FAQ

🆕 Getting Started

I'm completely new to wax sealing. What do I need to buy?

Five essentials: a wax seal stamp (custom or pre-designed), a wooden handle, sealing wax (granules recommended for beginners), a melting spoon, and a wax warmer or candle. The fastest way to start: our Starter Kit — everything in one box.

How do I actually make a wax seal?

Six steps: (1) Place 3–4 wax granules in your spoon. (2) Hold the spoon over a flame until the wax fully melts — about 10–20 seconds. (3) Pour onto your envelope in a slow circular motion. (4) Wait 3–5 seconds for the wax to begin setting. (5) Press your stamp firmly and hold still for 5–10 seconds — no twisting, no wiggling. (6) Lift straight up. Done. See our Beginner's Guide for a full walkthrough.

Which is better for beginners — granules or sticks?

Granules are easier for most beginners. Scoop 3–4 into your spoon, melt, pour. Sticks require holding one end in the spoon while the other end melts — slightly more coordination. Start with granules. Add sticks later when you want continuous sealing for large projects.

How many wax seals can I make per gram or stick?

Rough guide: 1g of wax ≈ 1 standard 25mm seal. So 50g ≈ 50 seals; 100g ≈ 100 seals. One wax stick ≈ 10 seals. Always add 20% extra for practice and mistakes — especially for weddings.

Can I use a wax seal on any envelope?

Most envelopes work, but thicker paper (100gsm+) handles the heat and weight of wax better. Very thin or highly textured envelopes can be trickier — test one first. For mailing wax-sealed envelopes, ask your post office for hand-cancelling — it prevents the sorting machine from cracking your seals.

🖐️ Custom Stamps

How does the custom stamp design process work?

1. Upload your design directly at checkout — SVG, PNG, PDF, photo, sketch, or written description.
2. Checkout. You'll receive an order confirmation immediately.
3. Within 2–3 business days, you'll receive a digital proof. Unlimited free revisions until it's exactly right. Take your time — this is the moment to get every detail right.
4. Once approved, your stamp is engraved and your complete kit is packed. Production: 3–5 business days. Shipping: 8–10 business days.
5. Unbox. Melt. Press. You're a wax sealer now.

What can I put on my custom stamp?

Almost anything: monograms, logos, portraits, pet faces, wedding crests, handwritten signatures, symbols, landscapes, buildings, abstract patterns. SVG, PNG, or PDF files work best. Clear photos, sketches, and written descriptions are also welcome — our designers adapt.

How many design revisions do I get?

Unlimited. Free. We don't engrave until you say it's perfect. Take your time during the proof stage — that's when changes are free and easy.

What size stamp should I choose?

25mm is the classic sweet spot — perfect for wedding invitations and standard envelopes. 20mm for subtle, intimate impressions (gift tags, place cards). 30mm for confident visibility. 35mm for statement seals. 40mm for maximum impact. If your design has fine detail, choose a larger size so nothing gets lost.

Which custom stamp option is right for me?

Brass Only ($34.89+) — if you already own a handle. Stamp + Handle ($39.89+) — the complete tool, ready out of the box. Starter Kit ($82.99+) — everything: stamp, handle, wax, spoon, warmer, candles, mats, envelopes. If you're new to wax sealing, the Starter Kit is the simplest way to begin.

Can I return a custom stamp if I don't like it?

Custom stamps are made specifically for you and cannot be returned for personal preference — which is exactly why we offer unlimited revisions during the proof stage. If there's a manufacturing defect or the engraving doesn't match your approved proof, we'll remake it at no cost.

Will a custom stamp head fit my existing handle from another brand?

If your handle uses the standard threaded screw fitting — which most interchangeable wax seal stamps do — then yes. Our brass heads use the universal thread size.

💌 Custom Seals (Pre-Made)

What's the difference between a custom stamp and a custom pre-made seal?

A custom stamp is the brass tool you use to make your own wax seals at home — melt, pour, press, repeat. A custom pre-made seal is the finished product: we design, handcraft, and ship peel-and-stick wax seals to you. Stamps are for DIY. Seals are for when you want beautiful results without the process.

What can I put on a custom pre-made wax seal?

Anything — logos, monograms, portraits, pet faces, wedding crests, handwritten signatures, illustrations, symbols. Send your artwork file, photo, sketch, or description to service@slvara.com after checkout. Our designers create a proof; you approve; we craft.

How are the Special Moment Keepsake Seals different?

Special Moment Seals are designed exclusively for commemorating a date and time — the year, month, day, hour, and minute of your wedding, birth, graduation, or memorial. No artwork needed. Just tell us the timestamp. For fully custom designs (photos, logos, portraits), use our Custom Pre-Made Seals.

How do NFC wax seals work?

Our NFC wax seals have a tiny Near Field Communication chip embedded inside the wax. When someone taps the seal with their phone, it opens a link you've chosen — a wedding photo gallery, a digital RSVP, a portfolio, a personal video message. After checkout, you tell us the link; we handle the rest.

Can I order a small quantity first to test the quality?

Absolutely. Start with 50 seals as a sample. You'll see the metallic finish, adhesive quality, and design in person. Reordering is easy — we keep your approved design on file.

Who owns my custom design?

You do. Your artwork, logo, or design remains your intellectual property. We use it solely to produce your order — never to display, share, or resell. See our Intellectual Property Rights page.

🟫 Wax & Materials

What's your sealing wax made of?

Plant wax-based and natural resins. No petroleum-based paraffin. No synthetic fillers. It's non-toxic, virtually odor-free, and melts clean without releasing harmful fumes. Over 90% of sealing wax on the market is paraffin — we built this brand specifically to offer a better alternative.

What's the difference between Timeless, Bold & Bright, and Trend Palette?

Timeless — classic, enduring colors (gold, navy, burgundy, forest green) that never go out of style. Bold & Bright — statement colors (jelly powder pink, electric blue) that demand attention. Trend Palette — seasonal, limited-edition drops in fashion-forward hues. When a Trend Palette is gone, it may not return.

Are the heart-shaped, flower-shaped, and star-shaped granules actually those shapes?

Yes — each granule is pressed into its shape. The heart, flower, or star is the granule itself. Once melted, they become smooth liquid wax — exactly like standard granules. The shape is a charming detail for the preparation ritual, not the final seal.

Q: Does your wax have a smell?

At room temperature — virtually none. When heated and melted, the wax base and natural resin will release their own subtle, natural scent. This is a characteristic of plant-based waxes and resins — not a chemical additive or defect. We recommend using our sealing wax in a well-ventilated area, especially during extended sessions. If you'd like to add fragrance to your workspace, pair your wax with our scented candles — they scent the air gently while you work, not the wax itself.

Can I mix different wax colors in one seal?

Yes. Melt granules of two or more colors in the same spoon and pour together for a marbled effect. All our waxes blend smoothly and evenly.

Will my wax seals survive mailing?

Yes. Our wax is formulated to be flexible rather than brittle — it absorbs handling stress without cracking. For extra protection against postal sorting machines, ask your post office for hand-cancelling.

How should I store wax granules and sticks?

In a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Wax doesn't expire, but it can soften or discolor if exposed to high heat. Properly stored granules and sticks last for years.

🔧 Tools & Equipment

Do I need a spoon if I'm using wax sticks?

Yes — or an 11mm glue gun. Wax sticks do not contain a wick and cannot burn on their own. To use them with a spoon: hold the stick by hand, place one end into the spoon bowl, and melt over a flame. The wax melts directly in the spoon. Alternatively, an 11mm glue gun heats the stick internally and extrudes melted wax with a trigger.

How do I clean wax residue from the spoon?

Let the residual wax cool and harden completely — then simply peel it off in one piece. Any remaining film wipes off with a tissue while the spoon is still slightly warm. No water. No soap. No scrubbing.

Will the spoon handle get hot?

No — the handle is designed to stay cool during normal use. Hold it by the grip, keep the bowl over the flame, and your hand stays comfortable.

Which wooden handle shape is best?

The short cylindrical is the most intuitive — feels like a pen cap. The radish-shaped has an ergonomic curve that reduces hand fatigue during long sessions. All five shapes fit all stamp heads via the universal thread — you can swap later.

Can I use the wax warmer without a candle?

No — the warmer is a cradle, not a heater. It holds the candle and supports the spoon, creating a stable, hands-free sealing setup. You need a tea light-sized candle underneath. Our scented candles are sized perfectly for it.

🕯️ Scented Candles

What are the candles made of?

100% US-origin soy wax, fragrance oils from Firmenich, Givaudan, Symrise, and CPL Aromas, and an Atkins & Pearce wick. 15g per candle. Burns for up to 3 hours. No paraffin, no black smoke.

Why does the flame get smaller after burning for a while?

This is normal. As the candle burns, heat warms the glass holder, which melts surrounding wax. The liquefied wax can rise and partially submerge the wick, shrinking the flame. Simply swap in a fresh candle and let the affected one rest undisturbed for 5–7 minutes. The wax re-solidifies and the candle is ready to use again.

Do the candles produce black smoke?

No. Pure soy wax + precision wick = a clean flame with no visible smoke. Your warmer and spoon stay clean.

How long does one candle last?

Up to 3 hours — roughly 30–50 seals depending on your pace. One candle typically covers a full invitation-sealing session.

Will the fragrance fill the room?

The scent is designed to be pleasant and present in your immediate workspace — not overpowering. It's aromatherapy for your sealing ritual, not an air freshener.

How should I store unused candles?

In a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Scented candles are best used within 12–18 months for optimal fragrance strength.

💳 Orders & Payments

What payment methods do you accept?

PayPal — the fastest option, including guest checkout with a credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed). Bank transfer — email us before ordering and we'll provide our bank details. See our Payment Method page.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. All payments go through PayPal's PCI-compliant, encrypted gateway. SLVARA never sees, receives, or stores your credit card or bank details.

What currency are prices in?

All prices are in USD. If your bank account uses a different currency, your financial institution handles the conversion at their current exchange rate.

Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?

Email us immediately. Non-custom orders can usually be modified or canceled if they haven't shipped. Custom orders can be modified during the proof stage; after approval, changes may not be possible.

Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?

Yes. Email service@slvara.com with your needs — quantities, products, timeline — and we'll create a proposal.

I forgot my account password. What now?

Click "Forgot password" on the login page. A reset link will be emailed. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive, or email us.

📦 Shipping & Delivery

Where do you ship from?

All orders ship from our studio in Xingtai, Hebei Province, China.

How long does processing take?

Non-custom products: 2–3 business days. Custom products: 3–5 business days. Processing is the time between your order and handing it to the carrier.

How long does shipping take?

Transit typically takes 8–10 business days to most destinations. See our Shipping Information page for a regional breakdown.

How much does shipping cost?

Free on orders over $75 USD. Orders under $75 ship at a flat rate of $10 USD.

Will I be charged customs fees?

No. Our logistics partners handle customs clearance. No additional duties or fees — the price at checkout is the total.

Do you ship to my country?

We ship worldwide. If you can complete checkout, we deliver. If you hit an issue, email us.

How do I track my order?

You'll receive a tracking number by email once your package ships. The link updates in real time.

My order has both custom and non-custom items. When does it ship?

The full order ships together — following the longer custom timeline of 3–5 business days. For faster non-custom delivery, place separate orders.

My package is delayed. What should I do?

Check your tracking link first. If it's significantly past the estimated delivery window, email us and we'll investigate with the carrier.

🔁 Returns & Refunds

What's your return policy?

Non-custom products: 30-day returns for any reason — as long as the item is unused and in resellable condition. Custom products: final sale unless there's a manufacturing defect or the item doesn't match your approved proof. Full details on our Return & Refund Policy page.

How do I start a return?

Email service@slvara.com with your order number and reason. We'll reply within 24 hours with return instructions and the return address.

Who pays for return shipping?

We cover it if the return is due to a product quality issue. If you've changed your mind, return shipping is at your expense.

How long does a refund take?

Once we receive and inspect your return, we process the refund within 2 business days. PayPal refunds appear almost instantly; bank transfers may take 5–10 business days.

I ordered the wrong wax color. Can I exchange it?

Return your unopened wax for a refund within 30 days, then place a new order for the correct color. Exchanges aren't available — this is faster anyway.

⚠️ Troubleshooting

My wax seal impression is blurry or incomplete. What went wrong?

Three likely causes: (1) You stamped too late — the wax started setting before you pressed. Pour and stamp within 10 seconds. (2) You wiggled the stamp — any movement while pressing creates a double image. Press straight down, hold still, lift straight up. (3) The wax was too hot — overheated wax is watery and splashes. Melt until smooth, not until it smokes.

My wax seal cracked after mailing. How do I prevent this?

Our wax is formulated to be flexible and crack-resistant, but postal sorting machines are aggressive. Two solutions: (1) Ask your post office for hand-cancelling — they mark stamps manually instead of running envelopes through the machine. (2) Use double envelopes — seal the inner envelope with wax; use a plain outer envelope for mailing.

The wax is smoking or smells burnt. What am I doing wrong?

You're overheating the wax. Hold the spoon a little higher above the flame, and take it off as soon as the wax is fully melted — don't let it boil. If you see wisps of smoke, the wax is too hot. Start fresh with new granules.

Wax is stuck in the engraved lines of my stamp. How do I get it out?

Warm the stamp gently with a hairdryer on low for 5–10 seconds. The wax softens. Brush immediately with a soft toothbrush — it lifts out easily. Never scrape with metal tools or pins — they'll scratch the engraving. Full care instructions in our Maintenance Guide.

My stamp is turning dark. Is it ruined?

No — brass naturally develops a patina over time. This is harmless and doesn't affect seal quality. Many people prefer the aged look. If you want the bright brass appearance, wipe occasionally with a brass polishing cloth. Never use harsh chemicals like Brasso.

The wax pool is too large and squeezes out from under the stamp.

You're using too much wax. A pool slightly smaller than your stamp head is ideal. For a 25mm stamp, 3–4 granules is usually right. Practice on scrap paper until you know the feel.

The wax isn't sticking to my envelope.

The envelope surface may be too smooth, coated, or textured. Wax adheres best to paper with some tooth — standard stationery, kraft paper, cotton paper. If the surface is glossy or heavily coated (some metallic or plasticized envelopes), the wax may not bond properly. Test one first, or switch to a peel-and-stick pre-made seal for tricky surfaces.

I can hear a rattling sound when I shake my stamp handle.

This usually means the stamp head isn't screwed in tightly. Gently screw it clockwise into the handle until snug — don't overtighten. The universal thread means any slight looseness will be audible.

🧹 Maintenance & Care

How do I clean my stamp after use?

While it's still warm (wait 20–30 seconds after your last seal), peel the wax film off with your fingertip. It should lift in one piece. For wax in the grooves, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Never use metal tools, water, or abrasive cleaners. Full instructions: Maintenance Guide.

How often should I polish my brass stamp?

Only when you want the bright look. Polishing is cosmetic — a dark patina stamps just as crisply as a shiny surface. If you polish, use a brass polishing cloth ($3–6, lasts years) or plain white toothpaste on a soft cloth. Both are gentle and safe. Polish once every few months at most.

How should I store my stamps?

Never let the engraving face rub against hard surfaces. Simple storage: a felt pouch, an old glasses case, or a jewelry box compartment lined with fabric. For long-term storage, add a silica gel packet (those "do not eat" sachets) to absorb moisture. Always store stamp head and handle separately — keeping them screwed together can cause threads to bind in humid conditions.

I got water in the threaded socket. What should I do?

Unscrew immediately. Wipe both surfaces dry. Let them air-dry separately for an hour before reassembling. A little water won't ruin anything if dried quickly. The problem is moisture trapped in the threads for days.

How do I care for my wooden handle?

Keep it dry. If wax drips on it, let it cool and peel it off. Once or twice a year, rub a single drop of mineral oil or baby oil into the wood with a soft cloth — let it absorb, then buff dry. That's all it needs.

How do I switch wax colors mid-session without a muddy mix?

The fastest method: make 2–3 blank seals on scrap paper with the new color. The fresh wax pulls residual old wax out of the grooves. By the third stamp, impressions will be clean. If color still bleeds, let the stamp cool and brush the face with a toothbrush. One more blank stamp — done. Takes under a minute.

🌿 Sustainability

Is your packaging really plastic-free?

Yes. All SLVARA products are packaged in kraft paper and eco-friendly cardboard. No plastic pouches, no synthetic coatings, no polystyrene, no plastic tape. Just paper that can be recycled or composted.

How does the tree planting work?

Every single order — any product, any quantity — plants one tree through One Tree Planted, a global reforestation nonprofit. Not a percentage of profits. Not a seasonal campaign. Every order, every time. Learn more: One Tree Planted.

Where are the trees planted?

Across the Americas — from the United States and Canada to Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and beyond. One Tree Planted selects native species appropriate to each region and monitors survival rates.

Why soy wax instead of paraffin?

Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct — it releases fumes when heated and doesn't biodegrade. Soy wax is plant-based, renewable, burns clean, and returns safely to the earth. It costs roughly three times as much to produce. We chose it anyway. That's the whole point of SLVARA.

Do you test on animals?

Never. Our products are stationery and crafting supplies — they are not tested on animals at any stage of development or manufacturing.

Are your products vegan?

Our soy wax and plant-derived resin formula contains no animal-derived ingredients. Our packaging is paper-based. The beeswax occasionally found in some traditional sealing waxes is not present in our formula.