Whether it’s the back of a laptop or the back of a car, a sticker can add personality to the most forgotten surfaces. Some stores make and sell stickers as their main product, while other companies use stickers as a marketing tool to get their brand on customers’ water bottles and laptops.
Kiss-cut and die-cut stickers both achieve the same results, and you can use both vinyl and paper backing for both sticker types. You can also create the same unique shapes with both techniques, and they’ll look the same once the sticker layer has been peeled off. So what is the difference?
What distinguishes kiss cut vs. die cut stickers is the cutting process—one sticker gets cut to shape, while the other sits on a larger paper backing. This seemingly small choice of cutting technique can make a difference—and impact how you price, photograph, and use your stickers. If you want to sell stickers online or use them as promotional materials, you need to know the difference between die-cut and kiss-cut stickers.
What are kiss-cut stickers?
A kiss-cut sticker has a precise cut, making the vinyl sticker shape removable from a larger paper backing. The name “kiss-cut” comes from the delicate way the machine comes down to cut just the vinyl layer of the sticker, leaving the paper backing intact. Kiss-cutting requires a sticker design with a specific outline so the machine knows where to cut the vinyl during the cutting process.
Kiss cuts are a great, easy-peeling sticker option. You can print multiple stickers on the same sheet to sell your stickers as sets. The extra material between stickers leaves space for branding or decorations and provides protection for the edges of your custom-shaped sticker.
What are die-cut stickers?
A die-cut sticker is cut entirely through both the vinyl sticker layer and the paper backing, like a cookie cutter. Also called a contour cut, the backing material on these stickers is cut to the exact shape of the sticker layer, so no extra backing borders the design. As a result, you get custom die-cut stickers that look like the final peeled result even while the paper backing stays intact and attached.
Die-cutting eliminates excess paper with a precisely cut, clean look, allowing you to more easily showcase the specific shape of the sticker.
Choosing which sticker to use: kiss-cut vs. die-cut
The main difference between kiss-cut vs. die-cut stickers comes down to the cutting technique used—but knowing the pros and cons of each is key if you want to maximize sticker sales. Here’s your ultimate guide for choosing kiss-cut vs die-cut stickers so you can make an informed decision:
Why use kiss-cut stickers?
Kiss-cut stickers are easy to spot for having an extra border of backing paper intact after the cut. Here’s the reason kiss-cut stickers can have a competitive edge:
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Easier to peel. The paper backing gives kiss-cut stickers more surface area to get the sticker off. This is great for internal use like sticking on product packaging where the customer’s peeling experience is less critical.
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More durable. The extra protective paper edge means the sticker itself is less prone to getting bent and delicate designs can travel more easily without getting damaged.
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May be cheaper in bulk. Prices for kiss-cut vs. die-cut stickers are similar, but kiss-cut can be more cost-effective at higher volumes because you can print multiple stickers on the same sheet.
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Versatile border. With the extra surface area around the sticker, you can get creative and include your company name, contact info, or eye-catching design details.
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Compatible with full-sheet printing. Kiss-cutting lets you print multiple stickers per page, so you can sell sticker sheets instead of individual stickers.
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Why use die-cut stickers?
Choosing between die-cut and kiss-cut stickers comes down to just a few key differences. Unlike kiss-cut stickers, the die-cutting process goes all the way through the backing paper to cut out the desired shape. This cookie-cutter approach provides a few advantages:
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Detailed design. A sticker in the precise shape of your custom design will show off unique shapes better and in more detail than one with a paper rectangle behind it.
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More professional-looking. The precise cut can look sleeker, making die-cut stickers the right choice for a clean and professional appearance. You may go for die-cuts if you’re distributing stickers at an industry event.
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Easier to photograph. You can photograph die-cut stickers while they still have their paper backing on and still show the shape, while with kiss-cut stickers you need to remove the backing.
Kiss cut vs. die cut FAQ
Is die-cut or kiss-cut better?
Many ecommerce companies find die-cuts to be better since they show off the custom shape and typically look more impressive. However, kiss-cut stickers are the right choice if you’re creating sticker sheets full of small stickers or need the edges protected with extra backing paper.
How do you make stickers?
You can make your own custom stickers by enlisting the help of a designer for eye-catching designs and a print shop for sticker material, printing, and cutting machines. However, you can also make and print stickers at home using sticker paper from office supply stores and cutting tools.
Can you sell stickers on Shopify?
Yes, you can sell stickers on Shopify. Create your own online store to manage pricing, stocking, and shipping your stickers. For example, the Shopify store Milkteanco sells both die-cut and kiss-cut stickers
