Die cut stickers are the most popular style of outdoor sticker. The product is eye-catching and versatile. But with so many custom sticker options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one! This guide solves that problem and explains everything you need to know about die cut stickers. We’ll cover topics such as:
- What are die cut stickers?
- What are the other styles of custom stickers?
- What materials are used for die cut stickers?
- How do you make die cut stickers?
- Design tips for die cut stickers.
What are die cut stickers?
Die cut stickers are stickers cut to a specific shape or design. They might be used as logo stickers, branding stickers, or brewery stickers. The term die cut comes from the cutting method that creates a unique shape. That term has been adopted as the generic name for a sticker cut to a special shape.
Traditionally a steel die was used to cut the sticker into nearly any shape, including intricate designs. That’s where the name comes from! Because of technology upgrades, most stickers are cut with plotters and lasers, but the name still stands.
Die cut stickers are perfect for product branding because of the fun shapes and curves of the product. The visual appeal brings attention to the sticker and creates valuable advertising impressions.
What are the other styles of custom stickers?
Custom stickers come in many shapes, sizes, cut styles, and specialty materials. Let’s explore some of the most popular variations below.
Kiss cut stickers
Kiss cut stickers are custom printed and cut to shape just like die cut stickers. The main difference is with kiss cut stickers, the sticker peels off the backing paper as shown in the picture below.
Kiss cut stickers are really useful for intricate designs that might get bent if the sticker was a die cut. Kiss cuts also give a unique opportunity to use the spare white space around the design for additional branding such as QR codes, websites, and social media info.
Sticker Sheets
Sticker sheets are similar to kiss cut stickers because the sticker peels off the backing paper. The main difference is the number of peel outs! Sticker sheets typically have 3-5 peel outs and come in larger sizes because of the multiple sticker designs. This product is a great way to provide customers with multiple branding opportunities. It also shows off your brand’s unique personality through varying designs.
Hang Tag Stickers
Hang tag stickers are a die cut, kiss cut combo sticker. These are used for retail clothing, hats, and similar items because they can be attached using retail clothing guns as an easy way to combine a price tag with a sticker. This unique product is the perfect way to get a sticker in every customer’s hand!
What material is best for die cut stickers?
Standard die cuts are made from outdoor-grade vinyl material. This material is cost-effective and highly durable against the sun, rain, wind, and other factors such as car washes. Die cut stickers can be made from several other materials including polyester, BOPP, static cling, and paper.
How are die cut stickers made?
Creating a die cut sticker consists of several steps. Let’s break down each one below.
1. Create the Design
Any design can be turned into a die cut sticker. Simply create a path around the shape of the design using your favorite design tool (ex. Adobe Illustrator). If you need help, simply reach out to our art team.
2. Print the design at Comgraphx
To get started, select a quantity and size on the die cut sticker product page. After checkout, we will send you a free pdf proof to make sure we are on the same page before printing. After approval, we will get started on printing.
Die cut stickers can be printed in several different print techniques depending on several factors: artwork complexity, size of the order, and outdoor durability requirements. The most popular style of printing for die cut stickers is screen printing because of the long-term outdoor durability and rich glossy colors. However, digital printing is very popular for small orders.
3. Laminating
After the stickers are printed, they will get a matte or gloss laminate. The laminate helps with several things including durability. The laminate protects the printing from degrading over long periods of time.
4. Back Slitting
Back-slitting is a process of cutting through the liner paper on die cut stickers. This makes the stickers easy to peel and use. Don’t underestimate the importance of a good back slit sticker! To learn more, read our post on the advantages of using a back slit on your stickers!
5. Die cutting
After the stickers are back slit, they move to the most exciting phase of the production process, cutting! Die cut stickers are cut to shape in one of three ways: plotters, laser cutters, and steel rule die cutters.
6. Packaging & Shipping
After cutting, stickers are sent for final packaging and cutting. Die cut stickers are packaged in groups of 100 and shrink-wrapped to protect the product during shipping. The stickers are then packaged in boxes for shipping.
What design considerations are important for die cut stickers?
Safety zone around the design
Die cutting requires a safety zone around the sticker design to account for tiny variances in registration while cutting. The normal safety zone is 3/32″ (.09375″). Be mindful of this safety zone when designing stickers with important elements towards the edge of the design.
White border vs. full bleed
Stickers look great with white borders and full bleed designs. Either option is available for die cut stickers. Keep in mind dark designs without a white border might blend in with a dark background like a car window. In this situation, we recommend a white border.
The white border can also help a design to “pop” off the sticker.
Interior die cuts
Interior die cuts are holes in the middle of a design. Sometimes this is important when the sticker is fitting over a pre-manufactured part. We can accommodate this type of design on limited occasions. Reach out to our customer service team to find out if your artwork can handle an interior die cut!
What are the best ways for a business to use die cut stickers?
- Branding stickers
- Promotional stickers
- Giveaways at events and trade shows
- Packaging inserts for online retailers
- Sell premium designs in-store or online
- Authorized dealer decals
Conclusion
Custom stickers are a versatile product and the die-cut version is a great choice.
In conclusion, die cut outdoor stickers are a fantastic way to promote your brand, express yourself, or simply add some flair to your belongings. With their durable and weather-resistant materials, they can withstand the toughest outdoor environments and keep your message looking fresh and vibrant for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a custom design or a standard template, there’s a wide range of options available to suit your needs and budget. So don’t hesitate to explore the world of die cut outdoor stickers and unleash your creativity today!
Interested in buying die cut stickers?
We would love to see your brand thrive through the use of die cut stickers! Click the link below to get started.
