So, what does kiss and die cut mean anyway?
Kiss cut are basically stickers with backing material cut to a square or rectangular shape, regardless of the sticker shape. So even though your sticker itself may be cut to the shape of the artwork, the backing material is cut to a square/rectangle.
Die cut, on the other hand, is when the backing material is cut out to the shape of the artwork. At Stax, we make our stickers so the backing material will still have some space around the sticker to make it easy to peel without having to bend the sticker.
Ultimately, when applied, both kiss and die cut will result in the same sticker. It is only the backing material that will be cut differently.
A great advantage of a kiss cut sticker is that you can add additional artwork or information to your sticker. You can include things such as a social media handle or contact information on the extra space surrounding your sticker. As the sticker is peeled away, the excess material will be disposed of, ensuring it does not impact the sticker’s core artwork. However, it does provide customers with additional insights into your product or company.
What about labels?
When it comes to labels, we offer the option of having your labels come on a roll or on a sheet. For those using an application machine, labels on a roll is the perfect option. The label roll can be easily placed on the application machine to automatically (or semi-automatically) apply each label to the container. This process is ideal for larger label orders of 5,000 or more. Although this option is also good for smaller quantities since it may be easier for you to store a roll – but this is a personal preference.
Labels on sheets can be great for smaller quantities of 25 to a couple hundred labels. Again, this is more of a personal preference at smaller quantities.
How do I know which cut will be best for me?
Generally, labels on a roll are the best option if you will be applying your labels to something such as packaging containers. These also tend to be the most cost-effective option.
Kiss and die cut stickers are best for give-aways and easiest to distribute among people. It is of course up to you which look you prefer best.
Die cut stickers have a tidy look to them, and being cut out to the shape of the artwork, often results in a more “pop” type of feel. Allowing the artwork to stand out on its own. It also has a nice edge created by the backing material, framing the artwork into its own shape.
Kiss cut stickers allow you to add a little extra to your sticker. Because the rectangular shape often gives some extra space around the sticker itself, it allows you to add things such as your website or Instagram tag to that extra space without having to include it on the sticer itself. So before the sticker is peeled from the backing and surrounding material, your customers can see the extra information you can choose to add.
What’s the price difference?
When it comes to cost, labels on a roll are the most cost-effective option. Labels on sheets are just slightly more expensive.
For stickers, kiss cut is a slightly more economical option. While die-cut is just a bit higher in price. This is often typical across the industry due to the post-production time it takes to create the different cuts.
