How To: Candle Labeling

Candle Labeling 101

Written by
Cindy Novack
Published on
March 20, 2023 at 9:36:59 AM PDT March 20, 2023 at 9:36:59 AM PDTth, March 20, 2023 at 9:36:59 AM PDT

Yay, you’ve made the perfect candle, and you're ready to start selling them! But now you have to label them, and a whole new stress has set in! So many questions running through your head…. What is required by law? How do I figure out what size? What do I include on the label? How do I make my candle stand out? 


Don’t worry; we’re here to help you answer all of these questions and more! Watch us talk about it below on a live replay, or continue reading for all the answers you’ve been searching for!


WATCH US TALK ABOUT IT HERE…


What is required by law?

Honestly, not a whole lot! The ASTM has the below requirements, but you should definitely include a lot more information which we will go into next! Our burn labels for the bottom of candles cover all of the ASTM requirements and provide some protection to you as a maker.


PURCHASE THEM HERE!

  • - Burn within sight
  • - Keep away from flammables
  • - Keep away from children & pets


What other information should be included on the label?

Make sure this label is placed directly on the candle jar so that it does not get thrown away and the customer knows how to contact you when they are ready to buy more!


Ok, so we have everything by law covered, but there are a few other things that are usually standard on a label that needs to be included for information and marketing purposes. 

  • - Your Company Name 
  • - Company Logo if you have one
  • - Contact Info (website, phone number, social media, etc.)
  • - Candle Weight


Another few things that are fun to include are…

  • - Candle burn time (how long will this candle last?)
  • - Hand Poured
  • - Scented all the way through
  • - Made in (your hometown)
  • - If the candle is big enough, maybe your story or a story about the candle
  • - Picture or graphic (only include if there is a larger space to cover and things don’t look too overwhelming, remember, sometimes less is more!)


How to figure out label size?

We know what we should be on the label, now let's figure out what size fits your candle best! Guidelines recommend that round labels cover 40% of the surface of the candle and rectangular labels cover one side of the candle. This is a guideline but not required by law, so if you want to use a smaller label go for it! Using larger labels will block the glow of the flame while the candle is burning.


The biggest thing to remember is to make sure the front is readable both size and style-wise. Heavy script and cursive fonts are usually a “no go” since they can be hard to read when printed smaller. 

  • A fun way to figure out label size and not waste money buying labels that don’t fit is to use a piece of paper to cut it to size for a fake label or mock-up. You can start bigger, then cut this paper smaller and place it on the jar to see how you like the size. Once you have a size that you’re happy with, measure it and then order labels closest you can to that size. Can you also use this method to try different shape labels like round, oval, rectangular, square, etc. 


Where do I place the labels?

  • - Burn labels on the bottom (ASTM guidelines)
  • - Main label on the candle jar
  • - Optional labels on packaging and lid, as these items are many times thrown out


Should I print my own or get labels pre-printed?

  • - Printing your own labels is the most economical and quickest way! Can run the risk of looking “too homemade” by using a nice laser printer will reduce this.
  • - Ordering pre-printed labels save time (as long as they are ordered ahead of time), and label stock is generally better. But there may be order minimums!
  • - Online Labels, Canva, and Avery all have templates you can use to design professional-looking labels. You can also many times order pre-printed labels through these sites as well.


The biggest thing with labels is to make sure to cover your bases and include your unique style and brand! Have fun with it!