What is the Difference Between Die Cut and Kiss Cut Stickers

What is the Difference Between Die Cut and Kiss Cut Stickers

Laura Laura
4 minute read

What is the Difference Between Die Cut and Kiss Cut Stickers, the Quick Answer:

Die Cut Stickers are cut to the shape of your design. The stickers are cut all the way through the backing paper, giving them a professional look even before they have been applied.

Kiss Cut Stickers are not cut through the backing paper, so the backing paper acts as a frame around the sticker. Kiss cut stickers are often printed onto sheets, but they can be made individually as well. 

The History of Stickers

The first peel-off, self-adhesive labels - the precursor of modern stickers - were invented by R Stanton Avery in 1935, and they reached peak popularity in the 1990s when they were worn to symbolize affinity with values or ideas. 

But over the past decades, the materials, design, and styles of stickers have changed dramatically. And, today, there is an unprecedented range of custom stickers available to every individual or business. But before choosing every detail, there is one question to answer: should you opt for die-cut or kiss-cut stickers? In this guide by CustomStickers, you’ll learn about the difference between the two and find tips to choose the right one for you.

Kiss-Cut Sticker: Features and Benefits

Kiss-cut stickers boast an intact backing sheet that surrounds the design. This sticker type is often used for sticker sheets and bulk orders. Since the design isn’t cut through the backing vinyl sheet, this kind of design is stronger, more resistant, and more suitable for highly detailed designs. Since only the design is laser cut, you can peel your sticker from the back smoothly and easily.

kiss cut sticker sheets

The delivery of kiss-cut stickers varies depending on your preferences. For example, you opt for your stickers to get stacked up and shrink-wrapped. In this way, you can start distributing the stickers directly as soon as you receive them. Alternatively, business stickers used to create custom labels can be also finished on a roll. 

When To Use Kiss-Cut Stickers

Kiss-cut stickers have a wide range of applications. Undoubtedly, they can be used as promotional material for your brand. Alternatively, you can use your kiss-cut design to brand your packages and orders. Some additional uses of kiss-cut stickers include:

  • Branding purposes
  • Business tasks
  • Labeling products and inventory

Unlike die-cut stickers, kiss-cuts are easy to peel, meaning that you can peel and apply them quickly. What’s more, extra details of the design can be added to the backing sheet around the sticker for extra information.

Die-Cut Stickers: Features and Benefits

If you are looking for high-quality stickers to give away individually or add as a free gift to your orders, you might consider opting for die-cut stickers. This type of peel-off label has a vinyl backing that has been cut in the same shape as the sticker itself. Because the backing is cut around the design itself, there is limited space for additional details or messaging, so everything needs to fit the main figure. 

die cut stickers

Die-cut stickers have a far more appealing look and are often preferred for “customer-facing” tasks. For example, businesses might use die-cut stickers as a free gift, as promotional material, or as part of their marketing effort.

When To Use Die-Cut Stickers

Die-cut stickers have a much cleaner and more defined look compared to kiss-cut stickers. Because of this, they make for a great alternative for marketing purposes. They are more difficult to peel off, but they often take on an aesthetic role rather than a purely functional one. 

Bottom Line: Consult an Expert Sticker Designer

Custom stickers are an affordable and highly customizable marketing option for most businesses. Check out all our sticker options and decide what makes sense for you. But no matter your budget, you can avoid redesigns and unnecessary waste by getting in touch with a professional and finding the right sticker type for your unique needs. Get in touch with our team before submitting your order!

Now take a look at our guide on Raster vs Vector images

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