---
type: faq
title: "What is the difference between gummed envelopes and self seal envelopes?"
description: "A gummed envelope has a water soluble gum strip you moisten to seal. Self seal envelopes peel or press shut with no moisture, which suits high volume."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/envelopes/what-is-the-difference-between-gummed-envelopes-and-self-seal-envelopes
tags: ["Business Stationery", "faq"]
generated:
  by: "process:4over4-mapp-build"
  at: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
timestamp: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
sources:
  - resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/envelopes/what-is-the-difference-between-gummed-envelopes-and-self-seal-envelopes
    title: "What is the difference between gummed envelopes and self seal envelopes?"
status: stable
---

# What is the difference between gummed envelopes and self seal envelopes?

A gummed envelope is the traditional style envelope with a water soluble gum strip that you lick to seal the envelope. Gummed mailing envelopes also have the same water soluble gum strip, but the flap is specially designed to go through a mailing machine, so the machine can seal them. Self seal envelopes are known by a lot of names: peel & seal, strip seal, peel & stick, zip seal, or simple seal. They are a popular and easy-to-use alternative to traditional envelopes because, unlike gummed seals, self seal envelopes do NOT need to be moistened. (No licking! No glue sticks!) Feature Gummed Self seal Sealing Lick or moisten the gum strip, or run through a mailing machine Peel or press, no moisture needed Best for Standard mailing on a budget Fast, high-volume sealing Shelf life Long, the gum activates only when wet Adhesive stays protected until used

A gummed envelope has a water soluble gum strip you moisten to seal. Self seal envelopes peel or press shut with no moisture, which suits high volume.

| Feature | Gummed | Self seal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sealing | Lick or moisten the gum strip, or run through a mailing machine | Peel or press, no moisture needed |
| Best for | Standard mailing on a budget | Fast, high-volume sealing |
| Shelf life | Long, the gum activates only when wet | Adhesive stays protected until used |

[Order Envelopes](https://www.4over4.com/envelopes-printing)

## Related questions

- [What is the difference between a peel and seal envelope and a simple seal envelope?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/business-stationery/what-is-the-difference-between-a-peel-and-seal-envelope-and-a-simple-seal-envelope)
- [What is the difference between a simple seal and simple seal security tint envelope?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/business-stationery/what-is-the-difference-between-a-simple-seal-and-simple-seal-security-tint-envelope)
- [Is a Peal n Seal envelope considered a self seal envelope?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/business-stationery/is-a-peal-n-seal-envelope-considered-a-self-seal-envelope)
- [What is the difference between a # 6 3/4 Regular envelope and a # 6 3/4 Remittance envelope?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/business-stationery/what-is-the-difference-between-a--6-3-4-regular-envelope-and-a--6-3-4-remittance-envelope)
- [What is the difference between a # 6 3/4 Remittance and #9 Remittance Envelope?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/business-stationery/what-is-the-difference-between-a--6-3-4-remittance-and-9-remittance-envelope)
- [What is the difference between a #9 Regular envelope and a #9 Remittance envelope?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/business-stationery/what-is-the-difference-between-a-9-regular-envelope-and-a-9-remittance-envelope)