ldakers
With its elegant appearance and historical legacy, the wax seal has embodied authenticity and prestige in UK for centuries.
The origin of this small accessory dates back to antiquity, where it was initially used to seal important and confidential documents. Egyptians, Romans, and ancient Greeks had already been using clay seals to authenticate their writings.
However, the use of wax, which is more flexible and durable, gradually spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. It was widely employed to seal letters, contracts, royal decrees, and even envelopes containing official messages.
These wax seals were often adorned with coats of arms, family symbols, or unique patterns, serving as a personal signature for the seal.
Wax Seal Supplies – Tinyi Bottles of Glitter (Picture by Amylee)
How to Use a Wax Seal?
More than just a means to seal documents, this tool was a symbol of trust, authenticity, and status. The colour of the wax, the type of seal, and the motifs used held specific meanings.
For example, red wax seals were often used for personal letters, while golden wax seals were reserved for official and royal documents. Many aristocratic families even had their own seals and used special waxes to mark their status
Wax Seal for Painter’s COA (Picture by Amylee 2023)
Wax Seal on Artist’s Certificate of Authenticity
Although wax seals are not often used today to seal official documents, they have found a new life in the world of art, luxury furniture, and jewelry.
Some jewelers, antique dealers, and painters have reintroduced this tradition into their communication to seal their important paper documents.
I use wax seals for my certificates of authenticity. This detail adds a beautiful touch of elegance and enhances the personalization of all my certificates.
My Following 5 steps for using Wax Seal :
★ ★ ★ STEP 1 ★ ★ ★
Heat the wax in a metal spoon to make it liquid. Using a tea light will darken the wax less than using a lighter.
★ ★ ★ STEP 2 ★ ★ ★
Pour the hot wax onto greaseproof paper. Here, I want to apply my wax seal to a blank certificate of authenticity. I therefore prefer to use baking wax paper as a rough draft. The greasy paper makes it easier to remove the seal once it’s dry and hardened.
★ ★ ★ STEP 3 ★ ★ ★
I then apply the metal pad to the hot wax. I leave the pad on for 7 seconds so that the wax can take shape.
★ ★ ★ STEP 4 ★ ★ ★
I removed the tool and there it was, a superb wax seal with my artist’s logo!
In this demonstration I added a few glitters. It’s up to you.
Glitter can sometimes hide the design and motif. I avoid overloading the wax when adding glitter.
★ ★ ★ STEP 5 ★ ★ ★
I can then remove the wax seal from the baking paper and apply it to my certificate of authenticity. A dot of glue is all that’s needed to hold it all together.
It doesn’t matter where I place the wax seal. Sometimes I place it on the cover of the document or inside next to my signature.
Demonstration at Amylee’ Studio
I soon have to issue a COA for a painting that has just been sold.
After completing and signing the document, I have two options for adding the seal.
- I can use wax with a spoon and a candle (or use a wax gun to save time).
- I can also use a glue gun for more fantasy and transparency.
I’ll explain the glue gun trick below.
Glue Gun Seal Tip
What you need to bring together:
- printed certificate of authenticity
- glue gun with a few glue refills
- 1 sheet of baking parchment (wax paper
- pair of scissors
- Glitter, powdered pigment or dry pastel powder, gold leaf for inlaying
- 1 metal stamp with my logo
Glue gun and wax paper (picture by Amylee)
★ ★ ★ GOOD TO KNOW ★ ★ ★
GreatArt offers the widest choice for fine art materials in the UK in their store in London, Shoreditch, as well as in their online shop, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Recipe to keep in mind
- Heat up the glue gun with its refill.
- Using the scissors, cut out a small piece of baking paper. The wax paper allows me to make several attempts without spoiling my final document.
- As soon as the glue gun is hot, apply a dot of glue to the baking paper.
- Before the dot of glue hardens, add some glitter or gold leaf to the centre of the dot.
- Apply and press the metal part of the stamp onto the dot of glitter glue, then seal it.
- Leave to dry when the edges of the glue start to whiten, then it’s time to remove the metal stamp. And there you have it, a great seal made with glue and my logo!
Hot glue applied to greaseproof paper. Glitter can be added (picture by Amylee 2023)
Powdered pigments can be added before using the pad (picture by Amylee 2023)
★ ★ ★ GOOD TO KNOW ★ ★ ★
If you need to, you can find coloured and glittery glue refills in some shops.
Metal foil can be added before the adhesive dries – Amylee 2023
Effet obtenu avec de la feuille métallisée appliquée sur colle chaude – Amylee 2023
I love the result. It’s so precious and elegant!
Series of glue gun stamps – Amylee 2023
★ ★ ★ GOOD TON KNOW ★ ★ ★
Once dry, you can use a permanent or acrylic marker to go over the letters and design of the stamp to change the colour and highlight the motif inside.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
picamylee
Amylee Paris is a French artist, art blogger, author, and brand ambassador. She creates colourful paintings, including elegant floral abstracts and vibrant portraits (figures and animal). Inspired by nature, Amylee’s art reflects her profound passion for colours. Since 2009, she has been educating fellow artists, sharing valuable fine art tips, numerous articles, ebooks, and training to assist artists in gaining a deeper understanding of the fine artist’s profession.
Amylee’s latest news on :
Add comment