Cremation urns are usually not permanently sealed. In fact, over 90% of urns remain accessible after placement, allowing families to make future decisions about their loved one’s remains. According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), flexibility in handling and future memorial plans is one of the key reasons most urns are left unsealed.
See related: Buyer’s Guide to Cremation Urns
How Cremation Urns Are Typically Closed
Urns are designed in different ways, but most feature some form of accessible closure. A threaded lid is the most common—similar to a jar lid that twists on and off. Others have a bottom panel that slides open or is secured with screws. These closures make it easy to open the urn later if the family wishes to scatter or divide the ashes.
In smaller keepsake urns—those just a few inches tall—the ashes are usually placed directly inside the urn without an inner bag. Larger urns, however, typically contain a sealed plastic bag secured with a zip tie and a metal ID tag. This tag is a critical identifier and should never be removed, even when transferring the remains.
While some people ask for urns to be glued shut, funeral directors often advise against this. Families may change their minds in the future, and sealing the urn makes transfers or scattering more difficult. Many funeral professionals report that they do not glue urns shut under any circumstances.
Why Families Sometimes Choose to Seal an Urn
In some cases, sealing an urn is appropriate. For example, if the urn will be placed in a columbarium, buried in a cemetery plot, or shipped long distances, a permanent seal can help protect the contents. In these cases, sealing provides an extra layer of security against accidental opening or tampering. Still, even then, most funeral providers prefer to rely on the sealed inner bag rather than gluing the urn itself.
Are Used Urns Ever Resold?
No. A funeral home should never resell a used urn. This is widely considered disrespectful and unethical. If a family donates an old urn they no longer need, some funeral homes may offer it—free of charge—to another family in financial hardship, but only with full transparency and after thoroughly sanitizing it. This is viewed more as a charitable act than part of standard practice.
Opening a Cremation Urn
Most urns can be opened without damage or difficulty. If the lid is threaded, twist it counterclockwise to remove it. In the case of bottom-sealed urns, look for screws or a sliding panel. For glued urns—which are rare—softening the seal with heat (like a warm cloth or hair dryer) can help. Tools like a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver may be used cautiously to pry the lid open. Always handle with care and work slowly to prevent spills or damage to the urn.
Cremation Industry Best Practices
Crematory operators usually transfer remains into a plastic bag with an attached ID number. This ensures that ashes can be moved from container to container without being exposed. The bag is then placed inside the urn, protecting both the remains and the urn itself. Cutting the bag open to pour the ashes directly into an urn is not standard and is discouraged, though some funeral homes may still do it if requested.
Where to Find Cremation Urns Online
Here are common types of urns and where to find them online:
- Threaded Lid Cremation Urns
- Bottom-Opening Cremation Urns
- Keepsake Cremation Urns (Mini Urns)
- Glue-Sealed Style Cremation Urns
Decorating and Personalizing Unsealed Urns
Many families choose unsealed urns because they are easier to personalize. Engraving names, adding photographs, painting designs, or incorporating spiritual symbols are common ways to honor a loved one. These urns offer a blank canvas for tribute and creativity, allowing for greater emotional connection and customization.
Caring for Cremation Urns
Whether sealed or unsealed, urns should always be handled with respect. Use a soft cloth to clean the surface, avoid harsh chemicals, and keep the urn in a stable location away from high-traffic areas. If moving the urn, use two hands and keep it level. For storage or travel, consider a padded carrying case to prevent accidental damage or opening.
A Personal Choice
The choice to seal a cremation urn is entirely personal. For most families, leaving the urn unsealed provides more flexibility and control in the future. While sealed urns can offer security for burial or display, they are not necessary for every situation. Always consult with your funeral director about the best approach for your specific needs and ensure your loved one’s remains are handled with the care and dignity they deserve.
Comparison: Sealed vs. Unsealed Cremation Urns
Understanding the difference between sealed and unsealed cremation urns can help you choose the best option for your needs. The table below highlights the key distinctions—such as accessibility, use cases, flexibility, and personalization—to help you make an informed decision.
| Feature | Sealed Urn | Unsealed Urn |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Permanently closed; difficult to reopen | Easily opened and resealed |
| Common Uses | Burial, columbarium placement, long-distance travel | Home display, ash scattering, keepsake sharing |
| Closure Method | Glued shut or permanently sealed with adhesive | Threaded lid, snap lid, or bottom panel with screws |
| Can Be Reopened? | Not without tools or possible damage | Yes, by unscrewing or lifting lid |
| Flexibility for Future Use | Limited | High—can divide, scatter, or create memorial jewelry |
| Bag Inside | Usually includes sealed bag | Often includes a bag (except very small keepsakes) |
| Common Material | Metal, ceramic, wood | Same—materials vary across sealed and unsealed styles |
| Personalization Options | Limited once sealed | Can engrave, decorate, or modify as desired |
| Typical in Funeral Homes? | Rarely used; not commonly offered or recommended | Very common; most urns are unsealed by default |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sealed Cremation Urns
A sealed cremation urn is one that has been permanently closed, usually with glue or adhesive. The lid cannot be easily opened without damaging the urn. This is sometimes done when the urn is intended for burial or placement in a niche, but it is not standard practice in most funeral homes.
No. Most cremation urns are not sealed shut unless specifically requested. Funeral homes generally prefer to keep urns accessible so families can later scatter ashes, divide them, or transfer them to another container or keepsake.
Yes, but it can be difficult. If an urn has been glued shut, you may need to apply gentle heat to soften the adhesive, then carefully pry it open using a flat tool. However, this should be done cautiously to avoid damaging the urn or spilling the ashes.
Cremated remains are usually sealed in a plastic bag, which is then placed inside the urn. The bag is secured with a zip tie and often includes a metal ID tag. This makes it easier to transfer the ashes if needed later.
Typically, no. Keepsake urns—small urns meant to hold a portion of ashes—are usually not sealed and may not even include a plastic bag inside due to their size. The ashes are often placed directly into the urn.
If the urn has a threaded or screw-top lid, you can reseal it by simply twisting it shut. However, if it was originally glued shut and you’ve broken the seal, resealing may require fresh adhesive or epoxy, and it may not be as secure as the original seal.
Sealed urns are sometimes preferred for permanent display, burial, or placement in a columbarium. A sealed urn ensures the ashes are undisturbed and protected from accidental opening, moisture, or tampering.
No. Re-selling used urns is considered unethical. If an urn is donated by a family, it may be cleaned and offered free of charge to a family in financial need—but only with full disclosure that it was previously used.
Yes, although this practice varies. Some funeral homes place ashes directly into the urn, especially in keepsake-sized models. However, most professionals prefer to use a sealed plastic bag for hygiene and flexibility.
You can find many types of urns on Amazon, including:
Threaded Lid Cremation Urns
Bottom-Opening Cremation Urns
Keepsake Urns (Mini Urns)
Glue-Sealed Style Urns
These urns come in a range of styles and prices to suit different needs and preferences.