Candle Warning Labels & Stickers
Learn how to create candle warning labels that stay clear, secure, and easy to read with free templates for candle jars and containers.
What to include, placement tips, and durable label options + free templates
Candle labels aren’t just for product branding and adding a polished look to your candles, they also provide important safety information for your customers. Candle warning labels are safety labels that include fire prevention instructions and must remain visible and readable throughout the life of the candle.
As a trusted provider of labeling solutions, Avery designs materials that meet real-world product needs. This includes heat resistance, oil exposure, long-term durability, and more. In this guide, we’ll walk through what to include on candle warning labels, where to place them, and how to choose materials that hold up over time. You’ll also find free candle warning label templates you can customize and print yourself using our blank candle labels or have them professionally printed.
What you need on your candle safety label
The reason candle warning stickers are so important is that candles cause thousands of house fires each year, according to the NFPA. And, approximately 85% of those could be prevented by following three simple rules, according to candle safety research cited by the National Candle Association.
The 3 essential candle safety rules:
- Always burn candles within sight
- Never burn candles near flammable items
- Keep candles away from children and pets
Industry standards state that the three candle safety rules should always be placed somewhere on your candles for proper fire safety. Thankfully, there are industry-standard pictograms that help convey the message when space is limited. The ASTM standards recommend that fire safety warning labels are put on each unit of sale, and visible at the point of sale. You also need to make sure they’re not covered, obstructed, or removed by the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.
In addition to safety messaging, most candle safety labels also include burning instructions:
Burning instructions:
- Trim wick to 1/4″ before lighting
- Keep wax pool free of debris
- Burn on a level, heat-resistant surface
- Do not burn for more than 4 hours at a time
- Stop use when 1/4″ of wax remains
To ensure your warnings remain effective, it’s also important to use label materials that won’t fade, peel, or smudge during use—especially for candles that are burned multiple times. If you need some help applying your candle safety labels, check out How to Apply Your Candle Labels Perfectly for some useful tips.
Where to place candle warning labels
Proper placement is just as important as the warning itself. Labels should be easy to find and read before and during use, especially once the candle has been handled, moved, or burned multiple times.
Common placement options:
- Bottom of the jar: The most common placement for container candles, keeping the label visible without affecting the product’s design
- Side of the container: Improves visibility at the point of sale and allows customers to read safety information before purchase
- Outer packaging: Adds an extra layer of safety communication, especially for boxed or gift-ready candles
Industry guidelines recommend that warning labels remain visible and are not obstructed or removed at any stage of sale. For best results, place labels on a clean, dry surface so they stay securely attached throughout the life of the candle.
Choosing durable materials for candle labels
Candle containers are exposed to heat, fragrance oils, and frequent handling—conditions that can quickly break down low-quality labels. Choosing the right material helps ensure your candle warning labels stay intact and readable throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Look for labels that are:
- Heat-resistant to prevent peeling or curling
- Oil-resistant to handle fragrance and wax exposure
- Durable and smudge-resistant for long-lasting readability
In real-world use, paper labels may work for short-term applications, but film or waterproof materials are often a better choice for candles that are burned repeatedly or handled often.
Best label options for candle jars and containers
The size and shape of your label should match your container to ensure a clean, cohesive look and proper fit. For best results, measure the surface where your label will be applied. Also consider whether it will be placed on the bottom, side, or packaging.
Common options include:
- 1″–1.5″ round labels: Ideal for small jars and tins
- 2″–2.5″ round labels: Great for standard candle jars
- 3″+ labels: Best for larger containers or packaging
- Rectangle labels: Useful for side placement or outer packaging
Choosing the right size not only improves appearance but also ensures your safety information remains easy to read throughout the life of the candle. Not sure what size label you need? Learn how to choose the right label size for your product.
Candle warning label templates
To help you label your candles quickly and safely, we’ve created some candle warning labels you can order instantly online. The messaging on our warning label templates adheres to ASTM standards and features proper burn instructions, as well as basic candle safety.
Choose the size that best fits your container, then customize your design. You can print your labels yourself or have them professionally printed.
Small candles
- 1″ round template with pictograms: Fit well on the bottom of 2 oz. & 6 oz. Hex jars
- 1-1/2″ round candle warning template with pictograms: Fit well on 12 oz. & 16 oz. jars, tins, and similar containers
Standard jars
- 2″ round candle warning template with logo space & pictograms: Fit well on salsa jars, 16 oz. canning jars, 8 oz. tureens, 6 oz. tins
- 2-1/2″ round candle warning template with logo space & pictograms: Fit well on salsa jars, 11 oz. tureens, 12 oz. & 21 oz. status jars, 8 oz. tins
Large containers & packaging
- 3″ round candle warning template without pictograms: Fit well on larger tins
- 3-1/2″ round candle warning template without pictograms: Fit well on larger tins
- 2″ x 3″ rectangle candle warning template with logo space & pictograms: Ideal for side placement or outer packaging
Browse our full Candle Warning Label Template Gallery to explore more sizes and formats, including options with or without pictograms.
Here are a few candle warning label template examples:
Once you’ve found your template, print the labels yourself using Avery blank labels, or let us professionally print your candle safety labels for you.
If you still need help with your candle safety labels, feel free to contact us at (800) 462-8379.
Candle warning label FAQs
Candle warning labels should include the three core safety rules, burning instructions, and clear, visible placement on the product.
Most candle warning labels are placed on the bottom of the jar. Side placement or packaging may also be used for better visibility.
Yes. Candle labels should be made from materials that can withstand heat and exposure to fragrance oils so they remain readable and securely attached.
Make your candle warning labels last
Candle warning labels play an important role in both safety and presentation. By choosing the right wording, placement, and durable materials, you can create labels that stay readable and effective from the first burn to the last.
Start with a template that fits your container, then customize and print your labels with confidence.
Disclaimer
Avery makes no representations that the templates provided comply with legal requirements. The messaging on our warning label templates was written with ASTM standards in mind. The National Candle Association recommends that all candle manufacturers utilize the ASTM F2058 Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labeling.
Visit www.astm.org to get exact regulations before labeling your candles.
