Sticker Types
Kiss-Cut Stickers
Kiss-cut stickers use a light touch method where the machine cuts only through the top vinyl layer, leaving a square or rectangular border of backing paper surrounding the custom-shaped sticker. This cut type is great when dealing with intricate, delicate, or complex border shapes as the outer backing paper and transfer tape protect the sticker from the wear and tear of handling before the sticker is applied. The primary limitation of a kiss-cut is aesthetic: until the sticker is peeled and placed, the transfer tape dulls the image. This makes the unpeeled sticker look less vibrant at first glance compared to the alternative (Die-Cut).
If your design has a lot of intricate details, thin pieces, or inside cuts, this is the type of sticker we'd recommend.
Die-Cut Stickers
Die-cut stickers are sliced completely through both the vinyl layer and paper backing. This method is best for logos and art that can be contained within a relatively simple outline. The main limitation of die-cuts is that complex designs with sharp and intricate details can easily snag, bend, or tear with handling. Because of this, we recommend that they be used for designs with minimal detail or a border to help strengthen the sticker. Because Die-Cut stickers don't use a layer of transfer tape, the stickers tend to be more presentable and lend well to artist alley booths.
If your design has a simple shape then Die-Cuts are the go to cut type.
*Depending on the complexity of the design, a border may be added to the sticker. If we have to add a border, we'll be sure to contact you with a digital mockup and request your approval before we begin printing your stickers.
Sticker Sheets
Sticker sheets contain multiple designs pre-cut onto a single page. This format is ideal for bundling themed collections onto one sticker. Since the stickers are limited to how you can nest them onto the sheet, the stickers tend to be much smaller than the other two methods. This size makes them great for phone cases, decorating water bottles, and even scrapbooking.
If you have a bunch of designs and want to create a themed sticker set, the sticker sheets are the way to go.
*We request that any sticker sheet submissions are sent in as a PSD containing two layers:
- The sticker designs
- The background
