The Difference Between Kiss Cut and Perforated Cut Stickers - Tacky And Upsetting

The Difference Between Kiss Cut and Perforated Cut Stickers

What is a Kiss Cut Sticker?


A kiss cut sticker is a type of sticker that’s cut only through the vinyl layer (the sticker itself) without cutting through the backing paper. This means the sticker sits within a larger sheet, and the shape of the sticker is simply “kissed” by the cutting machine. When you peel the sticker away, only the vinyl sticker itself is removed, leaving the backing paper intact.

Kiss cut stickers are particularly popular because they allow for intricate, delicate shapes without risking damage to the sticker during peeling. Since the backing remains whole, the sheet can also include additional branding, designs, or information around the sticker.


What is a Perforated Cut Sticker?


Perforated cut stickers (sometimes called "die-cut" stickers with perforations) are stickers where the backing paper is cut along with the vinyl in a perforated outline. The perforations create a small series of cuts along the outer edge, allowing users to easily tear out the sticker along the perforated line. This cut style provides an easy, clean way to separate the sticker from a larger sheet, making it convenient for retail or promotional use.

With perforated cut stickers, the entire shape – sticker and backing paper – can be torn out, making the sticker ready to hand out or display without peeling it immediately. This style is ideal for individuals who want to hand out stickers in their original form or use them as collectable items.

Key Differences Between Kiss Cut and Perforated Cut Stickers

  1. Cut Style : Kiss cut stickers are cut through the vinyl only, while perforated cut stickers are cut through both the vinyl and backing paper, creating an easily detachable sticker with backing.

  2. Appearance : Kiss cut stickers have a border of backing paper around them, which can be customised or used for extra branding, whereas perforated cut stickers have an outlined edge for easy removal.

  3. Usability : Kiss cut stickers are ideal for intricate designs and easy peeling, while perforated cut stickers are well-suited for stickers that will be distributed or stored as standalone items.

  4. Applications : Kiss cut stickers work well for detailed designs and are popular for personalisation and individual use, while perforated cut stickers are often used in retail and promotional settings.

Uses and Benefits of Kiss Cut Stickers


Kiss cut stickers are versatile, popular for personal use, and can be highly customisable. Here are some common uses and benefits of kiss cut stickers:

  • Delicate Designs : Kiss cut stickers are great for intricate designs or small details. Since the backing remains whole, there’s less risk of damaging the sticker edges.

  • Easy to Peel : Kiss cut stickers are easy to peel off from the backing, making them user-friendly and convenient for quick application.

  • Customisable Backing : The surrounding backing paper can be customised with additional branding or artwork, making kiss cut stickers an excellent choice for brand promotions.

  • Perfect for Bulk Sheets : Because the backing is intact, multiple stickers can be placed on one sheet, making kiss cut stickers ideal for sticker sheets or collections.

Popular Uses for Kiss Cut Stickers :

  • Branding : Businesses use kiss cut stickers for logos or brand icons that customers can peel off and apply to various items.

  • Decorative Stickers : Kiss cut stickers work well for scrapbooking, journals, and planners, where easy peel-off and intricate designs are ideal.

  • Event Merchandise : Event organisers use kiss cut stickers to create branded sticker sheets, giving attendees a variety of options in one sheet.

Uses and Benefits of Perforated Cut Stickers


Perforated cut stickers are a practical choice when you need stickers that are easy to tear out and distribute. Here are some key benefits of perforated cut stickers:

  • Ready for Distribution : The perforated edge makes it easy to tear out each sticker, allowing you to hand them out without the need for scissors or peeling.

  • Clean Appearance : With perforated cut stickers, each sticker is detached with the backing paper still attached, creating a neat, professional look ideal for retail settings.

  • Convenient Storage : Perforated cut stickers are great for stacking or storing, as the perforated edge allows each sticker to remain intact until it’s ready for use.

  • Ideal for Collectables : If your stickers are intended to be kept as collectables or souvenirs, perforated cut stickers provide a neat presentation without immediate application.

Popular Uses for Perforated Cut Stickers :

  • Retail : Perforated cut stickers are ideal for retail packaging or as add-ons to products, as they can be handed out in their original form.

  • Promotional Events : Businesses use perforated cut stickers for events and trade shows where attendees can take home a sticker without peeling it immediately.

  • Merchandise : For collectable stickers, such as artist merchandise or limited editions, perforated cut stickers allow customers to store or frame the sticker without peeling it.

Choosing Between Kiss Cut and Perforated Cut Stickers


When deciding between kiss cut and perforated cut stickers, consider the following:

  • Application Style : If you need stickers for detailed designs, personalisation, or sticker sheets, kiss cut stickers are the best choice. For stickers that will be distributed or kept as collectables, perforated cut stickers offer a cleaner presentation and are easier to hand out.

  • Ease of Use : Kiss cut stickers are easy to peel, while perforated cut stickers are ideal for handing out without peeling.

  • Branding Needs : If you want to add extra branding around the sticker, kiss cut stickers offer more customisable space. Perforated cut stickers, however, offer a tidy, stand-alone appearance.

Final Thoughts on Kiss Cut vs Perforated Cut Stickers


Both kiss cut and perforated cut stickers offer unique benefits, so the choice depends on how you plan to use your stickers. Kiss cut stickers are ideal for intricate designs, custom sticker sheets, and easy application, while perforated cut stickers are perfect for distribution, collectable items, and retail packaging.


Whether you’re looking to create personalised stickers for fun, promote your business, or sell collectable stickers, understanding the difference between kiss cut and perforated cut styles can help you get the best result for your needs. For anyone in the UK searching for high-quality custom stickers, choosing the right cut can make all the difference in achieving a professional and polished look.

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