Direct Mail Systems has everything you need to create secure, professional, and high-quality mailing packs with our tab sealing service.
What Is Tab Sealing or Wafer Sealing?
Tab, or also known as wafer, seal is a 25mm or 35mm disc used for sealing the open edge of a folded or stitched booklet. They come as either crystal clear with perforation or a translucent paper seal without perforation. The benefit of using a seal is it protects the mail piece from being damaged in the postal system as the pages are held together.
One of the benefits of tabs over glue is the make ready is very short and as such can be for small runs as well as medium to high volumes.
What We Offer
At Direct Mail Systems, our tab sealing service provides a secure and efficient way to seal mail packs, publications, and self-mailers. Whether you’re sending folded mailers, brochures, or one-piece marketing pieces, our advanced tab sealing equipment ensures each item is firmly sealed for postal compliance and a polished finish.
We pride ourselves on manufacturing our own seals using a biodegradable substraight that will biodegrade over time, something most of our competitors don't offer. Our translucent paper seals are also sustainable, made from paper and are 100% recyclable.
What types of seals are available?
In addition to our standard 25mm and 35mm tab or wafer seals, available in crystal clear or translucent paper, we also offer 25mm Silver and Gold perforated tabs, perfect for seasonal or special mailings.
We can create custom-printed seals in any colour, design, or style you need, including unique shapes, giving your mailings a standout, eye-catching finish. Over the years, we’ve produced everything from tennis balls to dinosaurs, so no idea is too creative!
We stock:
- Crystal Clear perforated
- Translucent Paper
- Gold Paper
- Silver Paper
We also manufacture:
- Full Colour
- Custom Shapes
- Foiled
The Benefits of Tab Sealing Your Direct Mail
Secure & Tamper-Proof
Tabs provide a strong seal that keeps your mail packs closed during transit, ensuring the contents arrive intact and protected.
Professional & Polished Finish
Tab sealing gives your mail a clean, premium appearance, enhancing the perception of your brand and making your campaigns stand out.
Customisable for Impact
With options for different colours, metallic finishes, custom prints, and unique shapes, tab seals can reinforce branding and make your mailings more memorable.
Efficient & Cost-Effective
Automated tab sealing reduces manual handling, speeds up production, and provides a reliable solution for high-volume direct mail campaigns.
Versatile Applications
Perfect for folded mailers, one-piece mailers, catalogues, and seasonal promotions, tab sealing works across a wide range of direct mail formats.
How Does Tab Sealing Direct Mail Work?
Tab sealing is a simple yet effective way to close and secure your mail packs. At Direct Mail Systems, your mail items, such as folded mailers, catalogues, or one-piece mailers, are placed in position, and adhesive tabs or wafer seals are applied automatically or by hand, depending on volume and design. The tabs firmly hold the mail closed, protecting the contents during transit while providing a neat, professional finish.
Why Use DMS For Tab Sealing Your Direct Mail?
At Direct Mail Systems, we combine expertise, cutting-edge equipment, and a flexible approach to deliver high-quality tab sealing services for all types of mail. Whether you need standard tabs, metallic finishes, or fully custom designs, our team ensures each mail pack is securely sealed, postal-compliant, and visually striking. Trusted by leading UK brands, we offer fast turnarounds, expert guidance, and reliable results that make your direct mail campaigns both professional and impactful.
FAQs on Tab Sealing
Are tab or wafer seals environmentally friendly?
Most of our competitors seals are off the shelf and made from a standard plastic. We manufacture our own seals using a degradable substraight that will biodegrade. Our translucent paper seals are also made from paper and are 100% recyclable.
Can tabbed mailings be used for mailmark mailings?
Yes they can! Recently Royal Mail chanced the rules and we can now use tab or wafer seals to obtain mailsort discounts. It requires us to add tabs to all three edges and this does increase the production costs slightly. It is viable for runs under 50,000 but we would recommend you considering glueing for larger runs.
A single seal still can achieve postal discounts, especially if run in conjunction with our DMS DSA Highsort Admail Intermediate responsible mailing service.
Can tab seals be customised?
Yes! Tabs can be printed in any colour, design, or shape, including metallic finishes, to reinforce branding and make your mailings stand out.
What types of mail can be tab-sealed?
Tab sealing works for folded mailers, one-piece mailers, catalogues, brochures, and even seasonal or promotional mailings.
Is tab sealing suitable for high-volume mailings?
Absolutely. With automated tab sealing equipment, large mail volumes can be processed quickly and accurately, making it cost-effective for bulk campaigns.
Next Steps
If you’re planning your next direct mail campaign and want to explore our tab sealing options, get in touch! We can guide you through the available formats, customisation options, and provide a free, no-obligation quote.
Or call us directly on 0117 934 1600.