Die Cut Stickers vs. Kiss Cut Stickers: What’s the Difference?
Sticker printing is one of the most versatile ways you can promote your business. But how do you know which type of sticker works best for your needs?
Not all custom sticker formats are the same. The type you choose should match your application and material requirements. This article discusses the difference between die-cut stickers and kiss-cut stickers, which are often mistaken for the other.
Die-cut stickers and kiss-cut stickers are similar in application and material. The difference is they are printed and trimmed differently. Learn everything you need about custom die-cut and kiss-cut stickers, their benefits, materials, and best uses.
What’s the Difference Between Die Cut Stickers and Kiss Cut Stickers?
When peeled off and applied, die-cut stickers and kiss-cut stickers are essentially the same. They are individually cut and shipped in stacks. You can also print in a wide variety of sizes and any shape you want for both formats.
Die Cut Stickers
Kiss Cut Stickers
The difference is their method of printing. Die-cut stickers (also known as cut-to-size) are trimmed according to the size and shape of your design. The die-cut process cuts through the sticker and paper backing. When you peel off die-cut stickers, you are not left with any stickers but just the backing.
Kiss-cut stickers, on the other hand, initially come in a standard square, shape, with your sticker design at the center. Your sticker design will only be cut through the adhesive, not the backing. When you pull the sticker, the backing around your sticker shape stays intact with the border.
Best Uses for Die Cut Stickers and Kiss Cut Stickers
Die-cut stickers are recommended if you want to instantly highlight the shape of your design.
Kiss-cut stickers are great if you want to protect the edges of an intricate sticker design, or when you want to print your logo or message on the border for added branding.
Both die-cut and kiss-cut stickers are suitable for a wide variety of sticker promotions like event giveaways, packaging inserts, and even merch.
Sticker Printing Materials
At PrintRunner, you can easily order custom stickers in your preferred size, shape, and material. For die-cut and kiss-cut stickers, we offer two (2) types of adhesives:
- White paper sticker is like printer paper but with an adhesive backing. They come uncoated, which makes them easy to write on with any pen or pencil. White vinyl works great for general indoor applications. This material also allows you to add a layer of protection using matte, gloss, and high-gloss UV coating.
- White vinyl is waterproof, weather-resistant, and the most long-lasting material out of all our sticker adhesives. They come with a high-gloss UV-resistant coating to protect your prints from fading over time. The shiny finish also boosts saturation, so it’s perfect for vibrant and colorful designs.
How to Customize Your Stickers
PrintRunner’s website order calculator is a versatile tool. You can choose your sticker printing specifications from the dropdown options, and it will automatically update the choices based on your selections.
Step 1. Select your preferred sticker printing specifications such as size, shape, quantity, and material on the order calculator.
Step 2. Click Design your File Online and you’ll be redirected to the design tool.
Step 3. Use the upper toolbar to upload and search for images, add text and color, and create shapes.
Step 4. When you’re done, you can save your design to access at a later time. Proceed to Checkout and confirm your order and payment.
If you have already have a press-ready design file, simply upload it to the website and proceed with the checkout process.
Why Choose PrintRunner?
Complimentary file proofs with every order. We strive for consistent print quality and customer satisfaction. When you upload your design, we offer free file proofs to make sure your design will print exactly as you want it. Your file will be thoroughly inspected based on our rigorous print checklist. Proofing also allows you to check for any errors and necessary changes. We will send you the PDF proof and will only proceed with production when you have approved the proof.
Qualified free shipping on bulk orders. With us, you can save more by printing more. You don’t have to keep ordering to replenish your supplies. Bulk printing saves time and effort from ordering, processing, and waiting for your prints to arrive. Learn more about our free shipping policy.
Free sample kit requests. If you want to see the quality of sticker materials before making a final order, you can request a free sample kit and have it delivered to your registered address. This kit contains our most popular print products and stocks. You can compare materials to see which would best fit your needs.
Guaranteed printing turnarounds. We know how important your deadlines are. That’s why we offer flexible printing turnarounds for our most popular products. Order now and we can have your stickers ready for shipping in just a few business days. You can check the estimated delivery date on the order calculator by providing your ZIP code.
If you have questions, call us at 888-296-5760 and our customer service team can assist you.
Custom Stickers Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for custom stickers?
For standard sticker shapes, you can order as low as 25 pieces. For custom sizes, our minimum order requirement is 250 pieces.
Can I write on UV-coated stickers?
We do not recommend writing on UV-coated stickers. You can use a marker with permanent if you need to write on your stickers, but we suggest ordering an uncoated white sticker paper if you want to write on them.
I don’t have a design yet. Do you offer sticker templates?
We offer print templates you can download to set up your file on another editing application like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. These are blank print templates that contain the accurate bleed, trim, and safety zone for your stickers. You can download the ZIP files from the Templates tab of the sticker product page.
Does my turnaround include shipping?
Turnaround time refers to the business days required to produce the approved artwork. This does not include shipping. Shipping is based on the method selected at the time the order was placed and is not included in the turnaround estimate.
How can I check the status of my order?
You can check your order status by going to our website and clicking on the order status link on the home page of our website. You will be asked to enter your order/job number and order billing zip code or the email address and password that is listed on the account.
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