Die Cut vs. Kiss Cut Stickers: What’s the Difference?

Stickers are a fun and effective way to promote your brand, personalize your items, or create unique artwork. However, when ordering custom stickers, you’ll often come across two common types: die cut and kiss cut. Understanding the difference between these two sticker styles will help you make the best choice for your needs.

What Are Die Cut Stickers?

Die cut stickers are contour cut to the shape of your design. Whether your sticker is circular, square, or a custom shape, a die cut sticker follows the exact contour of the design. The sticker and backing are cut to the same shape. When removed from the backing, the sticker stands alone in its intended shape, making it visually appealing and professional-looking.

die cut penguin sticker being held by a hand

Pros of Die Cut Stickers:

  • Clean, professional appearance
  • Perfect for handing out or selling individually
  • Adds a premium feel to your brand or design

Cons of Die Cut Stickers:

  • Can be more challenging to peel
  • May not provide as much protection to the edges of the sticker
  • Not all intricate designs can be executed well as a die cut sticker

What Are Kiss Cut Stickers?

Kiss cut stickers are also cut around the shape of your design, but the shape of the sticker is not cut all the way through the backing. Instead, the cut only goes through the sticker material while leaving the backing intact. This means kiss cut stickers typically come on a larger sheet or with extra backing around the design, making them easier to peel and apply.

A hand holding a green hanging card kiss cut sticker with a cauldron on a campfire sticker and the text "Sticker Coven"

Pros of Kiss Cut Stickers:

  • Easier to peel due to the extra backing
  • Can include additional branding or design on the backing sheet
  • Better for delicate or intricate designs
  • Ability to include additional branding or information in the space surrounding the sticker

Cons of Kiss Cut Stickers:

  • Slightly larger due to the extra backing
  • May not look as clean and standalone when handed out

Which Sticker Type Should You Choose?

Choosing between die cut and kiss cut stickers depends on how you plan to use them:

  • For giveaways, premium branding, or single stickers: Die cut is the way to go.
  • For intricate designs, bulk sticker sheets, or ease of peeling: Kiss cut is the better choice.

Both options offer high-quality results, and the best choice ultimately depends on your application. No matter which you choose, both die cut and kiss cut stickers are excellent ways to showcase your brand, art, or message!

 

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