Kiss-Cut vs Die-Cut Stickers: The Ultimate Guide

Baiba Blain
Baiba Blain
Jul 26, 2024
Kiss-Cut vs Die-Cut Stickers: The Ultimate Guide

Resolve the old kiss-cut vs die-cut battle and pick the right sticker for you by learning everything about both types. The cutting process, peel and backing, pricing – we’ve covered it all in this article.

What Is a Kiss-Cut Sticker?

Man holding a kiss-cut sticker of a cartoon otter with glasses holding a book, printed on a square, white backing paper.

A kiss-cut sticker is partially cut, meaning the sticker’s shape is cut through the vinyl, but the paper backing stays intact. This allows for easier peeling and handling. 

Kiss-cut stickers are ideal for intricate designs, promotional giveaways, and packaging seals, offering a versatile and user-friendly option for various applications. Their easy peel-off backing makes them perfect for people and businesses looking for convenience and precision in their sticker applications.

How Are Custom Kiss-Cut Stickers Made?

Kiss-cutting involves vinyl and cutting equipment. These four steps summarize the kiss-cut sticker creation process.

  1. Design Creation. Make your sticker design using graphic design software.
  2. Printing. Print the design onto a sheet of vinyl.
  3. Kiss-Cutting. Use a precision cutter to cut through the vinyl layer, leaving the paper backing intact.
  4. Weeding. Remove the excess vinyl around the sticker.

And voila! Your kiss-cut stickers are good to go.

What Is a Die-Cut Sticker?

A die-cute sticker of a cute cartoon French bulldog with its backing paper cut around the sticker shape.

A die-cut sticker has the vinyl and paper backing cut right through, leaving the exact shape of the sticker without any excess material. 

Unlike kiss-cut stickers, which keep the backing intact, die-cut stickers are cut precisely to the shape of the design. These stickers are best for custom shapes and more intricate designs, making them ideal for branding, promotions, and personalizing products or gifts.

How Are Die-Cut Stickers Made?

Similar to the kiss-cut sticker process, die-cutting involves vinyl material and cutting equipment. These four steps outline the die-cutting process.

  1. Design Creation. Make or select a custom design using graphic design software.
  2. Printing. Print the design onto a sheet of vinyl using high-quality printers.
  3. Die-Cutting. Use a die-cutting machine to cut through both the vinyl and the backing paper, following the precise shape of the design.
  4. Weeding. Remove any excess material around the cut design.

And just like that, your custom die-cut stickers are made into your desired shape.

What’s the Difference Between Die-Cut and Kiss-Cut Stickers?

The main difference between kiss-cut and die-cut stickers is the depth of the cut.

  • Die-cut stickers are cut through both the vinyl and the backing paper, matching the exact shape of the design. 
  • Kiss-cut stickers are only cut through the vinyl, leaving the backing paper intact, which creates a border around the sticker. 
  • Kiss-cut stickers are easier to peel off. 
  • Die-cut stickers are ideal for more intricate shapes and standalone designs.
  • Kiss-cut stickers are great for sticker sheets and are easy to handle.

There are many other exciting differences between die-cut and kiss-cut stickers, including versatility, durability, and ease of application. Let’s explore these in more detail.

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Kiss-Cut vs Die-Cut Stickers – Which One Should You Choose?

There is no right or wrong answer. Each sticker type has its pros and cons, and your choice should depend on the intended use and need for the sticker.

Kiss-Cut Stickers Die-Cut Stickers
Price Cheaper due to a simple, cost-effective manufacturing process with less cutting. More expensive due to the higher complexity of the cutting process.
Peelability Easy to peel since the paper backing stays intact. Less easy to peel due to the exact shape requirements for the die-cut stickers.
Quality High-quality stickers with extra backing but less precise edges. High-quality custom stickers in more intricate shapes.
Durability Less durable and prone to frayed edges. Can withstand sun and fading for a couple of years.
Sticker material Vinyl. Vinyl.
Waterproof qualities Can be made with waterproof vinyl, depending on your preference for the product. Can be made with waterproof vinyl, depending on your preference for the product.
Cutting method Only the top layer of the sticker is cut, leaving the backing paper intact. The paper backing is cut into a specific shape together with the sticker itself.
Size and amount Available in single pieces and sticker sheets. Cut precisely into one custom-shaped sticker. Sizes vary, depending on the design. Also available in sticker sheets.
Shape options The shape of your kiss-cut stickers depends on your design. A die-cut sticker can be made and cut into any custom shape.
Recommended use cases Ideal for labels and logo stickers with simple designs. Perfect for eye-catching designs and branding with delicate designs.
Production speed Fast production due to simple processes without cutting the backing paper. Slightly longer time in production is required to cut custom shapes through the vinyl material and the sticker backing paper.
Sheet utilization Kiss-cut stickers have extra backing paper, useful for brand promotions or additional information. Die-cut stickers don't have extra material to utilize for branding.
Surface types Ideal for smooth surfaces such as glass, plastic, and paper. Suitable for uneven and textured surfaces like bikes or water bottles.
Price
Kiss-Cut Stickers Cheaper due to a simple, cost-effective manufacturing process with less cutting.
Die-Cut Stickers More expensive due to the higher complexity of the cutting process.
Peelability
Kiss-Cut Stickers Easy to peel since the paper backing stays intact.
Die-Cut Stickers Less easy to peel due to the exact shape requirements for the die-cut stickers.
Quality
Kiss-Cut Stickers High-quality stickers with extra backing but less precise edges.
Die-Cut Stickers High-quality custom stickers in more intricate shapes.
Durability
Kiss-Cut Stickers Less durable and prone to frayed edges.
Die-Cut Stickers Can withstand sun and fading for a couple of years.
Sticker material
Kiss-Cut Stickers Vinyl.
Die-Cut Stickers Vinyl.
Waterproof qualities
Kiss-Cut Stickers Can be made with waterproof vinyl, depending on your preference for the product.
Die-Cut Stickers Can be made with waterproof vinyl, depending on your preference for the product.
Cutting method
Kiss-Cut Stickers Only the top layer of the sticker is cut, leaving the backing paper intact.
Die-Cut Stickers The paper backing is cut into a specific shape together with the sticker itself.
Size and amount
Kiss-Cut Stickers Available in single pieces and sticker sheets.
Die-Cut Stickers Cut precisely into one custom-shaped sticker. Sizes vary, depending on the design. Also available in sticker sheets.
Shape options
Kiss-Cut Stickers The shape of your kiss-cut stickers depends on your design.
Die-Cut Stickers A die-cut sticker can be made and cut into any custom shape.
Recommended use cases
Kiss-Cut Stickers Ideal for labels and logo stickers with simple designs.
Die-Cut Stickers Perfect for eye-catching designs and branding with delicate designs.
Production speed
Kiss-Cut Stickers Fast production due to simple processes without cutting the backing paper.
Die-Cut Stickers Slightly longer time in production is required to cut custom shapes through the vinyl material and the sticker backing paper.
Sheet utilization
Kiss-Cut Stickers Kiss-cut stickers have extra backing paper, useful for brand promotions or additional information.
Die-Cut Stickers Die-cut stickers don't have extra material to utilize for branding.
Surface types
Kiss-Cut Stickers Ideal for smooth surfaces such as glass, plastic, and paper.
Die-Cut Stickers Suitable for uneven and textured surfaces like bikes or water bottles.

So, die-cut vs kiss-cut stickers – which ones to choose? Both are great, but serve different purposes.

While custom die-cut stickers provide extra style, shapes, and customization with no excess material, they take longer to make and are harder to peel. Kiss-cuts come in sheets, are more cost-effective, and provide extra backing paper for additional branding.

Read more: How to make your own stickers with Printify.

Custom Sticker Design Ideas

Explore creative design ideas for custom stickers, including die-cuts for precise shapes and kiss-cut stickers for easy peeling. Whether for branding, promotions, or unique gifts, these ideas will help your designs stand out.

Design Ideas for Kiss-Cut Stickers

Nature Elements

Kiss-cut sticker of a camping settlement with a tent and mountains with a forest in the background.
Kiss-cut sticker of a bouquet of red and pink roses and other flowers.
Kiss-cut sticker of a minimalistic orange.

Minimalist Icons

Kiss-cut sticker of a yellow, round smiley face.
Kiss-cut sticker of a coffee cup.
Kiss-cut sticker of two dog paw prints.

Logos

A white kiss-cut sticker of a brand logo and name, "Surf Culture Clothing Co."
A white kiss cut sticker of the brand name "Next."
A kiss-cut sticker with a logo of a cat in a spacesuit and the brand name, "Astronaut Space Cat."

Quotes

Kiss-cut sticker of the text “Hi Hungry, I'm Dad.”
Kiss-cut sticker of the text “Nap Queen.”
Kiss-cut sticker of the text “Straight Outta Pub.”

Travel

Kiss-cut sticker of the text “Ireland” surrounded by small clover leaves.
Kiss-cut sticker of a fantasy traveler's suitcase surrounded by hearts and various items.
Round red and orange kiss-cut sticker of an island with palm trees and horizontal lines representing a sunset.

Food and Drinks

Kiss-cut sticker of a smiling cartoon sushi roll.
Kiss-cut sticker of a mug filled with steaming, golden liquid.
Kiss-cut sticker of a smiling cartoon avocado with the word “vegan” underneath.

Animals

Kiss-cut sticker of a cartoon cat wearing a witch's hat and holding a cat toy that looks like a witch's staff.
Kiss-cut sticker of a cartoon sloth among tree branches.
Kiss-cut sticker of a cartoon meerkat.

Vintage Nostalgia

Kiss-cut sticker of a pink vintage car and the year “1957” above it.
Kiss-cut sticker of a purple typewriter surrounded by lavender plants.
Kiss-cut sticker of a cassette tape.

Design Ideas for Die-Cut Stickers

Flowers

Die-cut sticker of a minimalistic red flower.
Die-cut sticker of a skull surrounded by various flowers and plants.
Die-cut sticker of three minimalistic blue flowers.

Puzzle Pieces

Die-cut sticker of a neon green puzzle piece.
Die-cut sticker of a black puzzle piece.
Die-cut sticker of a light blue puzzle piece.

Magical Creatures

Die-cut sticker of a chubby, smug-looking cartoon unicorn.
Die-cut sticker of a black baby dragon with orange and red coloring.
Die-cut sticker of a Kraken with large, adorable eyes.

Unique Niches

Kiss-Cut vs Die-Cut Stickers: The Ultimate Guide 1
Die-cut sticker of an orange cat surrounded by rainbows.
Die-cut sticker of the word “Feminist.”

Quick Tip

Learn more about selling stickers on Etsy to skyrocket your sticker sales with custom designs.

FAQ: Die-Cut vs Kiss-Cut Stickers

Kiss-cut stickers are stickers where only the top sticker layer is cut, leaving the backing material intact. This method allows for easy peeling and handling. Kiss-cuts are perfect for creating stickers with intricate designs, as the extra border on the backing material protects the sticker edges.

These are custom stickers cut to a specific shape using a sharp metal die, similar to a cookie cutter. This technique creates unique shapes and provides a precise cut, making die-cut stickers ideal for branding and promotional materials due to their professional appearance.

Both kiss-cut and die-cut sticker designs have unique advantages. Custom die-cut stickers are precisely cut with a sharp blade, excellent for unique shapes and branding materials. Kiss-cuts are easily peeled and ideal for complex designs, offering cost-effective options for various sticker types.

The main distinction lies in the cutting technique. Kiss-cut singles feature a precise contour cut around the sticker, leaving the backing material intact. In contrast, die-cut singles are precisely cut through both the sticker material and backing, resulting in a die-cut sticker with a unique shape and professional appearance.

Kiss-cut sticker designs are often cheaper than die-cut. They use less material due to their precise cutting technique, making them ideal for visually appealing designs and projects requiring intricate details.

Ready to Make Custom Stickers With Printify?

Consider key differences, benefits, processes, and applications of both die-cut and kiss-cut stickers to find the perfect match for your personal or business needs. 

Once you’ve made an informed decision, you’ll have top-quality custom-shaped stickers to be proud of, along with endless profit opportunities with Printify.

Make It Happen Today!

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Written by

Baiba Blain
Baiba Blain
Baiba is a content writer and language enthusiast with 5+ years of experience in translation and creative writing. Outside of work she enjoys exploring old castles, spontaneous road trips, and talking back to her cats. 10/10 arguments won so far.

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2 comments

  1. Missi
    February 13

    hallo, are the Kiss-Cut Stickers vegan?

    Reply
    1. Ariel Summers
      February 22

      Hello,
      Yes, the Kiss-Cut Stickers are vegan.

      Reply

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