Maddie James
Whether you're a seasoned candle-maker or just starting out, labelling your candles can be a tricky process. It's important to get it right, as a poorly applied label can detract from the overall aesthetic of your candle. This guide will take you through the steps to ensure your labels are applied smoothly and securely, every time. From choosing the right materials and size to the application process itself, we'll cover everything you need to know to create professional-looking candle labels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle temperature | Room temperature (approximately 70 degrees) |
| Container type | Glass, tin, or cardboard |
| Container shape | Round, square, or flat |
| Adhesive type | Glue, double-sided tape, milk, super glue |
| Adhesive curing time | 24-48 hours |
| Label material | Heat-resistant, vinyl, or paper |
| Label shape and size | Round, rectangular, square, or irregular |
| Label design | Custom or template |
| Application method | By hand or machine |
| Storage | Room temperature, avoid bumping and rubbing |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the candle surface
Clean the Candle Surface:
Use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and a lint-free cloth to thoroughly clean and dry the surface of your candle container. This step ensures that there is no dirt, dust, or residue on the surface that might interfere with the adhesion of the label. A clean surface also prevents blemishes or marks from showing through, especially when using clear labels.
Determine the Label Placement:
Consider the positioning of your label in relation to the candle container's lid or top. Ensure the label looks aesthetically pleasing with the lid on and off. If applying to a glass jar, look for a vertical seam or horizontal edge to help with alignment. For flat surfaces, such as square tins or outer boxes, align the label with a straight edge, starting at one of the corners.
Prepare the Candle Container:
Before applying the label, ensure your candle is completely cooled and at room temperature (approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature ensures the adhesive bonds effectively to the container. Additionally, consider the shape and size of your container when choosing or designing your labels.
Prepare Your Hands:
It is essential to start with clean hands to avoid transferring dirt or oils onto the adhesive. If using clear labels, consider wearing lint-free gloves to prevent fingerprints on the backside of the label, which can be unsightly.
Peel the Label:
Carefully peel the label from its backing, holding it by the outer edges to avoid touching the adhesive. This step ensures that the adhesive remains intact and uncontaminated, maximizing its bonding potential.
Now that you have prepared the candle surface and the label is ready, you can proceed to apply the label smoothly and securely.
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Choosing the right adhesive
When it comes to choosing the right adhesive for your candle labels, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your adhesive is heat-resistant. This is crucial as the candle will be generating heat when lit, and you want to avoid the label peeling off or the adhesive leaving residue on the candle. Heat-tolerant double-sided tape can be a good option, especially for candles in glass containers, as it is easier to remove and readjust if needed. However, be sure to choose a tape that can handle the heat generated by the candle.
Another option is to use glue. Super glue can be effective, especially if you lightly sand the surface of the candle container before application. However, be cautious as glue can be difficult to work with and may cause wrinkling of the label. A tip for using glue with paper labels is to apply a thin coat of milk to the back of the label before sticking it to the glass. This will keep the label in place until you soak it in warm water.
If you are using clear labels, it is important to clean the candle container thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth before applying the label. This will prevent blemishes or marks from showing through the label and help form a strong bond between the adhesive and the container.
When choosing an adhesive, consider the shape and material of your candle container. For curved surfaces, start by applying pressure to the centre of the label and work towards the edges to prevent creases. For flat surfaces, align the label with a straight edge and start at one corner, rolling the rest of the label onto the surface to avoid wrinkles.
Finally, keep in mind that it takes approximately 24 to 48 hours for label adhesives to cure and adhere completely. During this time, maintain a room temperature environment to prevent bubbling or lifting of the label.
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Avoiding bubbles and creases
To avoid bubbles and creases when sticking a label on a candle, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your candle is completely cool before applying any labels. Room temperature, which is around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, is ideal. This will ensure that the adhesive of the labels properly adheres to the candle container. If the candle is too hot, you risk melting the adhesive, and if it is too cold, the surface may be too wet or cold for adhesion.
Secondly, brace your candle container between two objects to control your application better and ensure that your candle jar or tin is completely still when you begin applying the label. You can use two blocks of wood, a homemade jig, or even empty egg cartons to stabilise the jar.
Thirdly, when applying the label, start by sticking the centre of the label to the centre of the candle container and smooth it outwards. This will help prevent creases from forming and work out trapped air bubbles. Use your fingers to smooth out the label to the edges, ensuring that all edges adhere to the container. If you are applying the label to a flat surface, such as a lid or box, start with an edge and roll the remainder of the label onto the surface to avoid wrinkles.
Finally, use a hard, flat tool, such as a credit card, to smooth out the sticker and push out any remaining air bubbles. If you encounter particularly stubborn bubbles, you can try using a small pin to poke a tiny hole in the bubble and then push the label flat with the card.
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Sizing and positioning the label
Sizing and positioning your candle label correctly is essential to achieving a professional look. The first step is to determine the size of your candle container, which will dictate the size and shape of your label. Candle labels can come in any size or shape, depending on the aesthetic you're aiming for and the size of your container. For straight-sided jars, 4x6 labels are a good option as they provide a smooth surface for the label to adhere to without wrapping around curves or edges. Round labels with a 2" diameter are ideal for flat-faced containers like mason jars and tins, as they add a touch of charm without overwhelming the design. Clear labels are perfect for a minimalist and sleek look, allowing the container's colour or texture to shine through.
When designing your label, it's important to consider the information you need to include. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) outlines specific requirements for product labels, such as listing the type of wax, candle weight, place of origin, manufacturing process, burn time, and safety instructions. Keep in mind that your label should be eye-catching and reflect your brand, but also be easy to read and provide valuable information to your customers.
Before printing your labels, ensure that your design is the correct size for your chosen label paper and that it meets the size restrictions of your printer. Canva is a popular platform for designing labels, offering a range of templates and design options. If you don't have access to a printer, you can order custom-printed labels from companies like Avery WePrint, which allow you to personalise your design using their templates or upload your own.
When applying your label, consider the positioning in relation to the top or lid of your candle container. Ensure that the label looks aesthetically pleasing with the lid on and off. For glass jars, look for a vertical seam or horizontal edge to help with alignment. If your container has a flat surface, such as a square tin, align the corner of the label with a straight edge. Always start with clean hands and carefully peel the label from its backing, holding it by the outer edges to avoid touching the adhesive.
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Storage and curing
After applying your label, it's important to allow the adhesive sufficient time to cure and adhere completely. This process typically takes around 24 to 48 hours. During this time, it is crucial to keep your candles at room temperature to prevent any issues like lifting or bubbling. Store your candles in a way that avoids bumping or rubbing of the labels, and ensure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
If you encounter any bubbles under the label during the curing process, you can use a small stickpin to poke a tiny hole in the bubble. Then, use a hard, flexible tool like a credit card to gently push out the air and smooth the label. The hole will not be visible, and this method can effectively remove any unwanted bubbles.
Before applying labels, it is recommended to pour and set your candles to prevent the labels from getting dirty or damaged. You can also clean the surface of your candle containers with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to ensure a strong bond between the label adhesive and the container. Clear labels, in particular, benefit from this step to prevent blemishes or marks from showing through.
When creating your labels, consider the size and shape of your candle containers. Labels can come in various sizes and shapes, including round, rectangular, square, or irregular. Choose a size that provides enough space for essential information, such as branding, instructions, ingredients, and any legally required details.
If you plan to apply the labels by hand, it is recommended to wear gloves to avoid touching the adhesive. Start by peeling the label from its backing and holding it by the outer edges. For round containers, apply pressure from the centre of the label outwards to prevent creases. For flat or square containers, begin at one edge and roll the label onto the surface to avoid wrinkles.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are applying your label to a flat or square container, start at one of the edges and align the corner of the label with that edge. If you are applying your label to a round container, it is best to start at the centre of the label and apply pressure towards the outside.
If you are applying the label by hand, use gloves to avoid fingerprints on the back of the label. Carefully peel the label from its backing and hold it by the outer edges to avoid touching the adhesive. Press firmly from the centre to the edge for curved surfaces, and from edge to edge for flat surfaces.
Any material can be used as long as it's heat resistant. However, if you want to use glue, it can be very difficult to get it to stick to non-porous surfaces like glass. In this case, a heat-tolerant double-sided tape is recommended.
It is essential to include the following information in a clear and straightforward way, alongside your branding:
- Type of wax used
- Candle weight
- Where it was made
- How it was made
- Burn time
- Safety label with hazard descriptions and instructions
