Want to know the best way to seal an envelope? Or can't you stand the idea of having to lick it to close it? You can buy self-sealing envelopes, which should not be moistened, at the stationery or use the different methods explained in this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Traditional Method
Step 1. If you only have two or three envelopes to seal, consider the traditional method
Licking the flap of the envelope is the most common method and it works, as long as the number of envelopes is limited. However, if you have to seal multiple bags, it can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Contrary to what the urban legends say, the glue of the bags is not toxic: it is mainly composed of gum arabic, an ingredient present in many foods. Even if you cut your tongue by licking the edge of the envelope, the glue will not penetrate inside the wound and kill you
Step 2. Lick the envelope
Carefully wipe your tongue over the adhesive strip of the envelope.
Step 3. Seal the envelope
Fold the closure flap down and slide your fingers over it to set it in place. Once moistened, the glue will set on the paper, allowing you to seal the envelope.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Commercial Product
Step 1. Purchase a sponge at the stationery
These are mainly plastic bottles with a sponge on top. They are used in the following way:
- Hold the bottle upright, with the sponge facing down. Pass it on the adhesive strip of the envelope by gently pressing the body of the bottle.
- Be careful not to squeeze the bottle too much or you may find yourself in a soaked bag.
- This method is more suitable when you have to seal many envelopes (you have to send greeting cards, invitations to a wedding, etc.), but you must be careful not to crush the bottle too much, otherwise the envelope will be damaged.
Step 2. Use an envelope sealing machine
These appliances moisten and seal the bag for you. Using an electric model you will simply have to insert the envelope inside it, while for a hand model you will have to do a little more effort (no less than what is normally done using traditional methods).
Being a relatively recent technology, these devices may be subject to technical problems and some models may be better than others; be well informed before purchasing
Step 3. Use an old humidifier roller
If you prefer an old-school approach, you can purchase a humidifier roller on an internet site or at a vintage office supply store. These are ceramic objects with a cylindrical wheel attached to a rectangular base, which makes them similar to dispensers for adhesive tape. To use this device, you need to fill the base with water and pass the adhesive strip of the envelope on the roller (just like you pass a blade on a sharpener wheel), then fold the closing flap to seal the envelope. Although they are old-fashioned machines, they have the advantage of being long-lasting, since ceramic, unlike sponge, does not wear out over time.
Method 3 of 3: Take advantage of the items you have in the house
Step 1. Use a sponge, cotton swab, or swab to moisten the adhesive strip of the envelopes
This way you don't have to lick every single bag and you can seal more. To use this method, you will need a bowl full of warm water. Dip the sponge (or cotton swab or swab) into the bowl and pass it over the glue of the envelope. Fold the closing flap and press it down to seal the envelope. Be thrifty with the amount of water. Start with very little water and reapply if necessary. Do not soak the envelope or it may get damaged.
Step 2. Use tape or glue
You can simply close the envelope by running tape along the edge of the flap. For a more accurate job, it is better to pass some glue (or a double layer of tape) on the inner face of the closing flap before folding it. Many prefer to use the glue stick rather than the liquid one, because it dries earlier and the result obtained is a little tidier.
Step 3. Use stickers
To give the envelope a touch of personality, you can seal it with stickers. Fold the closing flap and attach stickers where it meets the body of the envelope. Know that the result obtained will not arouse a great impression of professionalism and the envelope could accidentally open during shipment.
Step 4. Use nail polish
Nail polish is one of the great all-rounders for the home. It can offer considerable help in sealing envelopes by becoming a kind of "quick-setting" glue. Pass the nail polish on the inner face of the closing flap and press on it. You can use clear nail polish to keep it from showing, or go for an extravagant color, you decide.
Step 5. Use a wax seal
This method, dating back to the Middle Ages, is certainly the most impressive of those used to seal envelopes. For hundreds of years, the privilege of using seals of this type was reserved for the nobility (also because the common people were mostly illiterate) and even today an envelope with a seal imprinted on it cannot but confer an aura of prestige to the sender.
