What is the difference between kiss cut stickers and die cut stickers?

When considering your options, one fundamental choice often comes up: do I need a die-cut sticker or a kiss cut sticker?

We’re here to walk you through the difference between die-cut and kiss cut stickers, so you can make an informed decision and get the best results.

Die cut stickers vs. kiss cut stickers

The main difference between die-cut stickers and kiss cut stickers is how they’re cut.

Die-cut stickers are cut through the material layer and the backing paper, while kiss cut stickers are only cut through the top material layer, leaving the backing paper intact.

Still need a bit more clarity?

Hopefully, this infographic will help show the similarities and differences visually:

What is a die-cut sticker?

Die-cut stickers are stickers that are cut in a custom shape. They're cut around the edge of your design through both the vinyl and paper backing layers.

Die-cut stickers can be cut to the exact shape of your custom design. That’s why they’re our most popular sticker option.

For more info, check out our die-cut stickers definition.

Benefits of die-cut stickers

• The edge of the backing paper and the sticker is the same. This lets you see exactly what the sticker looks like before applying it.
  
• Great for reselling your design as a sticker, since it looks like the final product even on the backing.
  
• Perfect for bold, eye-catching designs you want to apply to laptops, phones, bikes, or water bottles.
  
• Can be a lower-cost option because the cutline is tight to your design, reducing leftover white space.

Die cut stickers can be used on anything and everything. They're easy to hand out as well.

Examples of die-cut stickers

Ordering die-cut stickers

Ordering custom die-cut stickers is super easy. Just head over to our die-cut stickers page. Enter your sticker size and choose your favorite material.

The pricing calculator will show an instant price based on quantity. You can pick one or enter a custom quantity at the bottom of the calculator.

Click continue, upload your artwork, check out, and you're done!

You can also DIY die-cut stickers, we’ve got step-by-step instructions for you.

What is a kiss cut sticker?

Kiss cut stickers, on the other hand, are cut through the vinyl layer only. The paper backing stays intact. This means only part of the sticker is designed to be peeled away.

You can still go with a custom shape, but kiss cut stickers will have extra backing around the design.

Benefits of kiss cut stickers

Kiss cut stickers have a lot of benefits!

• They come with extra backing paper around the outside, which you can print with branding like your name, website, or contact info, perfect for handing out at events.
  
• If your design is intricate, kiss cut stickers are ideal since the extra backing protects the edges until applied.
  
• The added backing paper makes them easier to peel, so they’re faster to apply.

Recommended read: The difference between kiss cut stickers and classic cut stickers.

Example of kiss cut stickers

You can learn more about the meaning of kiss cut stickers or check out how to make kiss cut stickers.

Ordering kiss cut stickers

To order your own kiss cut stickers, head over to our kiss cut stickers product page.

You’ll find a pricing calculator on the right-hand side that gives you an instant quote.

Choose your material and enter your sticker size (this is the overall size including the extra backing). Our design team will adjust the peelable part to fit.

Then, just select your quantity, upload your artwork, and you’re good to go.

Similarities between die-cut and kiss cut stickers

Die-cut and kiss cut stickers are both custom-cut and can be printed on any material you want.

The terms only refer to how the sticker is cut, nothing more.

Once peeled, they can even look identical.

What will it be?

Die-cut or kiss cut? We can’t wait to see what you create.

Not sure which option is right? Reach out to our experts, they’ll help you choose the best sticker type for your use case.