Ben Carter
Whether you're a hobbyist or a business owner, creating custom labels for your candles is an essential step in the candle-making process. Properly designed and applied labels not only make your candles aesthetically pleasing but also ensure a safe experience for your customers. In this guide, we will discuss the key steps to creating and applying labels that are both functional and attractive. From choosing the right materials and designing your labels to the practical steps of application, we will cover everything you need to know to disguise a candle label seamlessly.
Characteristics of disguising a candle label
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle container | Glass jar, tin, or unique container |
| Candle label template | Organic florals, bold lines, luxury, etc. |
| Candle label design | Brand logo, brand colors, custom fonts, images, vector elements, etc. |
| Candle label material | Weatherproof, vinyl, white or clear BOPP for roll labels, etc. |
| Candle label application | Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, brace the candle container between two objects, ensure the candle is at room temperature, peel the label carefully, etc. |
| Candle label legal requirements | Candle weight, company name and location, candle wax type, contact information, safety label, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Candle label requirements: legal and safety information
When creating candle labels, it's important to consider both the creative and legal requirements. While you want your candles to stand out, it's crucial to ensure that your labels meet the necessary safety and legal standards. Here are some key considerations for candle label requirements, focusing on legal and safety information:
Legal Requirements:
- Statement of Identity: The label should indicate what the product is, such as "scented candle," "soy wax candle," or simply "candle."
- Candle Weight: The net weight of the candle, excluding the container's weight, should be listed in both standard and metric measurements.
- Company or Distributor Name: Include your legal business name or the name you are operating under.
- Location: Provide the city, state, and zip code of your business. You can include this on the safety label or warning label, as allowed by FPLA 500.2.
- Candle Wax Type: Specify the type of wax used, such as "virgin coconut soy wax" or "beeswax coco creme."
- Contact Information: Include a customer service email address or phone number that customers can use to reach you.
- Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) Compliance: Ensure that your labels comply with FPLA regulations, providing transparent and complete information to assist consumers in their purchasing decisions.
Safety Requirements:
- Warning Label: While not legally required, it is highly recommended to include a warning label for fire safety. Most candle shoppers expect to see safety information. You can include critical safety statements from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the National Candle Association, and the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- Burning Instructions: Provide instructions on how to properly use the candle, such as how to trim the wick and the maximum time the candle should burn at once.
- Foreign Materials: Instruct users to keep the candle away from foreign materials or specify the best surfaces for burning to prevent accidents.
- Placement and Size: Follow the FPLA guidelines for label placement and size. On rectangular containers, the label must cover one side, while on round containers, it should cover 40% of the surface.
- Material: Consider using biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) self-adhesive labels, as recommended by the National Candle Association. BOPP is durable and temperature-resistant.
- Label Application: Ensure that your labels are applied smoothly and evenly. Clean the surface of the candle container or jar before applying the label to ensure a strong bond and a professional appearance.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and specific requirements may vary depending on your location and the specific type of candle you are selling. Always consult official sources and legal professionals for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding candle label requirements in your jurisdiction.
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Choosing the right material
Vinyl
Vinyl is a good option if you want a weatherproof and temperature-resistant label. It is also a good choice if you are printing your stickers in die-cut singles, kiss-cut singles, or pages. Vinyl labels will last even when exposed to heat from a burning candle, so you don't have to worry about them melting or warping.
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)
BOPP is a durable and resistant material that can withstand water, oil, and moisture. It is a good choice if you are printing your stickers in rolls. BOPP comes in white or clear options and can also hold up to high temperatures.
Paper
Paper labels are a more affordable option and are easy to customise. However, they may not be as durable as vinyl or BOPP, especially if your candles are exposed to moisture or heat. Paper labels may also be more prone to tearing or wrinkling.
Fabric
Fabric labels can give your candles a more luxurious and textured look and feel. They are a good option if you want to add a custom-woven label to your candle container or packaging. However, fabric labels may be more expensive and may not be suitable for direct application to the candle jar or tin.
When choosing the right material for your candle labels, it's important to consider the environment in which your candles will be stored and used. If your candles are likely to be exposed to moisture or heat, choose a material that is weatherproof and temperature-resistant. It's also important to ensure that your labels comply with legal requirements, providing essential safety information to your customers.
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Customising your label
The design of your candle label is crucial as it showcases your branding and communicates important information about the candle. You can design your own label or use a template from sites such as SheetLabels.com or Canva.
When designing your label, ensure it reflects your branding and communicates your candle's details and information. You can incorporate your logo, brand colours, and upload your own fonts. You can also resize and reposition the text and insert images and vector elements. If you want to change the colours in the template, add your own palette to stay on brand.
If you are printing your own labels, you can use a site like SheetLabels.com, which offers a free label design and print service. You can use their templates or create your own, then print at home or in the office.
When you are happy with your design, download the file and print it. You can then cut your labels to size, or, if you buy your labels from a company like Avery, they offer a wide variety of options so you don't have to cut them to size.
The material you use for your labels is important, as it affects both the look and durability. Vinyl is a good option if you are printing sheets or cutting to size, as it is weatherproof and resistant to extreme temperatures. If you are printing in rolls, white or clear BOPP is a better option, as it is highly durable and resistant to various elements.
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Applying your label
Next, clean the application area with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. This will help form a strong bond between the label and the container, and prevent any marks or blemishes from showing through clear labels. Brace your candle container between two objects to control your application better. For example, you could use two blocks of wood, or even a homemade jig.
Now, carefully peel the label from its backing and hold it by the outer edges to avoid touching the adhesive. If you are using clear labels, it is best to wear lint-free gloves to avoid fingerprints. If you are applying the label to a round container, start at the centre and apply pressure outwards to prevent creases. For a flat or square container, start at one of the edges and roll the label onto the surface to avoid wrinkles.
Once the label is flat, press hard from the centre towards the edge to flatten it. If there are any remaining wrinkles or bubbles, use a hard, flexible tool like a credit card to push them to the edge of the label.
Finally, remember that label adhesives need approximately 24-48 hours to cure and adhere completely. Keep your candles at room temperature to prevent lifting or bubbling.
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Avoiding common mistakes
To disguise a candle label effectively, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Here are some essential tips to ensure a successful outcome:
Firstly, choose the right label material. This is crucial as it affects both the aesthetic and durability of the label. Opt for weatherproof and vinyl materials if your candles may come into contact with moisture or oils. Alternatively, White or Clear BOPP labels are highly durable and resistant to various elements.
Secondly, ensure your candle container is the correct size for your label. Measure the flat surface area where the label will be applied to guarantee a perfect fit. Utilize a Label Size Search Tool to explore various options and find the ideal size range.
Thirdly, design your label with care. It should reflect your branding and effectively communicate essential candle information, such as ingredients, potential hazards, and usage instructions. Use templates or create your own design, incorporating your logo, brand colours, and fonts. Remember to keep essential elements like text and images within the safe zone of the template.
Additionally, before applying the label, ensure your candle is entirely cooled to room temperature to ensure proper adhesion. Clean the candle container with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth to prevent marks or blemishes from showing through, especially if using clear labels. Brace your candle container between two objects for better control during application, and ensure your hands are clean to avoid contaminating the adhesive.
Finally, take the time to smooth out the label. Start applying pressure at the centre and move outward to prevent creases if your container is round. For flat surfaces, begin at one edge and roll the label onto the surface to avoid wrinkles. Use a hard, flexible tool like a credit card to remove any remaining wrinkles or bubbles.
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Frequently asked questions
Measure the flat surface area where the label will be applied. Use a Label Size Search Tool to find the perfect fit within a range of sizes.
Brace your candle container between two objects to control your application better. You can use two blocks of wood, or even a homemade jig. Look for a vertical seam or horizontal edge to help with alignment.
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) defines labels into three categories. Your label needs to include all of the following in a clear and concise format: a statement of identity, candle weight, company or distributor name, location, candle wax type, and contact information.
