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Blog / Beginner's handbook / Kiss-cut vs. Die-cut: How to Choose Stickers For Your Brand

Beginner's handbook

Kiss-cut vs. Die-cut: How to Choose Stickers For Your Brand

Kiss-cut vs. Die-cut: How to Choose Stickers For Your Brand
Grete Grivina

By Grete Grivina

6 min read

Whether you’re looking to enhance your brand with logo stickers, sell novel stickers featuring your artwork, or create custom stickers for personal use, selecting the appropriate sticker type for your designs is crucial. 

When it comes to custom stickers, there are two primary options to consider: kiss-cut stickers and die-cut stickers.

With kiss-cut stickers, the top layer is cut, but the paper backing stays intact. This makes it easy to peel off and apply. A die-cut sticker, on the other hand, is cut all the way through, creating a custom-shaped sticker.

So, which type of custom stickers should you choose? It all depends on your design and what you want to achieve. We’ve put together a helpful guide on kiss-cut vs die-cut stickers to help you decide what works best for you and your business.

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Kiss-cut stickers

kiss-cut stickers

Source: itsMartolina

What is a kiss-cut sticker?

A kiss-cut sticker is a type of custom sticker that’s cut to a specific shape, leaving a paper backing that holds the design in place. Unlike die-cut stickers, which are cut all the way through the backing material, kiss-cut stickers are only cut through the vinyl layer. This means that the paper backing stays intact, making it easier to peel and apply the sticker. 

If you’re looking to create sticker collections, your best choice will be kiss-cut sticker sheets. That way, you can add several stickers on one sheet, customize the backing, and even add your logo as one of the stickers for additional branding.

How are kiss-cut stickers made?

Kiss-cut stickers are made using a cutting tool that’s programmed to cut the sticker material to a specific depth without cutting through the backing material. The process typically involves printing your design onto a sheet of vinyl and feeding that sheet through a cutting machine. The cutting tool moves along the sheet, cutting around the sticker in the desired shape but leaving the backing material untouched.

Kiss-cut sticker benefits

Kiss-cut stickers can be cut into any shape or size, making them ideal for intricate designs that wouldn’t work as well with traditional rectangular stickers. Just like die-cut stickers, they can be printed in multiple colors or even holographic tones, so you can create eye-catching designs that really pop.

Kiss-cut stickers are made from high-quality, durable vinyl that’s resistant to fading, scratching, and tearing. It’s easy to peel and apply the sticker to various surfaces, like paper, glass, plastic, and metal. Since the backing material prevents the design from creasing, these stickers are ideal for product packaging, marketing materials, or as branded giveaways. 

Kiss-cut stickers are also cost-effective, especially when compared to other promotional materials like t-shirts and custom packaging. They’re a great way to add a personalized touch to your business without breaking the bank.

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Die-cut stickers

die-cut stickers

Source: LeftoverBagels

 What is a die-cut sticker?

A die-cut sticker is a type of custom sticker that’s cut all the way through both the vinyl layer and the backing material. The resulting sticker is completely separate from the surrounding material, resulting in a custom-shaped sticker. 

Die-cut stickers will look great as branding materials and pack-ins but will be more likely to get roughed up while transported than kiss-cut stickers that are protected by the extra backing paper around the edges.

How are die-cut stickers made?

Just like kiss-cut stickers, die-cut stickers are cut by a special cutting tool. But in the case of die-cut stickers, the cutting tool is programmed to cut all the way through both layers of material. This allows for more precise and intricate cuts, and the ability to create more unique and complex designs.

Die-cut sticker benefits

Die-cut stickers can be made in any shape and color, making them perfect for logos and other branding materials. Because die-cut stickers are cut to the exact shape of the design, they create a distinctive look that helps your brand stand out from the competition.

Same as kiss-cut stickers, die-cuts are also made of durable, scratch-resistant vinyl. They can easily be applied to most surfaces, like paper, glass, plastic, and metal. But since there’s no extra backing protecting the design, die-cut stickers can be more prone to creasing while transported.

In contrast to kiss-cut stickers, die-cut stickers are easy to apply without any excess material getting in the way. With their custom shape and charming look, die-cut stickers will make a lasting impression on your customers.

What’s the difference between kiss-cut and die-cut stickers?

The main difference between a kiss-cut and a die-cut sticker is the way the sticker is cut.

As mentioned above, kiss-cut stickers are cut through the vinyl layer, but not all the way through the backing paper, leaving a border around the sticker. This makes them faster and easier to produce, as the blade only needs to cut through the top layer. 

Die-cut stickers are cut through both the vinyl layer and the backing paper, creating a custom-shaped sticker. This process is more complex and time-consuming, making die-cut stickers pricier. However, this cutting method allows greater design flexibility and customization, making die-cut stickers ideal for branding and promotional purposes.

If you’re looking to sell standalone stickers or create collections, kiss-cut stickers and sticker sheets are likely the best choice. They’re affordable, efficient, and perfect for simple designs or bulk orders. But if you’re after more intricate shapes and designs, die-cut stickers are the way to go.

Read also: Custom Sticker Ideas: Get Inspired and Design Yours

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Sticker design tips

Now that you know your options, here are 4 quick tips to remember when designing stickers.

  1. Keep it simple: The best stickers are often the simplest. Try to create a design that’s easy to understand and visually appealing. Avoid overcrowding your artwork with too many eleme Rich text widget Drag to change widget position     If you’re starting out, watch this beginner’s guide on how to make and sell stickers online. nts, it’ll make the sticker look cluttered and difficult to read.

  2. Use bold colors: Stickers are meant to draw attention, so it’s a good idea to use bright, bold colors in your design to make your sticker stand out.

  3. Consider shape: Making sure your artwork fits the shape you’ve chosen for your sticker will help your design look more cohesive and polished.

  4. Make it relevant: Whether you’re designing a sticker as branding, for an event, or for personal use, make sure the design is relevant to its purpose. If you’re creating a sticker for branding, include your logo and colors. If you’re designing a sticker for an event, think about the event’s theme or location. This will make your sticker more memorable and help it achieve its intended purpose.

If you’re just starting out, watch our guide on how to make and sell stickers online:

preview play-button

The right stickers for you

Ultimately, the choice between kiss-cut and die-cut stickers comes down to your designs, vision, and the message you want to convey to your customers. No matter which type you choose, custom stickers are an excellent way to promote your business, boost brand awareness, and increase sales.

Custom stickers are a fun and creative way to showcase who you are as a brand, so have fun designing and exploring the many possibilities stickers have to offer!

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author

By Grete Grivina on Apr 25, 2023

Grete Grivina

Blog author

Grēte is a Senior Content Writer at Printful. After finishing a Master's degree in Creative Writing, she keeps expanding her knowledge in copywriting, translating, and editing.

Grēte is a Senior Content Writer at Printful. After finishing a Master's degree in Creative Writing, she keeps expanding her knowledge in copywriting, translating, and editing.