What Are Kiss Cut Stickers

Chances are, you will have come across kiss cut stickers on countless occasions over the years. They have been a staple on the scene for generations, used by millions of businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Kiss cut stickers and die cut stickers are the two most common forms of self-adhesive stickers on the market right now. But what are the main differences between the two, and which is best for your business?

What’s the Definition of a Kiss Cut Sticker?

Kiss cut stickers are those where the outline of the sticker is cut through the top layer of material, but not the backing paper. This means that when you peel this sticker away, it leaves behind a border of some kind. As opposed to a die cut sticker, where the entire top layer peels away and leaves nothing behind.

The separation between the border and the sticker makes it much easier to peel kiss cut stickers away from the backing material. Plus, the border itself can incorporate additional information, which will stay behind on the backing material when the sticker part is removed.

What Does a Kiss Cut Stickers Look Like?

At a glance, kiss cut stickers look identical to die cut stickers. They can be printed in any shape, size and design you can think of, with a wide range of materials and finishes to choose from.

The only noticeable difference is the cut-thru line that surrounds the central sticker in a kiss cut label. This gives an indication of the part that will peel away, and what will be left behind as a border.

Both die cut and kiss cut stickers can be customised in almost any way imaginable. The only difference is that one leaves behind a border, and the other peels away in its entirety.

What Are the Benefits of Kiss Cut Stickers?

In truth, neither of these sticker types is fundamentally ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than the other. It is purely a case of personal preferences, and the effect the user wants to achieve.

In terms of benefits, kiss cut stickers are significantly easier to peel away from the backing paper. Die cut stickers can (in some instances) be difficult to peel away – particularly for those whose fingernails aren’t in the best condition. With kiss cut stickers, the cut-thru line makes it easy to separate the sticker from the backing material in seconds.

Another benefit to kiss cut stickers is the added protection afforded by the border. All sides of the central sticker are protected by an additional section of material, safeguarding them from potential harm. If the edges or corners of a kiss cut sticker are bent, scuffed or even torn slightly, it will not necessarily compromise the quality of the central sticker.

Plus, many people simply prefer the look of a kiss cut sticker with a cut-thru border, framing the central sticker in an attractive way.

What Are the Benefits of Die Cut Stickers?

On the flipside of the coin, there is just as much to be said for the benefits of die cut stickers. The biggest advantage with die cut is the optimum use of all materials used. Rather than leaving behind a border that gets thrown away or recycled, the entire surface of the sticker is used. This enables the label’s designer to include significantly more information, or to incorporate more eye-catching visuals.

Depending on your requirements, you could also find die cut stickers a more cost-effective option for certain labelling requirements. Again, this is due to the fact that nothing goes to waste, and every last millimetre of the surface sticker is utilised.

Die cut stickers are not as easy to peel away from the backing paper but are just as versatile and attractive as kiss cut stickers.

What Finishes Are Available for Kiss cut Stickers?

You can order kiss cut stickers in the same extensive range of materials as those available for die cut stickers. This includes all types of glossy and matte finishes, reflective metallic materials, and even holographic vinyl.

Even the simplest paper stickers can be cut in this easy-peel format, which can be useful for mass product labelling requirements. The more labels you need to peel and apply in a short space of time, the bigger the potential benefits of kiss cut labels.

What Type of Label is More Durable and Hardwearing?

The same also applies to durability, which has nothing to do with the way your labels are cut. Both die cut and kiss cut labels have the potential to be equally hardwearing and durable.

If preferred, you can order labels that can be easily peeled away in both configurations. There are also options available that are designed to be permanent in nature.

Likewise, your die cut or kiss cut labels can be coated in an adhesive that can withstand even the most challenging environmental conditions. Hot and cold temperatures, extreme humidity, pressure and abrasions – pretty much anything you care to throw at your labels. It is all about the materials they are manufactured from, and the adhesives used, rather than how they are cut out.

What Type of Label is Best for Me?

Last up, making the decision between kiss cut stickers and die cut stickers is entirely a judgment call. They are both equally versatile, with limitless options available for customization. From product labels to logo labels to instructional labels and even warning labels, die cut and kiss cut stickers can serve almost any purpose.

If unsure which way to go, one option is to request a handful of samples in each configuration from your supplier. This way, you will be able to see which looks best in practice.

At Shop 4 Labels, we specialise in the highest-quality bespoke labels at competitive prices. If you would like to learn more about the potential benefits of kiss cut labels or have any questions on your own labelling requirements, we are standing by to take your call.