Types of Sticker Cutting
With this tool you can slice and dice your stickers into a custom shape. Just be sure to leave a 3mm safety zone around your design to account for tiny variances in registration when cutting.
For simpler designs a paper cutter is a great option. Line up your sticker design carefully against the designed cut line, and slice.
Die-Cut
Die-cut stickers are made by running cardstock or other material through a machine that’s been fitted with a customized die. The die cuts around the shape of the sticker, leaving defined details that look consistent and professional. A variety of materials can be cut with a die, including paper, metal, plastic, fabric, foam, and wood. The type of material being cut determines the optimal die cutting process and machine configuration.
Whether you’re making a gift wrap, stationery, or paper craft project, die-cut stickers add a pop of color and flair to your work. You can even use them as an alternative to sticker cutting tape to keep kraft paper tubes, retail and client gift boxes, or tissue paper-wrapped gifts together. Stick a custom sticker with your business logo to reinforce brand identity or display a QR code that directs customers to your company’s sustainability initiatives.
In addition to paper, you can also die cut felt for a soft and colorful touch. You can texturize the felt by using dyes, glitter, or embossing powder to add a pop of color and dimension. If you’re creating a greeting card, arrange the die cut pieces into a wreath and top it off with a monogram die cut for a personalized touch.
Kiss-Cut
Kiss cut stickers feature soft edges that won’t catch or lift from surfaces. This makes them safer for a wide variety of surfaces. Additionally, rounded corners are more durable than sharp or squared edges. Kiss cut stickers are also more comfortable to peel and apply. This is especially true before they are applied to products, such as laptops and water bottles.
The process gets its name from the fact that a sharp metal die cuts through the sticker layer without cutting all the way through the backing paper, leaving “kiss” marks around the border of the sticker. This creates a cleaner, more precise sticker shape with less material waste. While this technique is not ideal for a full sticker production run, it’s a good option for small series of custom-shaped stickers.
You’ll find kiss-cut stickers in a variety of shapes and colors, making them perfect for promotional and business use. These stickers are great for showcasing your company logo or a custom design that features text. They can even be printed in multiple colors or holographic tones for eye-catching effects. You can even add a white border to your stickers, which is a great option for adding a personal touch or optimizing your branding.
Transfer Cut
Cut straight from solid pre-coloured vinyl with no background, these precise cut decals come with a clear transfer tape for application. They can be applied to your choice of surface and are fully customizable to your needs with no color restrictions. Great for high-end product labels and merch to help sell your brand.
They’re often used for vehicle windows, laptops, or as a high-end branding option for your company swag and promotional items. With their sleek design and high-end finish, these stickers will stick in your customers’ minds.
Unlike die-cut stickers, the individual pieces of a transfer sticker are held together with a clear layer of transfer tape that helps to make it easy to apply. It also sticker cutting allows you to see the position of each sticker part as you remove the paper backing.
To apply a transfer sticker, peel the clear or paper transfer tape off slowly and line up your vinyl decal where you want it on your substrate (for example, a pane of glass). Then use a scraper, burnishing tool, or even the side of a credit card to smooth down the vinyl, removing any bubbles as you go. Once you’re satisfied with the position, gently peel the rest of the transfer tape off and voila! Your sticker is now on its new home.
Lamination
Lamination is a process that encloses and bonds printed pieces between layers of clear plastic film to add strength, rigidity, and protection. It also enhances the appearance of printing by deepening and brightening ink colors, giving the impression of higher quality. It also protects against creases, tears, spills, smudges and marks from grease, oil, finger prints and other contaminants.
Several types of lamination are available, each with their own advantages and uses. Some laminates are designed for use with specific types of printing, including glossy or matte finishes. Some are used for hygienic purposes, protecting important documents or projects from water and dirt. Others offer an added layer of security, making them suitable for framing and displaying.
There are two main types of lamination: roll and cold. Roll lamination is done using a machine that combines a top and bottom layer of laminate with heat activation. It is a good choice for larger jobs, as it can run at high speeds and in a continuous roll. Cold lamination is a simpler option, which involves applying the laminate cover to a printed piece and peeling it off to reveal the adhesive. It is a great solution for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a machine but still need to protect their materials.
The most common application of lamination is to preserve and protect paper-based products. These include identification cards, photographs, artwork and other important documents. It also offers a variety of other benefits, such as durability, luster, readability and protection from harmful elements.
