Sticker Cutting – How to Make High-Quality Stickers and Labels Even If You Don’t Have a Machine
Have you ever peeled a sticker off its backing and it ripped apart or did not stick? This is often caused by using the wrong cutting method.
If you use a Slice(r) 00200 Safety Cutter (or similar machine), you can avoid this problem. This type of cut is also great for individual hobbyists and smaller sticker shops that cannot afford expensive machinery.
Die Cut
Die cutting is the process of using a machine and tools to cut, shape or shear Car Film Wrapping a print piece into a custom design or shape. This technique is used to create dimensional product packaging, die-cut labels, and other unique promotional materials that have a more visual impact.
Die cut stickers are usually created by placing an adhesive sheet on the back of a cardstock and running it through a die that has been cut to a specific shape. The result is a cardstock sticker with a unique shape that can be removed and used as a promotional tool.
In addition to creating a more visually appealing product packaging, die cut stickers are often a great way to add extra information or functionality to traditional printed products like brochures and business cards. For example, by adding a pull-out tab that can be pulled out of the packaging, you can provide more details about your company and make it easier for customers to follow directions or contact information.
Die-cut stickers can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The best option for your project will depend on the type of material being cut, as well as your desired finished product. For example, thicker materials will require different machines and dies than lighter materials. Having the right equipment is also crucial, as it will help you achieve a more accurate and high-quality finish.
Kiss Cut
Kiss cut stickers are created in a similar way to die-cut ones, except that the cutting only goes through the vinyl layer and not the paper backing. This leaves the edges of your sticker a little bit more sturdy, allowing it to withstand transportation and handling without risking damage. It also gives you a bit of extra room on the back of the sticker for printing, making it easy to customize and add branding.
This method is most often used for address labels, stamps, and yearly license plate stickers. These stickers are normally printed on a roll or sheet with the same size and shape of sticker in each row, allowing them to be easily peeled and applied. Some other examples of this type of sticker are bumper stickers and promotional stickers.
Typically, this is a much less expensive printing option than die cut because it doesn’t require the use of a die and therefore reduces material waste. Kiss cut stickers also look great, with a clean and professional appearance that matches your design.
The only drawbacks of this type of custom sticker are that it can be more difficult to peel than die cut, especially if the product has complex or delicate edges. Additionally, they may be a little more susceptible to wear and tear during transportation or handling.
Transfer Cut
Essentially, a decal is a sticker sticker cutting with multiple, individual components that need to stay together and adhere to a surface. This is a crucial difference from other types of stickers, which are typically printed directly onto their paper or plastic backing.
This is why it’s best to wait to take your custom decals off the release liner until you’ve carefully positioned them on your project surface. When you’re ready, just peel a corner of the transfer tape off so that only a small portion of the adhesive side of the decal is uncovered, and then carefully place the decal where it belongs.
Another benefit of this application method is that it allows you to use a credit card, ruler, or hard object to smooth down the decal and remove any bubbles before sticking it down. This is especially helpful when working with large, layered decals.
Custom cut to a shape, graphic, or text with no background, these Exact Cut Vinyl Decals are shipped with transfer tape for installation as one complete, clutter free design. This is a great option for high-end product labeling, merch sales, and other retail applications where you need to add a clear and concise message. For best results, make sure the surface you’re applying the decal to is clean, dry, and smooth with no residue or oils.
Other Cut Styles
Whether you’re making just one sticker or a whole sheet of them, the cutting process is crucial to ensure your stickers turn out looking professional. Poorly cut stickers or labels can rip apart easily or fail to peel at all, which makes them less effective and unprofessional. Fortunately, even if you don’t have a cutting machine (or the hundreds or thousands of dollars required to buy a full-size label cutter), you can still make high-quality stickers with precision and ease.
Hand-cutting your stickers is a great alternative to using a machine, especially for individual hobbyists and small-sized sticker shops that can’t afford to invest in expensive equipment. This method offers a high level of precision and customization, and you can make your stickers any shape or size that you like. Using paper punches or stencils also allows you to create uniform shapes and sizes, which can be helpful for creating a more cohesive design.
To use this technique, pull your design into Cricut Design Space and select the option to save it as a print-then-cut image. Select the green “standard” mat, and choose a material setting of “printable sticker paper” or “medium cardstock.” Orient your laminated sticker sheet in the same direction that it was printed, and load it into your machine to start cutting. When the cut is complete, carefully remove your stickers from the mat and squeegee out any remaining lamination.