Die-Cut vs. Kiss-Cut Stickers: What’s the Difference?

When ordering custom stickers from Custom Sticker Print, you will often see two options: Die-Cut and Kiss-Cut.

While they look identical once applied to your laptop or water bottle, they look very different when they arrive in your hand. Choosing the right one depends on how you plan to distribute them.

Here is the simple breakdown to help you make the right choice.

1. What is a Die-Cut Sticker? (The "Custom Shape" Look)

A Die-Cut sticker is cut straight through both the vinyl sticker layer and the paper backing material. The physical sticker will be the exact shape of your design.

• The Look: If your logo is a star, the sticker you hold in your hand is a star. There is no extra square backing around it.

• Best For: Handing out as freebies (Swag), selling as individual merchandise, or including in package inserts. It has a very premium, finished look because there is no excess paper.

2. What is a Kiss-Cut Sticker? (The "Easy Peel" Option)

A Kiss-Cut sticker is only cut through the vinyl layer, not the backing paper. This means your custom-shaped sticker sits on a larger square or rectangular backing sheet.

• The Look: You will see your custom shape cuts, but the sticker is surrounded by extra backing material (which protects the edges).

• The Benefit: The extra backing acts as a frame. It makes the stickers easier to stack and much easier to peel because you can bend the backing edge to flick the sticker up.

• Best For: High-volume application (peeling fast), intricate designs with delicate edges, or when you want extra protection during shipping.

3. Which One Should You Choose?

Both options use the exact same high-quality CMYK printing process and durable vinyl materials. The difference is purely in the presentation and peeling experience.

Choose Die-Cut If:

• You want the sticker to look like a standalone product.

• Aesthetics and presentation are your #1 priority (e.g., selling them at an art fair or trade show).

Choose Kiss-Cut If:

• You have a very intricate design (like detailed lettering) that needs extra protection from bending.

• You need to peel and apply them quickly (the backing makes it faster).

Summary Table

Fast Shipping Across Canada 🇨🇦

At Custom Sticker Print, we manufacture everything in our Ontario facility. This means no customs fees and faster shipping times compared to ordering from the US.

Whether you need 50 die-cut singles or 500 kiss-cut labels, we offer fast turnaround times to get your order to your doorstep—anywhere in Canada.

Start your order:
👉 Shop Custom Stickers