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

When considering your options, one fundamental choice often arises: do I need a kiss cut or a die cut sticker? We'll help you to choose.

There are plenty of options to choose from when you order stickers online. One of the most fundamental choices to make is the one between kiss cut stickers and die cut stickers.

The differences between the two sticker options are small. In fact, they look exactly the same when peeled. While they are so similar, the stickers serve two different purposes.

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

What is a die cut sticker?

Die cut stickers are stickers with a custom shape. They are cut around the edge of your design through both the vinyl and paper backing layers. You can learn more about them in our post “What is a die cut sticker“.

Die cut stickers can be cut in the exact shape of your custom design. This is why they are our most popular sticker option. They look like this:

Die cut holographic sticker with pizza astronaut design hand held

What is a kiss cut sticker?

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 that you can only peel a part of the sticker from the backing.

You can still choose a custom shape, but kiss cut stickers will have extra backing around the sticker. They look like this:

Kiss cut glitter sticker with James Hersey logo applied to a black phone

Kiss vs Die cut stickers

In essence, both sticker options are custom shaped. Peel them and they will look exactly the same once applied.

However, kiss cut stickers have some extra backing, allowing you to easily peel them. Have a look at this GIF to visualise the difference between the two:

Keep in mind that both die cut and kiss cut stickers only refer to the way your stickers are cut (either through the vinyl and backing material or through the vinyl layer only).They do not determine the material your stickers are printed on. You are still free to choose that and can go for each of our material options.

Remember to opt for a vinyl sticker if you are after a sticker material with outdoor durability and UV lamination.

When to choose which sticker?

How are you meant to know which sticker to choose? We have collected some advantages and ideal uses for die cut and kiss cut stickers. So, find out which sticker is best for you.

Die cut advantages and uses

  • Tend to be a lower cost option because there is less cutting per sticker.

  • The edge of the backing paper is the edge of the sticker. This makes it easier to see what your sticker will look like on the surface you’re applying it to.

  • Great if you are re-selling your design as a sticker to your customers.

  • Perfect for eye-catching designs that you want to apply to laptops, phones, bikes or water bottles.

Kiss cut advantages and uses

  • They have extra backing paper around the outside of your sticker. This can be printed with your brand name, website or contact details making them really effective as handouts at events.

  • If you have intricate artwork, kiss cut stickers are a better option because the extra backing paper protects the sticker until it’s applied.

  • The extra backing paper allows for easy peeling, making these stickers quicker to apply.

Still unsure which sticker option is ideal for you? Then have a look the examples of die cut stickers and kiss cut stickers we have collected for you. They should help you to decide which option is best for you.

Die cut mug sticker with adventure design printed onto clear vinyl applied to a white mug
Kiss cut glitter stickers with ice cream logo
Die cut white vinyl sticker with don't panic design applied to a black laptop
Clear kiss cut stickers some peeled and one applied to a clear water bottle
Die cut white vinyl sticker white TGIP design applied to a cardboard food box
Holographic sticker kiss cut applied to a blue phone
Die cut white vinyl sticker with corgi design applied to an iPhone on a table
Peeled white vinyl kiss cut sticker with hamster design applied to a cardboard food box
Die cut clear sticker with vikings logo applied to a silver laptop

And now it is your turn to print stickers. Explore your options by heading over to the custom stickers page.

What will it be? Custom die cut stickers or kiss cut stickers? We cannot wait to see what you will be creating next.If you are looking for ways to create the perfect artwork, take a look at Graphic, our free online design tool where you can design your artwork in minutes.

Do you want to learn more about the world of kiss cut and die cut stickers? Then read on right here:

The top 3 ways to use die cut stickers for your business