DIY Your Own Candle Labels

If you make your own candles at home and then sell them on Etsy or another e-commerce platform, you'll know that labeling candles can sometimes be a challenge. It's completely normal to feel lost at times – whether you're a beginner or already have extensive experience in candle making.

Designing candle labels that are both impressive and representative of your brand can be a real challenge. But with this article, it will be easier for you! We provide detailed instructions on how to make candle labels right from your home – from choosing the right material and size to recommending the best label printer for small businesses.

Choose the best material for candle labels

When choosing the right material for your candle labels, you can theoretically use any material as long as it is heat-resistant. It is important that the chosen material matches the desired look and feel of your brand. Below are some material options you can choose from for your candle labels:

Kraft paper

The stunningly beautiful brown kraft paper is ideal for labeling rustic candle containers. This material has long been popular with candle makers for candle labels. Its popularity can be attributed to its appealing aesthetics, robust construction, and unique texture.

Advantages

• Kraft paper is made from recycled paper.
• It conveys a beautiful rustic atmosphere.
• Kraft paper is quite sturdy and provides a solid base for labels.

Disadvantages

• Kraft paper is usually produced as a custom order, so it can often only be ordered in large quantities, which in turn can increase costs for your business.

Thermal Labels

Thermal labels are an excellent choice for candle labels. You can print your logo on them and stick them directly onto the candle tin.

Advantages

• Thermal labels are smudge-proof.
• They are oil and water resistant.
• They are affordable.

Disadvantages

• Thermal labels are typically only available in black and white.

Recycled paper

If your business is environmentally conscious, recycled paper candle labels are just right for you. These labels are 100% biodegradable. Although they are often bleached with chlorine, which gives the label an off-white appearance, recycled paper labels offer a matte protective layer that makes the print last longer.

Advantages

• Made from 100% recycled materials.
• Recycled paper labels have a pleasant texture.
• They are excellent for colorful designs.

Disadvantages

• This type of label is usually more expensive.

 

Choose the size of your candle labels

Choosing the right size for candle labels can be challenging due to the numerous variations. It is important to note that candle labels are available in all sizes and shapes, depending on the desired aesthetic and size of your candle container. Here's how to determine the measurements:

• Use a flexible tape measure or a paper ruler.
• Wrap it around the candle container.
• Mark the areas the label should cover.
• Note down the measurements, indicating both width and length.

Direct thermal labels have always been an excellent choice for small businesses that make candles, as these labels are available in various sizes and shapes – including round, rectangular, square, or even irregular shapes.

These labels are of high quality yet affordable, so they don't unnecessarily increase operating costs. As is well known, professionally designed shipping labels build customer trust in your business.

Image source: Blacklightcandle

Where to design candle labels

There are several ways to design your candle labels. An excellent example is using platforms like Canva, Avery, or the Munbyn Print App. Each of these platforms offers unique functions for designing your labels and controlling the printing process.

The Munbyn Print App is particularly well-suited for printing with variable templates that can be adapted to any size. A major advantage of the Munbyn Print App is that it has no size restrictions compared to other printing apps.

Canva is often recommended by DIY groups and is known for its user-friendliness and versatility. It usually takes only a few minutes to design a candle label from scratch. The platform offers many templates, some of which are paid or require a premium package to unlock advanced features.

If you are printing candle labels for the first time, make sure that the selected size of your label is compatible with the label paper. It is also important to note that regardless of whether the app has size restrictions, your printer may have certain limits regarding the size it can handle. So, before setting a size, check if your printer can print the desired length.

Image source: Blacklightcandle

Information that should be included on candle labels

After you have decided on the appropriate design platform, you need to consider what information should be included on the candle label. The following checklist can help you complete the content of your candle labels:

• Brand name and logo: Integrating your company's brand name and logo promotes brand awareness. It is crucial for building your reputation and strengthening the loyalty of your future customers.

 

• Type of wax: Customers want to know what they are buying. By indicating the type of wax on the label, you allow your customers to choose from a variety of candles according to their preferences. This also helps build trust in your company's products.

 

• Candle scent: Often, the scent is one of the main selling points for customers. It is therefore important to clearly state the name of the candle scent to make it easier for your customers to make a purchase decision.

 

• Candle weight and a brief description:Indicating the weight gives customers an idea of what they are receiving. A concise description can also evoke an emotional response and increase the incentive to purchase. Use this opportunity to incorporate creative elements that customers can identify with.

 

• Burn time in hours: The burn time of a candle varies depending on the wax and size used. By adding this information to the label, you enable customers to better assess your product.

 

• Safety instructions: Fire safety is extremely important when selling candles. Customers must be informed about the safe use of candles. It is worth consulting the guidelines of the National Candle Association or other relevant organizations to learn more about necessary safety measures, such as keeping flammable materials away and supervising burning candles.

Print your candle labels 

When printing your candle labels, there are a few factors to consider. You can either have your candle labels printed professionally or print them yourself at home. If you have to fulfill many orders daily and don't have time to print the candle labels yourself, you can have a printing service on Etsy do it.

If, on the other hand, you are a small business owner on a tight budget, printing your labels yourself might be the better option. This allows you to customize and personalize the candle labels. However, this means you will first need to find a reliable printer for this task.

The MUNBYN thermal direct printer is our top recommendation. This printer is equipped with 300 DPI, which is ideal for your daily printing needs. It offers high-resolution printing for candle labels, and the best part is that you don't need any ink or toner. Plus, it works well with operating systems like Mac, Windows, and ChromeOS. Overall, this is the right printer for you if you want to create high-quality shipping labels at an affordable price.