Manufacturers of bottled products need bottle sealing wax, such as whisky, wine, perfume, or syrup. Learn how to properly wax seal your bottles by reading this article.
Welcome to the blog, fellow Vintners! I'm here to help you master the art of waxing your wine bottles. Not only will it give your bottles a unique and vintage look, but wax dipping also helps preserve the flavor and aroma of your wine. Bottle waxing is a simple yet effective way to make your bottles pop, and with Carmel's wide range of colors, you can give them a unique, personal touch.
Alright, Wine Lovaaahs, let's get to waxing!
The Prep
Cleaning bottles before wax sealing them is important because it helps prevent contamination from bacteria or other debris on the bottle. This helps ensure that the liquid in the bottle is safe for consumption.
- Begin by rinsing out the bottle with warm water.
- Scrub the inside of the bottle with a bottle brush and liquid dish detergent.
- Rinse the bottle out with warm water.
- If any residue is left, such as stubborn labels, use a bottle scraper to remove them.
- Once the bottle is sanitized, allow it to air dry, or use a clean, dry lint-free cloth to wipe it down. Once the bottle is dry and free of residue, it is now ready to be wax sealed.
What Kind of Bottle Sealing Wax Do I Use?
To get started, pick out your favorite-colored wax from Carmel's Bottle Sealing Wax collection. With an array of colors to choose from, you're sure to find the one that stands out for your wine bottle! Truth be told, the most challenging part of this process will be choosing which color wax for bottle sealing goes best with your vino! Any bottle can be sealed with wax, although some of the most common types include wine, liquor, beer, and decorative.
Make Your Own DIY Bottle Sealing Wax Kit:
Below is a checklist of items necessary for wax bottle waxing at home.
- Bottle Sealing Wax.
- Corked Bottles of Wine.
- Thermometer.
- Melting Pot.
- One Butter Knife.
- One Large Bucket of Ice Water.
- Safety Gloves.
Step-by-Step Directions To Wax Seal a Bottle:
- Pour your bottle sealing wax beads into the melting pot, start on low heat, and increase the temperature slowly while stirring the wax until it turns into liquid form. Wax dipping temperature is between 275-300°F (135-148°C). Make sure to measure the temperature with the thermometer before dipping the bottles.
- Make sure the cork is secured well.
- Use the knife to spread the wax over the cork and let it dry.
- Trim away any excess wax from the cork of the bottle.
- Dip the top of the wine bottle into the melted wax.
- Allow the excess wax to drip from the top of the bottle.
- Prepare a bucket of cold water and place the wine bottle with wax into the bucket.
- Gently swirl the bottle around in the cold water for ten seconds.
- Take the bottle out of the water and dry it off.
Aging Gracefully
When it comes to aging wine, oxygen mustn't penetrate the seal. Oxygen will stop the aging process, spoiling the wine before you can enjoy it! To ensure this doesn't happen, make certain the wax seal is intact and has no holes or tears before storage. If you see any issues with your wax seal, remove it and seal it again.
How to Open a Wax Sealed Bottle
- Use a butter knife to gently lift the edge of the wax away from the bottle.
- Pull the wax seal off the bottle in one motion.
- Clean off any remaining waxy residue with a clean cloth.
- Finally, grab your favorite corkscrew and pop that cork! Enjoy your bottle of wine!
Alternatively, using tear tape before wax sealing your bottle is the easiest way to remove the wax. Tear tape is a thin adhesive that you wrap around the neck of the bottle, leaving a small tab. When you're ready to pour yourself a glass of Merlot, pull the tab, and the wax will come off easily.
Safety First.
Safety is super important when working with hot wax, so ensure you take all the necessary precautions! Remember to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. Most importantly, never leave a pot of melting wax unattended.
Cleaning Up.
First, take a sip of wine. It'll make this step much more fun!
Then, scrape away any remaining wax in the melting pot using a plastic spatula or butter knife. If necessary, use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess wax. Then, fill the pot with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth to scrub the pot and remove any remaining residue. Be sure to rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water. For stubborn wax, repeat the process as necessary.
Side Note.
Storing your wine bottles on their sides is the best way to make sure your wine stays fresh and ready to enjoy. Not only does this keep the cork moist, but it also helps the sediment settle at the bottom of the bottle instead of floating around and potentially affecting the flavor of your wine.
By learning the art of waxing wine bottles, you can get creative with your bottles and give them a personalized look. Who knows, you might make the perfect gift for your wine-loving friend or create some fabulous vintage-looking bottles of your own! Bottle waxing is not as hard as it looks, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be an expert in no time!
Make sure to share your results with us by tagging us on Instagram or sending us an email– we love a good wax-sealed bottle of vino!
Cheers!
