Selecting the right sticker cut is an important step for a business because it affects the way a design looks. But, if you’re confused about choosing Die-cut vs Kiss-cut stickers for your next promotional campaign, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll differentiate between these two prominent sticker types to help you make an informed decision.
So, what’s the main difference between these two cuts? Simply put, it’s all about the paper which wraps your sticker’s design. In kiss cut stickers, your selected design is printed on a paper sheet that isn’t cut to match the sticker’s shape, and it has some extra backing. While in the die cut, a sticker is cut out of the paper sheet, and there’s no extra material on the sides of a design.
When a sticker has a fragile or complicated design, i.e., a flow chart, it must have some paper backing for better durability. Similarly, if your sticker has a unique shape, make sure it attracts the viewers. To know more about Die-cut vs Kiss-cut stickers, keep on reading:
- Design
This is the main discerning factor amongst the two sticker types, the design/shape. Let’s say your business logo is a flower. When you opt for kiss cut stickers, this flower will be in the middle of a paper, with some extra space on its sides. But, if you prefer the die cut, the final product will be a flower, with no additional corners.
The die cut sticker enhances a design’s beauty and the viewer sees a unique and beautiful shape. On the other hand, the kiss cuts are bigger and more reliable than those uniquely cut shapes.
A point to be noted here is that your intended design isn’t impacted in either of them; the difference is the edges.
- Backing
Commercial stickers are produced on vast sheets of paper in one go, and each one of them is cut to be pasted somewhere. Your design is explicitly removed in the die cut so that you can showcase its shape. While in the Kiss cut stickers, a square/rectangle is cut with your design in it. You’re handed a bigger piece of paper than the actual design for better visibility and quick application.
- Material
The material isn’t a deciding factor in this Die-cut vs Kiss-cut stickers debacle. Whether you opt for vinyl or paper, the cut isn’t affected because of it. Since both stickers types are UV laminated and color-graded, there is no difference in the material that you need to get them printed.
- Durability
Business logos, banners, and window decals often have fragile shapes that can be distorted while you paste them. You don’t have to worry about preserving the shape in a kiss cut sticker because it already has a paper backing. However, it’s an issue in the die cut shapes.
When you scrape a shape from the bigger piece of paper, its edges can get damaged or even broken. Therefore, in this Die-cut vs Kiss-cut stickers debate, the latter has the upper hand. If your design is complicated or has multiple edges, opting for the kiss cut is safer.
But, for regular round/rectangular shapes, the die cut also suffices.
- Application
Application is an important factor when we talk about Die-cut vs Kiss-cut stickers ones. Showcasing the business stickers is often a time-taking task as you have to peel the shape and ensure it’s intact when you put it somewhere. The kiss cut stickers have an edge here because they aren’t as delicate as the die cut ones.
You quickly peel loads of kiss cut stickers from a paper sheet and paste those square shapes without worrying about the design. However, it’s a bit challenging for the die cut stickers. Since you have to peel the central shape instead of a bigger piece, it takes more time.
Moreover, the delicate designs can get damaged during hasty peeling, eventually wasting a lot of stickers. Therefore, you must select a sticker cut depending upon the shape. If it’s a full-sized window decal with several patterns/parts, go for the kiss cut. But when the intended design is straightforward, i.e., a circle, die cut stickers will rightly serve the purpose.
Die cut vs. Kiss cut stickers, which one is better?
As mentioned above, the answer to this die cut vs. kiss cut stickers argument depends upon a sticker’s shape/design. If it’s a straightforward shape with no twists and turns, die cut should be your priority. But, when you have to deal with bigger and more intricate designs, choose kiss cut stickers.
For example, if you need stickers that only show your company’s name, it will be a simple design; hence a die cut sticker will go with it. But when you have to show a product shape or a diagram that shows how your company works, it must have a backing to stay intact, so go for kiss cut stickers.
Final words
Commercial stickers increase a brand’s visual appeal and help you showcase your uniqueness. When your storefront has attractive stickers or decals, they educate a passer-by about your services/products, eventually benefiting your sales.
There’s an ongoing kiss cut vs. die cut discussion amongst business owners, owing to their practicality and durability. But the crux is, go for the one that supports your design and makes it pop. If you think that a plain white outlining will suppress a sticker’s beauty, the die cut is here to the rescue. And if you feel that your delicate sticker shapes won’t survive the rough handling when being pasted around the city, go for the kiss cut stickers that offer impressive visibility too.
We at E Stickers offer both kiss cut and die cut stickers that don’t lack in any aspect. Share your design with us, and we’ll help you choose a suitable cut for your stickers. From incredible color choices to durable materials we will take care of it all. Since we have completed hundreds of sticker campaigns in different capacities, you shouldn’t worry about the quality or aesthetics at all.