Kiss Cut vs. Die-Cut Stickers and Printing: What You Need to Know & Best Uses

When it comes to stickers and printing, two popular methods are industry standard: kiss-cutting and die-cutting. Let’s break down the key distinctions and advantages of each to help you choose the right option for your specific project.

Kiss-Cut Stickers

What is it? Kiss-cutting involves cutting stickers without fully penetrating the backing paper, leaving a border or “kiss” of uncut paper around the sticker. This keeps multiple stickers on a single sheet, making it easier to handle and distribute.

Benefits:
Suitable for intricate designs or shapes.
Ideal for large quantity orders due to efficient sheet use.
Easy to peel and apply, as the backing paper remains intact.

Common Questions: Many wonder if kiss-cut stickers are less durable? The material you choose determines the durability, but the paper backing is different depending on the manufacturer.

Use Case Scenarios: Great for promotional stickers, product labels, or sticker sheets with multiple designs. Best for when people are applying a lot in a business-like application.

Die-Cut Stickers

What is it? Die-cutting involves cutting stickers through both the sticker material and the backing paper, resulting in custom shapes with no border or excess paper.

Benefits:
-Perfect for unique and eye-catching designs.
-Can be cut into any shape imaginable, enhancing brand creativity.
-Stickers can have intricate details with less concern about peeling.

Common Questions: Are die-cut stickers more expensive? Some might charge more, but with our company, Printoly, we have a small additional charge for kiss-cut sheets due to the extra labor involved in preparing them.

Use Case Scenarios: Ideal for branding, event promotions, and creating stickers with specific shapes or contours. Best for use when handing out a more portable and professional-looking product.

Take this example to help let you choose which cut is best. Cindy opened a new bakery and was wondering which sticker cut style she should hand out to customers for better reach, retention, and advertising, and which is best for her employees to apply to a dozen cupcake boxes. We would recommend Cindy to use a die-cut to give to her customers for longer lasting and better impressions due to less peeling and the kiss-cut for her employees to get an easy ergonomic grip on the sticker for an easier application.

In summary, the choice between kiss-cut and die-cut stickers and printing depends on your project’s requirements. Kiss-cutting is specific for higher quantities and more industrious application, while die-cutting offers a stronger attachment to the paper and a more professional appeal when given to customers at events. Consider your budget, design complexity, and intended application to make the best choice for your sticker needs.