Imprint - How to
How to Make Your Wax Imprints
(A step-by-step guide for perfect little keepsakes)
In your Wax Kit:
- 3 × wax balls (pre-portioned for your chosen Imprint size)
- Pre-paid return satchel
- Non-stick baking paper
- Return form & size guide
- Round stickers for labelling the plastic containers
Step 1: Warm it up
Clean hands? Check. Dry? Check.
Grab your first ball of wax and warm it up by gently twirling it in front of a hairdryer (not too close — you’re not roasting marshmallows).
You’re aiming for that soft, squishy texture — like blutak on a warm day.
Step 2a: Press it down
Place the wax on the wax paper, over the size guide, on a hard, flat surface.
Now press your finger down with firm, even pressure so the wax fills the template completely.
This keeps your Imprint juuust right — not too thin, not too thick. Just the sweet spot.
Step 3: Check your magic
Have a look. Zoom in with your phone (flash on!) and check the detail.
Can you see the fingerprint lines clearly? Happy with the shape? Glorious — what you see in wax is exactly what will be cast in solid metal.
Not quite right? No biggie. Just rewarm, roll into a ball, and try again. As many times as you like.
Just keep the wax clean, dry, and free from dust, lint, or rogue pet hair.
~ Cracks?
If your wax ball is cracking (like in the pic below), it’s just a bit cold. Give it a little more time in front of the hairdryer, then gently roll and squeeze it in your hands to smooth it out before trying again.
Step 2b: For a double sided Imprint
Hold the wax ball between the two fingers and gently press them together. Keep the pressure as even as you can from both sides. The goal is for the imprint to match the size of the circle on the template — not too thin, not too thick.
Step 2c: For a single sided print of an infant or someone who needs help:
Place the wax ball on the non-stick paper over the template. Hold your finger over theirs and gently press down until the wax spreads to fill the circle.
Step 2d: Pet Prints:
Warm the wax as in Step 1 and gently press it into their paw or nose. If the nose is too wet the detail won’t come through — you may need to carefully dry it first, or choose a paw print instead.
On your order form, let us know if you’d like to keep a human print on the other side, or if you’d prefer us to flatten it into a single-sided pet print.
Aim for a size close to the guide so your final piece casts beautifully.
Step 4: Once you're happy…
Repeat the process with the other two wax balls — think of them as backups. You’ll end up with three imprints in total. Make sure you’re happy with the shape and detail of each one, as sometimes the first isn’t suitable or (in rare cases) can be damaged. Sending us a few options helps ensure your finished piece turns out just right.
Pop them back into the little containers provided and label them 1, 2, 3 in order of preference. If you’d like any initials or letters stamped on the back, add them to the label too.
Step 5: Sending them back
Pop the containers into the box, and use the pre-paid return satchel to send them back to us.
Once they arrive, we’ll email to let you know they’ve landed safely. If you haven’t heard from us within 5 days of posting, feel free to check in.
Please allow 2–3 weeks for your Imprints to be cast and finished in your chosen metal.
All casting and finishing takes place right here on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
