Labeling wine bottles is very important, no one can remember all the types, ages and so on with out help from a label of some type. You can make them in high detail or just a simple one but please do label them if not for yourself then for those that may drink your wine's so there is no guessing games.

What You Will Need

Assuming you'll want to create several labels at once instead of making them one at a time by hand (each 6 gallon batch of wine produces around 30 bottles), here are the items that you'll need to make your own wine labels:

• Computer
• Printer
• Plain/gummed paper or label stock
• Software that supports graphics and labels
• Scissors or paper cutter

Optional Items

• Scanner
• Digital camera

We'll cover each item, one at a time. Hang on, here we go!

Software

Several types of software can be used to make your wine labels. Here's a short list of some the programs that could be used:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Publisher
• Print Shop
• File Maker Pro
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel

Preventing Soggy Colors

The basic idea is to print your wine labels, allow the ink to dry, spray on a waterproof coating, cut or separate the labels, then apply the labels to the bottle.

• Polyurethane
• Blair Color Gloss Plastic Coat
• Kamar Varnish - made by Krylon
• Spray Varnish - made by Delta
• Top Coat Spray (satin finish) - made by Delta
• Clear Acrylic Sealers (gloss) - made by Krylon

Spray coatings of this sort can be found at your local arts and crafts or hobby store.

Tips and Tricks

Printing

Inkjet/Bubble Jet Printers

• Labels can be printed on Inkjet-Friendly paper stock.
• Check to see if your printer has a "Glossy paper" or a "Transparency" setting. If so, use it. Also make sure that you select the "Envelope" setting.
• Using the lowest DPI (Dots Per Inch) setting will thin out the concentration of ink. This may help if you are finding smearing as your label is printing.

Laser Printers

• Use the Manual Feed tray on your laser printer.
• Use only OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) toner. Testing has shown that after market toner can produce less than desirable results. Some after market toner can even ruin the printing drum on your printer.

More Tips

• Having smudging problems? Spray the printed labels with a thin coat of acrylic lacquer. Lay the labels flat and spray lightly.
• If black text looks blocky and grey, try making the text dark Magenta or Maroon color.
• Fonts that are light (thinner) in nature will print better than heavy (thicker) fonts.
• Vertical and Horizontal text on the same page is possible. If your program doesn't allow for this option, two separate overprint runs is an easy way to achieve this effect.
• I highly suggest that you print a test sheet on plain paper and hold it up to your label sheet BEFORE printing your labels. This allows you to check that you are satisfied with positioning of your text, artwork, etc. You should then only print ONE label sheet to confirm again that you are happy with the results.
  

Using Other Software to Overprint Your Labels

• If you are using word processing or graphics programs to print labels use the following guidelines. This is a general guideline, every program is different.
  • Set the margins to fit the label sheet.
  • Create columns to give you 2 equal sections to your page.
  • Add your text where you think you it should go.
  • Print your document out on a sheet of plain paper, then hold it up to the label sheet and see how close you are. Make adjustments until you are satisfied with the results.
  • Print one label sheet as a test.
  • If everything is satisfactory print your labels.

Label Application and Removal Tips

• Make sure that all of the bottles are clean, dry and room temperature.
• Peel the labels off the sheet slowly so that you don't rip them.
• Aligning the labels can be tricky. Use a Bottle Holder for applying labels, lay your bottle on a cloth, or another option is to hold the bottle between your legs while sitting. You are trying to keep the bottle steady as you apply the label.
• Smooth the label on from the center, first vertically, then to each side. You will find that this tip will keep your label straight.
• Most labels can be repositioned, but only if done immediately!
• Leave the bottles at room temperature for 12-24 hours before refrigeration. This gives the adhesive time to set properly.
• Do not store your bottles in a humid place.
• To Remove labels from your bottles, just fill them with hot water and leave them for a couple of minutes. Then slowly peel the label off.
• Even 5 minutes soaking in hot water can be too long and make it difficult to remove the label.
• *Please note that a label that has been left on a bottle for an extended period of time may leave an adhesive residue when you remove the label.

In final thoughts just remember that you spent a lot of time and effort into making your wine so take the time to dress it up, you will not be sorry you did.