FAQs
Have a quick question? Before reaching out, take a look at our FAQs—you might find the answer you're looking for! I’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our wax seals, courses, and more.
Questions and Answers
I recommend starting with the most basic supplies: a wax seal stamp, sealing wax, melter, wax spoon and candle.
- Cut a piece of sealing wax about an inch long from your wax stick. Place the wax seal melter and melting spoon over the flame and put the wax in the spoon to melt.
- Once the wax has melted and is about as viscous as warm honey, drip it onto the area where you want to apply the seal. Be sure to cover the entire stamp with enough wax.
- While the wax is still hot and melted, press the wax seal stamp firmly onto the wax for about 5 seconds. Hold the stamp in place to allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Gently remove the stamp from the wax to reveal your finished wax seal. And voila! Your letter is now ready to be sent with a touch of old-world charm.
Remember to exercise caution when working with hot wax and heat sources to avoid injury or damage to your workspace. And be sure to use wax specifically designed for wax seals to ensure a strong seal and to prevent any damage to the stamp.
Many antique seals are in the UK, France and the Netherlands. If you aren't able to look in person to antique shops and estate sales, you can also have luck online through Etsy, eBay and Ruby Lane. Knowing what to look for and how to get the best prices is a learned skill though. If you'd like to learn more about antique collecting, I'd strongly recommend my comprehensive guide on collecting, which will teach you everything you need to know as you get started.
To send letters with wax seals, it's recommended you take the sealed envelope to the post office and request for it to be "hand-canceled" to prevent the seal from being damaged by the postal machinery. Hand-cancelling involves marking the postage by hand rather than running it through the machine. At the post office, they will add additional postage for hand cancelling.
Another option is to simply use an outer envelope and add extra postage for the additional weight of the seal.
The quality of the wax can make all the difference. My waxes are the finest quality on the market, and each batch is hand poured!
Kathryn Hastings & Co's waxes have the highest pigment concentration, with 5-10x more pigment than standard craft waxes. This makes the colors rich and vibrant.
They also boast a lower concentration of paraffin. Paraffin, the main ingredient in cheaper waxes, creates a matte look and has a low melting temp that can make seals look runny. By limiting the amount of paraffin, my waxes have richer colors and are more durable too.
While I don't design custom wax seals, I do launch modern designs throughout the year that are inspired by antique motifs. These designs are crafted to capture the essence of traditional wax seals while incorporating a contemporary touch, making them perfect for use in today's world. Whether you're looking for a unique and elegant way to seal letters, invitations, or personal documents, my modern designs offer a stylish option that is both practical and beautiful.