail and hammer. (off the bottle). Insert a short piece of shoe lace and adjust the length for the flame. Add some rubbing alcohol. Screw the top tightly. There you go. No soot flame!

 

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/Wandalo54/IMG_0449.jpg

Edited January 3, 2011 by PacificCoastPen

[pen2paper]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Jacks/My%20Wax%20Jacks/MyWaxJacks.jpg

 

Thanks for sharing Kiavonne. I've never heard of a wax jack but now, of course, I want one.

How ever did I miss this wonderful thread!

 

A l l of your photos, and tutorials are fascinating!

Kiavonne.. there are FPNers here who volunteer at historic sites which should have tallow candle makers.. likely could provide the correct replacement for you wax jacks, if you inquired.

Also, wondering if, with modern waxes, is a seal required? If I were to use an 18th C button to impress the wax, would there be any ingredient that would be harmful to the old copper, or tombac?

[stonezebra]

I use a birthday candle attached to a small plate or saucer (something that won't melt if hot wax drips on it, NOT plastic). Cheap and easy! (I had a small stash of birthday candles just sitting around.)

[tanalasta]

I use this particular little darling.

 

http://www.st-dupont...e&id_cat_sel=69

 

The ST Dupont ultrajet tabletop lighter. It's derived from the maxijet, considered by some to be one of the best cigar torch lighters ever made. Except it's sized as a tabe lighter which means a nice gripping section.

 

I find the flame is about 1.5" long and burns very cleanly. Melts a cold wax stick in 10-15 seconds and thereafter, it's dripping after about 5 seconds once it's warmed. Works an absolute treat and being table sized, the gas refill goes quite a long time. The Dupont butane refill bottle is relatively cheap and will refill the lighter 10 times... it's just the initial outlay for the lighter. But when you think about the cost of G.Lalo stationery and the more expensive fountain pens... it's relatively not that expensive. At least that's what I try to tell myself!

 

Dimensions: 161 x 39 x 110mm... and based on 5 cigar lightings a day, it's meant to last a good 3 months.So I would imagine you would get a good 100+ seals out the lighter.

Edited January 5, 2011 by tanalasta

[DavidHandmade]

Hello.

I've called Atelier Gargoyle a few times over the last three business days, and only got the Answering Machine.

 

Does anyone know what's going on with them?

 

Do they return phone calls, at all?

 

I'd like to order some of their Sealing Wax, but can't seem to catch anyone in their shop.

[jbb]

Hello.

I've called Atelier Gargoyle a few times over the last three business days, and only got the Answering Machine.

 

Does anyone know what's going on with them?

 

Do they return phone calls, at all?

 

I'd like to order some of their Sealing Wax, but can't seem to catch anyone in their shop.

Try emailing them. They are lovely to deal with and worth it!

[DavidHandmade]

Hello.

I've called Atelier Gargoyle a few times over the last three business days, and only got the Answering Machine.

 

Does anyone know what's going on with them?

 

Do they return phone calls, at all?

 

I'd like to order some of their Sealing Wax, but can't seem to catch anyone in their shop.

Try emailing them. They are lovely to deal with and worth it!

 

Hello. I appreciate your suggestion.

 

But my email and phone calls since Jan 10 and Jan 11 have had no response up to now -

 

Is this length of response time "normal" for them?

 

Are they still in business? - On vacation, maybe?

[Raiche58]

@ Chevalier

Eichhorn-Siegel what a terrific website---so very tempting! Have you used their waxes? How do they hold up? Thanks for the link!

[markc]

Hello.

I've called Atelier Gargoyle a few times over the last three business days, and only got the Answering Machine.

 

Does anyone know what's going on with them?

 

Do they return phone calls, at all?

 

I'd like to order some of their Sealing Wax, but can't seem to catch anyone in their shop.

Try emailing them. They are lovely to deal with and worth it!

 

Hello. I appreciate your suggestion.

 

But my email and phone calls since Jan 10 and Jan 11 have had no response up to now -

 

Is this length of response time "normal" for them?

 

Are they still in business? - On vacation, maybe?

 

Atelier Gargoyle are taking a 1yr break from their studio and calligraphy business. They are making wax, but only for their clients like Flax here in San Francisco.

 

What colors of wax do you need? I'd be happy to have an excuse to go to Flax and pick a few sticks up for you.

 

PM me if you like.

 

MarkC

[kiavonne]

Atelier Gargoyle are taking a 1yr break from their studio and calligraphy business. They are making wax, but only for their clients like Flax here in San Francisco.

 

What colors of wax do you need? I'd be happy to have an excuse to go to Flax and pick a few sticks up for you.

 

PM me if you like.

 

MarkC

 

 

Whoa! Seriously? Ouch, that is a long time to be without AG. Nice offer for David, Mark.

[DavidHandmade]

Hello.

I've called Atelier Gargoyle a few times over the last three business days, and only got the Answering Machine.

 

Does anyone know what's going on with them?

 

Do they return phone calls, at all?

 

I'd like to order some of their Sealing Wax, but can't seem to catch anyone in their shop.

Try emailing them. They are lovely to deal with and worth it!

 

Hello. I appreciate your suggestion.

 

But my email and phone calls since Jan 10 and Jan 11 have had no response up to now -

 

Is this length of response time "normal" for them?

 

Are they still in business? - On vacation, maybe?

 

Atelier Gargoyle are taking a 1yr break from their studio and calligraphy business. They are making wax, but only for their clients like Flax here in San Francisco.

 

What colors of wax do you need? I'd be happy to have an excuse to go to Flax and pick a few sticks up for you.

 

PM me if you like.

 

MarkC

 

PM Sent!

 

Thanks, MarkC!

Edited January 14, 2011 by DavidHandmade

[DavidHandmade]

Atelier Gargoyle are taking a 1yr break from their studio and calligraphy business. They are making wax, but only for their clients like Flax here in San Francisco.

 

What colors of wax do you need? I'd be happy to have an excuse to go to Flax and pick a few sticks up for you.

 

PM me if you like.

 

MarkC

 

 

Whoa! Seriously? Ouch, that is a long time to be without AG. Nice offer for David, Mark.

 

Yes - I agree - very generous!

 

Where is "Flax" in SF?

 

I have a relative in Sacremento who goes into SF every now and then, and might be able to shop for me in the future.

 

Thanks, again, everyone for all of your time and assistance with my questions!

 

Regards,

David.

[DavidHandmade]

Hello, everyone.

 

Lynnea from Atelier Gargoyle just called me - ! She was happy to complete my order.

 

She wanted me to assure everyone (here) that they are NOT going "out of business..." - !

 

According to Lynnea, they've recently been involved in relocating the business to a new / better facility; just finished moving the "heavy equipment." [which explains the missing responses to recent posts, calls, etc.]

 

They're taking a year off from their "Calligraphy Classes" (only) in order to focus on building the "sealing wax" portion of their business, with a concerted effort to update and build the website.

 

Lynnea is just getting to the backlog of voice messages and emails, now.

 

She located a portion of "backstock" Wax, and, it appears, she may be able to fill orders, but requested everyone's patience with the process, given the current stage of their "move."

 

She was pleasantly surprised by the swell of support and business generated via FPN - !

 

It was funny - as we spoke - I mentioned that one person posts; another replies; another replies to that; etc. - next thing you know - there's a sudden "demand" for Artelier Gargoyle Sealing Wax - !

 

She was very happy to hear about the positive comments and responses here on FPN - !

 

BTW: Should I post this in its own Thread - so that FPNers will see a more "prominent" notice?

 

Thanks,

David.

[pen2paper]

Hello, everyone.

 

Lynnea from Atelier Gargoyle just called me - ! She was happy to complete my order.

 

She wanted me to assure everyone (here) that they are NOT going "out of business..." - !

 

According to Lynnea, they've recently been involved in relocating the business to a new / better facility; just finished moving the "heavy equipment." [which explains the missing responses to recent posts, calls, etc.]

 

They're taking a year off from their "Calligraphy Classes" (only) in order to focus on building the "sealing wax" portion of their business, with a concerted effort to update and build the website.

 

Lynnea is just getting to the backlog of voice messages and emails, now.

 

She located a portion of "backstock" Wax, and, it appears, she may be able to fill orders, but requested everyone's patience with the process, given the current stage of their "move."

 

She was pleasantly surprised by the swell of support and business generated via FPN - !

 

It was funny - as we spoke - I mentioned that one person posts; another replies; another replies to that; etc. - next thing you know - there's a sudden "demand" for Artelier Gargoyle Sealing Wax - !

 

She was very happy to hear about the positive comments and responses here on FPN - !

 

BTW: Should I post this in its own Thread - so that FPNers will see a more "prominent" notice?

 

Thanks,

David.

Since many here use this product, and may be looking to purchase within the next year.. a thread with pertinent Title Details in Market Watch might be a good idea.