Do you love die cut stickers and want to make your own? Then you have come to the right place.
Below, you can find our expert tips on creating and customising your stickers at home, what to look out for when researching materials and how to get that custom cut.
Are you ready? Then let’s jump into the world of custom-printed die cut stickers.
Recap: What are die cut stickers?
Die cut stickers are custom-shaped stickers. They are cut in the shape of your design - or any other shape you can think of - and can be printed onto your material of choice. For more details, you can learn more about the meaning of die cut.
This custom shape can make it a little tricky to create your own die cut stickers.
Before you jump into DIYing them, have a look at how we print your die cut stickers.
Design tips for die cut stickers
Whether you want to outsource your die cut sticker printing or create your own die cut stickers, it all starts with a custom design.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to design die cut stickers like a pro.
1. Design your own
The beauty of going custom is that you can bring your own design to life.
If you do not have a design ready or you do not have any design experience, do not worry. You can use free online tools like Canva or Graphic to create professional artwork in minutes or edit pre-made templates to match your brand.
2. Create a custom cutline
With a custom cutline, you set the shape of your die cut stickers. You can easily add a cutline to your design in Adobe Illustrator.
For detailed instructions, check out the video below.
We also give you tips on how to create a kiss cut line. If you are not sure what the difference is, have a look at our blog post on kiss cut vs die cut stickers.
3. Add a bleed
After you have created your custom cutline, it's time to add a bleed.
A bleed sits beyond your cutline. It is a safety zone that ensures that the colours of your design will get printed to the edge of your sticker, avoiding unnecessary white lines or gaps.
This video explains how you can add your own bleed quickly.
What equipment is needed to produce die cut stickers at home?
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty. To produce die cut stickers at home you need the following:
- Sticker paper or vinyl
- A high-quality printer
- A cutting machine
- A laminator (optional)
We'll cover each area and give you expert tips on how to find your perfect match.
Sticker material
The materials your die cut stickers will be made out of determine their final look and durability. Hence, it is essential to find a material that matches your application.
How to find a suitable material for your die cut stickers
When you are looking for the right material for your stickers you need to consider
- The material's durability: This affects how long your die cut stickers will last. Depending on the application, you may need a material that can withstand UV rays, water, weather conditions, and frequent use.
- The overall look of the material: Your material of choice shapes the final look of your stickers. Think about your options and how they will look paired with your design or when applied to your product.
- Whether your material is compatible with your print or cutter: Compatibility is essential to achieve the highest-quality print. Different materials have different printing requirements, such as ink type and temperature settings, which can affect the quality of the print.
Vinyl vs paper: When to use which
Vinyl and paper are by far the most popular and most commonly available sticker material options. Here are some tips for deciding which to choose when.
When to use vinyl stickers
Custom vinyl stickers are the perfect all-rounder. They are scratch-resistant and waterproof, perfect for prolonged outdoor uses or other applications where they could come into contact with water.
Vinyl materials are available in many different colours and even effects like transparent or metallic. Just type your favourite material into Amazon and see what it comes up with.
Here are some of our top ways to use vinyl die cut stickers:
- Company signage
- Product labels for candles, drinks, honey, jam and much more
- Limited edition stickers
- Logo stickers to giveaway
- Phone and laptop branding
When to use paper stickers
Paper stickers are your ideal choice if you are looking for an eco-friendly sticker option. They are usually plastic-free and can be recycled or composted.
Use them mainly indoors as they are not waterproof and will tear more quickly than their vinyl counterparts.
Some ideal uses for die cut paper stickers are:
- Product packaging
- Packaging seals
- Labelling for eco-conscious brands
- Logo stickers
- Photo stickers
Printing
You have your design, you have your material - now it is time to get printing. Ensure your design is print-ready for the best possible and most predictable result.
- Convert fonts to outlines
- Set your colours to CMYK
- Check your design at scale
- Select the right file format
- Choose the correct resolution
Then, it can really be as simple as pressing print.
Choosing a high-quality printer
However, your final print can only be as good as your printer is. If you already have a printer your are happy with, skip this section.
But if you are thinking about starting your own sticker printing business, selling your stickers or just doing this more regularly, you might want to upgrade.
If you are looking to invest in a new printer, the Epson XP-7100 for £200 makes a great entry-level machine.
Do you want something more professional? Then have a look at the Canon PIXMA PRO-100S for £400.
Laminating
Lamination is an optional step that can add durability to your stickers. You can also use your choice of laminate to create a glossy or matte look for your die cut stickers.
There are different techniques you can use - like hot or cold lamination - but they will largely depend on
- whether you want to laminate your stickers and
- what laminator you have/want to use
Here, it is really worth digging. You can often find a deal that includes laminators and cutters.
Cutting
You've printed your stickers on your material of choice. Now it is time to create that custom shape.
When opting for standard shapes, you will often find pre-cut sheet labels online. However, creating a custom shape demands more work - but it is worth it.
Investing in a die cutting machine
Without the right equipment, cutting along the die cut lines to create those delicate shapes can be very tricky – there is only so far a pair of scissors can take you.
Especially if you want to create many different shapes, an at-home die cutting machine can be an excellent investment.
The most well-known supplier of manual die cutting machines is VEVOR, starting at £200. The market leader for digital die cutting machines Cricut. Their cheapest model comes in at a similar price point.
Whereas manual die cutters work the traditional way, digital cutter have digitally-controlled knives that cut along the die lines.
But both will do a great job at cutting your stickers along the trim line to achieve that custom shape.
Ready?
No matter if you want die cut stickers to promote your business, decorate your laptop or to sell them, they open a wide range of possibilities.
So, are you ready to make your own die cut stickers? Then we hope you found these tips helpful.
Or did it all sound like too much hassle and quite a lot of money? Then let us do the work for you! If you have any questions about our services, please contact us.