Sttark's Ultimate Custom Label Guide

From choosing the right label materials to selecting the best printing options, we've gathered all the resources you need to produce high-quality product labels.

At Sttark, we have nearly 20 years of experience in custom printed packaging and understand how crucial it is to craft a custom label that tells your brand's story and grabs attention.

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Ultimate guide to custom labels

Sttark's Ultimate Custom Label Guide will help you:

1

Select the best label materials and laminates

From durable waterproof labels to high-end matte or glossy finishes, we'll help you find the right materials and laminate options to suit your packaging needs.

Select the best label materials and laminates
2

Select your label shape and size

Learn how to choose the label size and shape that best suits your product and brand aesthetic.

Select your label shape and size
3

Choose the right label printer

We'll walk you through what to look for when selecting a printer that meets your quality and budget needs.

Choose the right label printer
4

Design a stunning product label

We'll share tips for creating a design that showcases your brand and provide design resources if you need help designing your product labels.

Design a stunning product label
5

Order labels online with confidence

Using Sttark's online quote tool makes it easy for you to order personalized labels online. We'll guide you through the ordering process so you can ensure everything is perfect, from design approval to delivery.

Order labels online with confidence

High Quality Labels for Your Products

Shop by Product Type

Candle Labels
Candle Labels

For candle jars and lids - soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax candles

Wine Labels
Wine Labels

For wine bottles and spirits - vineyards, wineries, restaurants

Shop by Material

Clear Labels
Clear Labels

Waterproof, Clear Product Visibility, Oil-resistant, Sleek

Popular Label Materials

Clear Labels
Clear Labels

Waterproof, Clear Product Visibility, Oil-resistant, Sleek

Popular Product Label Types

Candle Labels
Candle Labels

For candle jars and lids - soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax candles

Wine Labels
Wine Labels

For wine bottles and spirits - vineyards, wineries, restaurants

Step 1: Choosing the Best Label Material & Laminate for Your Products

Choosing a Label Material

Selecting the best label material impacts the look and performance of your product packaging. Before you choose, consider where your product will be stored, how it will be used, and what visual effect you want to achieve.

We offer a variety of materials including waterproof plastic (BOPP), eco-friendly kraft paper, and specialty options like metallic and holographic finishes. Each material has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications.

Choosing a Laminate

The laminate you choose affects both the durability and appearance of your labels. A glossy laminate provides a shiny, vibrant finish that makes colors pop, while a matte laminate offers a subtle, sophisticated look with reduced glare.

Step 2: Selecting your label size & shape

Finding The Best Size for Your Product Labels

Most product labels are rectangular, especially when they need to wrap around containers like bottles and jars. The size you choose depends on your container dimensions and how much information you need to display.

How to Find The Best Label Size: Step-by-step Video

Recommended Label Sizes by Packaging Type

Popular Label Sizes for Bottles

Standard bottle labels typically range from 2" x 3" to 4" x 6" depending on the bottle size.

Popular Label Sizes for Cans

Can labels usually wrap fully around and range from 8" x 3" to 10" x 4".

Popular Label Sizes for Bags

Bag labels are often smaller, around 2" x 2" to 3" x 4".

Popular Label Sizes for Lip Balm Tubes

Lip balm labels are small rectangles, typically 1.5" x 2" to 2" x 2.5".

Popular Label Sizes for Jars

Jar labels vary widely but commonly range from 2" x 4" to 4" x 6".

Choosing Your Label Shape

When picking a label shape for your product, think about the container type. Consider how much space you have and what shape will best showcase your design.

For cylindrical containers like bottles, rectangular labels are the most common. However, shapes like circles and ovals can add visual interest and work well for lids or small accents.

Custom Labels vs. Custom Stickers

Custom labels and stickers can both promote your brand and engage with customers, but they serve two different purposes.

Custom labels are primarily informational and designed to be applied directly to your product packaging. They contain important details like ingredients, instructions, and branding.

Stickers, in contrast, are mainly used for promotional purposes. Companies may include stickers in orders as free gifts or use them for marketing campaigns.

Step 3: Choosing the right label printer

Determining the Best Way to Print Your Labels

As you begin researching how to print custom labels, you need to make a choice. Will you print your own labels or work with a professional printer?

If you're a small business or entrepreneur working with a limited budget, printing your own labels may seem appealing. However, professional printing offers better quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness at scale.

Flexographic vs. Digital Printing

What is Flexographic Printing?

Flexographic printing uses flexible printing plates (usually made from rubber or plastic). Each plate is created for a specific color in your design.

This method is ideal for large production runs and is often used for labels that require enhanced durability.

Benefits of Flexographic Printing

  • Cost-effective for large quantities
  • Fast production speeds
  • Works on a variety of materials

Drawbacks of Flexographic Printing

  • High setup costs for plates
  • Not ideal for short runs
  • Longer turnaround times

What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing eliminates the need for plates. A computer sends artwork files directly to the press operator.

Benefits of Digital Printing

  • No setup costs for plates
  • Fast turnaround times
  • Ideal for short to medium runs
  • Easy to make changes between runs

Drawbacks of Digital Printing

  • Higher cost per unit for very large runs
  • Limited specialty inks compared to flexo

Deciding on a Label Printer

When evaluating a digital printer, consider these key factors:

  • Turnaround Time: 1-3 Business Days
  • Minimum Order Quantity: None
  • Material Options: 13+
  • Print Quality: High-resolution digital
  • Customer Service: Responsive and helpful

How Sttark Compares to Other Digital Label Printers

FeatureSttarkOther Label Printers
Turnaround Time1-3 Business Days5-10 Business Days
Minimum OrderNoneOften 500-1000
Material Options13+5-8 typical

Step 4: Design a Stunning Product Label

Additional Resources

Need help designing your label? Check out our instructional videos, template generator, and prepress checklist to ensure your artwork is print-ready.

Step 5: Order Your Labels Online with Confidence

How to Order Custom Labels Online

Ordering custom labels online is simple with our Live Quote tool. Select your material, enter your dimensions, upload your artwork, and place your order. Our team will review your files and send a proof before printing.

Customer Reviews

Don't just take our word for it. Read what our customers have to say about their experience with Sttark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about pricing, turnaround time, artwork, or shipping? Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions.