Kiss Cut vs Die Cut Stickers: What's the Difference?
Die cut stickers are cut through the vinyl and the backing, so each sticker is the exact shape of your design. Kiss cut stickers are cut through the vinyl only, so your design peels off a larger rectangle of backing. Both use the same vinyl and start at the same price on our site.
What is a die cut sticker?
A die cut sticker is cut all the way through, vinyl and backing paper together, along the outline of your design. What you hand someone is already the shape of your logo or art, usually with a thin white border around it.
That's why die cut is the usual pick for logo stickers you give away: the shape is part of the look before anyone peels it. You can order die cut stickers from 2" to 6" on the longest side.
What is a kiss cut sticker?
A kiss cut sticker is cut through the vinyl layer only. The backing paper stays a rectangle, so your design sits on a larger card that's easy to grab and peel. The name comes from the blade: it only "kisses" the backing instead of cutting through it.
The extra backing protects thin or detailed designs (fine lines, small pieces, sharp points) in a bag or mailer until they're applied. Order kiss cut stickers from 2" to 6".
Kiss cut vs die cut: how do they compare?
Once they're on a laptop, most people can't tell which cut a sticker was. The differences are all before the peel.
| Die cut | Kiss cut | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's cut | Through the vinyl and the backing | Through the vinyl only |
| What the backing looks like | Same shape as your design | A larger rectangle around your design |
| Border | Thin white border | Your design on the larger backing |
| Peeling | Peel from the edge of the sticker | Easier to start, since the backing gives you something to hold |
| Best for | Logo giveaways, laptops, water bottles | Detailed art, handouts, stickers that travel in a bag or mailer |
| Sizes and quantities | 2"–6", 1 to 10,000 | 2"–6", 1 to 10,000 |
| Material | Same white, semi-gloss, removable vinyl for both | |
Which one should you order?
Pick by what happens to the sticker before it's stuck down.
- Handing them out at an event or dropping them in orders: die cut. The sticker already looks like your logo in someone's hand.
- Thin lines, script lettering or lots of small pieces: kiss cut. The backing protects fine details until they're applied.
- Going on a laptop or water bottle: either works, though die cut is our usual suggestion for both.
- Going on glass and you don't want any background at all: neither. Choose a transfer sticker (more on that below).
Is die cut more expensive than kiss cut?
Not on Wallmonkeys. Die cut and kiss cut stickers start at the same price, $4.99 for a single sticker, and the price per sticker drops as the quantity goes up. You can see live prices by size and quantity on our custom stickers page. Transfer stickers start a little higher, at $6.49.
What about transfer stickers?
Transfer stickers are the third option, and the one people don't know to ask for. There's no background or border: the design is cut from vinyl and applied with transfer tape, so only your letters or shapes stay on the surface. They're best for glass, windows, cups and laptops. Transfer stickers come in 2" to 6", from 1 up to 5,000 per order online.
Can die cut or kiss cut stickers go on a car or a water bottle?
A water bottle, yes. A car, no. Our sticker vinyl is water-resistant and made for indoor use, so it isn't meant for car exteriors or outdoor signs. If a sticker goes on your water bottle or tumbler, hand-wash it rather than putting it in the dishwasher.
What's the difference between a sticker and a decal?
At Wallmonkeys, the material is the same. Stickers are smaller (1" to 6") and go on things: laptops, bottles, notebooks, packaging. Decals are larger and go on walls and other surfaces. If you love your sticker design and want it big, we can print it as a custom wall decal from 12" to 72".
How does ordering custom stickers work?
- Pick a cut: die cut, kiss cut or transfer (we also make square, circle and dog face stickers).
- Upload your art. We size it to the longest side. Not sure your file is sharp enough? Read what you can print as a custom decal.
- Choose a size and quantity. There's no minimum: order one sticker or thousands.
- Ask for a proof if you want one. It's free, and we email it within 24 business hours. A proof can add a day.
- We check, print and ship. Every file is checked for print quality before we print it in Jacksonville, Florida. Orders ship in 2–3 business days.
FAQ
Do kiss cut stickers peel more easily than die cut?
Usually, yes. The larger backing gives you an edge to bend back, so the sticker lifts off without picking at it.
Do the stickers leave residue?
No. Our vinyl removes without leaving residue.
Is there a minimum order?
No. You can order a single sticker, or up to 10,000 online (5,000 for transfer stickers).
Can I get a custom size or a bigger run?
Yes. Online sizes go up to 6", and for anything larger or over 10,000 stickers, contact us for a free quote.
Are kiss cut and die cut made from the same material?
Yes. Every sticker type is printed on the same white, opaque, semi-gloss vinyl with a self-adhesive back.
Related: The best surfaces for peel-and-stick vinyl decals · What can I print as a custom decal?
