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

The world of custom stickers is wide and wonderful. Whether you're branding a business, jazzing up your laptop, or making cool handouts for your next big event, stickers are a fun, flexible way to show off your style.

But before you get stuck (pun intended), you’ve got a decision to make: die cut stickers or kiss cut stickers?

Both options give you the same final custom shape sticker, but how they’re cut—and how they show up—makes a difference. Let’s break it down.

What Is a Die Cut Sticker?

Die cut vinyl stickers are trimmed precisely around the edge of your design or shape. The cut goes all the way through the vinyl sticker and the paper backing, giving you a custom-shaped sticker with no extra border or background. What you see is what you get—and what you get is exactly the shape you designed.

These decals are super popular for a reason: they’re bold, clean, and look amazing whether you’re slapping them on a water bottle, window, or handing them out at events.

Why Choose Die Cut Stickers?

There are a number of reasons to choose die cut for your next custom sticker design. They check the boxes for style, practicality, and durability. Whether you're creating custom stickers for marketing, handing out promo items, or turning your latest sketches into sticker materpieces, die cuts deliver impact.

• Clean, sharp look. Custom die cut stickers are trimmed to the exact shape of your design, no matter how quirky or complex. That custom-shaped finish helps your custom stickers grab attention and stand out from the crowd.
• They’re an impulse magnet. A bold shape and fun design makes these stickers pop (literally and visually). Their stand-out silhouette can turn a passing glance into a purchase.
• Cost-effective in bulk. Because the sticker and the backing are cut together, die cuts streamline the production process. That can mean faster turnaround and lower costs when you’re ordering custom stickers in big batches.
• They’re made to last. Printed on tough vinyl and finished with fade-resistant inks, these stickers can take the heat (and sunlight, and rain, and maybe even your dishwasher). Whether you slap them on a laptop or a storefront window, they’ll hang in there for the long haul.

What Is a Kiss Cut Sticker?

Kiss cut stickers are all about precision and flexibility. Instead of cutting through both the vinyl and the backing like die cuts do, a kiss cut only slices through the top vinyl layer. The backing paper stays fully intact, creating a neat border around your design.

That extra liner forms a square or rectangle “carrier” that holds your sticker shape until you're ready to peel and stick. Think of it like a modern take on the sticker sheets you loved as a kid, only now it’s showcasing your logo, art, or custom message in professional-grade vinyl.

The sticker itself is still cut to the exact shape of your design, just like a die cut vinyl sticker. The only difference? It comes with a little extra paper around the edges for easy handling, better protection, and extra branding space.

Why Choose Kiss Cut Stickers?

These days, kiss cut stickers may have a more nostalgic feel, reminding us of the sticker sheets we’d get as kids. But they have their own set of strengths and benefits, making them just as popular as die cuts.

• They’re ideal for delicate designs. If your sticker design is a bit fragile or easily bent – with long or skinny parts that stick out – kiss cuts, with their wider carrier, are a safer choice. The carrier around the design keeps any delicate elements from bending or creasing, and the convenient rectangle shape means your sticker is easy to slip into a customer’s pocket to take home.
• They travel well. If you’re taking your stickers on the road for any reason, to a trade show perhaps, a stack of rectangle kiss cut stickers may be easier to transport than the same amount of die cut stickers.
• Extra paper = extra advertising space. While die cuts and their through-cut paper backing look cool, kiss cuts aren’t exactly a plain and boring alternative. That extra paper around your kiss cut sticker can be printed on (with ink and not additional stickers). With the right design you can incorporate your business name, slogan, and website – turning your kiss cut into both a sticker and a business card.

What is the Difference Between a Die Cut vs. Kiss Cut Sticker?

The main difference between a die cut and a kiss cut sticker is the depth of the cut. A die cut sticker is cut all the way through the vinyl material of the sticker and the backing paper, resulting in a sticker that is shaped exactly like the design with no extra material around the edges. On the other hand, a kiss cut sticker is cut through the vinyl material, but not through the backing paper, resulting in a sticker that is still attached to the backing paper, but can be easily peeled off.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately your choice of die cut stickers vs. kiss cut stickers will come down to purpose and personal choice.

If you want to design stickers for individual sales, die cut stickers have the punch of immediate visual appeal you may be looking for. With both vinyl and paper backing cut into the exact shape of the design, your customers will be able to easily imagine the perfect place to stick their sticker. These are the most cost-effective production methods, so the price will be a little lower.

But if you love the look of a kiss cut sticker, remember to take advantage of the extra space on the carrier around the sticker that’s available for printing further information about your business or brand.

There is no right or wrong answer, and there isn’t any reason not to try your sticker designs first one way and then the other. Your needs and your customers’ responses will guide you as you explore the wide wonderful world of custom design stickers.

Here’s another helpful breakdown: sticker sheets vs individual stickers.

Get Your Stickers Stuck with Stomp

Stickers are great for marketing your brand and promoting your business. A great design catches a customer’s attention and brings your brand to life. Printed on our incredibly durable vinyl, Stomp’s stickers are guaranteed to keep your message stuck in your customers’ minds for a long time to come. And with more than 30 years of printing experience, you can be sure you get the best when you order from Stomp.

Get started on your own custom die cut stickers today with our super easy design tool, always-ready customer service team, an endless array of sticker and label design choices. Prefer to use kiss cut stickers? We can do those on a custom basis contact our printing experts and get started today.

Last updated on October 6, 2025.

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