How to Protect Wax Seals on Old Documents

Wax seals can preserve heraldic, legal and personal evidence, but they chip easily and may hang from vulnerable cords or tags.

Safe routine care

Handle the document and seal on a rigid tray. Create a shaped, inert support that prevents the seal moving or bearing its own weight.

What not to do

Do not glue fragments, warm the wax or place adhesive tape across cracks. Avoid strong light and rapid temperature change.

Storage and specialist help

Keep every fragment and record both faces with scale photographs before conservation.

Conservation references

• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.