Envelope Closure Seals

Navigating the world of envelope sealing methods can be overwhelming. From the traditional gummed closures that require licking to modern adhesive options and specialised closures like string and washer envelopes, the choices can seem endless.

Here, we've compiled all the essential information to help you understand the different types of envelope seals available today.

Common Envelope Closure Seals

 

Peel & Seal

Peel & Seal Envelopes have an adhesive strip along the flap with a strip of paper covering. Peel off the strip to reveal the adhesive and press the flap to seal. This style of closure is usually found on straight flap envelopes, rather than ‘V flap’ types.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift towards peel and seal envelopes, given their significant advantage in reducing the risk of viral transmission compared to gummed envelopes. With peel and seal envelopes, there is no need for licking or moistening the adhesive, eliminating potential contact with saliva and reducing the risk of transmitting any contagious pathogens.

 

Self-Seal

A Self-Seal Envelope has two strips of latex glue – one on the flap of the envelope and one on the body of the envelope. The latex glue on the flap will only stick to the latex glue on the body of the envelope, so when they are pressed together it forms a seal. You’ll usually find this style of closure on budget business envelopes. It's worth noting that the gum on self-seal envelopes usually has a 6-12 month shelf life, after which it can lose it's adhesive properties.

 

Gummed

This is traditionally the most common way of sealing envelopes. Gummed envelopes have a water soluble gum adhesive along the flap what you lick to seal the envelope. This traditional style of closure is usually found on ‘V flap’ greeting style envelopes.

Gummed envelopes are specifically designed for automatic machine inserting, allowing the sealing process to be automated by mailing machines.

 

Specialist Envelope Closure Seals

 

String & Washer

String & Washer envelopes have two buttons attached to the envelope – one to the flap and one to the main body. A piece of string is wound around both buttons to seal the envelope closed. They are sometimes known as ‘string & button envelopes’.

String & Washer Envelopes are often used due to their reusability and professional appearance. They are also made from a thicker more durable paper making them better suited for handling heavier or more important documents, ensuring their safe transport and storage over extended periods.

 

Wax Seal

An old fashioned way of sealing envelopes, a small amount of hot wax is placed on the envelope at a point that will hold the flap shut. Traditionally a metal seal will be pressed into the wax to mould a symbol. Historically the symbol on the seal would be the family crest of the sender.

 

Now you've mastered envelope closure seals head back to the Envelope Education menu. 

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