What You Need to Know About Sticker Cutting

When you’re creating stickers to sell, it’s important to choose the right cut type. The two most common cuts are die-cut and kiss-cut.

Both methods are easy to produce in mass quantities, available individually or on sticker sheets. However, die-cut stickers offer a more pristine aesthetic and professional appearance.

Shapes

Shapes are an important element of sticker cutting. They help your stickers stand out and catch the eye of people.

There are several shapes you can use in sticker cutting, including circles, squares, rectangles and ovals. You can even create custom shapes to suit your needs.

The shape you choose will also depend on the material you’re printing on. This can impact how durable your stickers will be and the overall look they will have.

For example, if you’re planning to apply your stickers on products, choose materials that can withstand weather conditions and frequent use. You can also choose a material that will have a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preferences.

Another important aspect to consider is the cut type. There are three main types of stickers: die-cut, kiss-cut and transfer stickers.

Generally, die-cut stickers are made using a metal die that cuts the adhesive paper into a shape. They are a great choice for intricate designs because they allow you to cut out the specific areas of your design.

However, this process can be costly if you need a lot of stickers. If you’re only needing a few stickers, kiss-cut stickers may be the better option.

Kiss-cut stickers are similar to die-cut stickers, but the blade only cuts the top layer of the sticker instead of penetrating it completely. This leaves the backing intact and makes them easier to peel.

These are often used for gifting, as they are easily identifiable. They can be printed on any color vinyl and come in a variety of sizes.

You can also use them for quality control, as they are inexpensive and can be easily trimmed. This makes them a good option for labels and price tags.

You can create your own shapes by hand or on a computer. Alternatively, you can order a custom cut from a professional. If you’re looking for a custom cut, be sure to provide the details of your desired shape in the order form.

Materials

Stickers are an excellent way to promote your business or brand. They come in a variety of shapes and colors and can be made with many different materials. They are also easy to make and can be a fun way to express yourself.

There are several different materials that can be used for sticker cutting, including vinyl, paper, and other types of adhesive material. Each of these materials has its own unique properties, which can make them suitable for different applications and projects.

Vinyl media is an ideal option for die-cut stickers because it is durable and can stand up to the elements. It is also waterproof, fade-resistant, and scratch-resistant.

Paper is an inexpensive, lightweight, and versatile material that sticker cutting can be used for a wide range of stickers. It is also available in a variety of different colors and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect sheet for any project.

It is important to choose a material that will stand up to wear and tear, especially for outdoor use. This is because it can be difficult to remove a sticker from a surface that has been subjected to the elements.

Another important consideration is whether or not the material will peel easily from the paper backing. This is because some paper materials can be hard to peel off and can cause damage to the project.

Once you have chosen a material, it’s time to cut the stickers out. Using your Cricut or other cutter, load the paper into the machine and follow the on-screen instructions to cut out the stickers.

If you’re not using an electronic cutting machine, you can also cut the stickers by hand. However, be sure to use a safe, non-sticky surface to cut your stickers so that they don’t break or tear while you’re cutting them.

Using a glossy or metallic material can be a good idea if you plan to hand-cut your stickers. These materials are usually very shiny and can be a challenge to register in an electronic cutting machine. Most hardware and craft stores carry topcoating products that will help the shiny paper register in an electronic cutting machine.

Adhesives

Choosing the right adhesive is essential to ensure your stickers or labels stick well and last for a long time. If you use the wrong one, they will lift or peel or look low-quality and could give your brand a bad image.

There are a wide variety of adhesives available, each with different strengths to suit specific surfaces, conditions and extreme environments. Often, label manufacturers use a combination of different types of adhesives for different applications.

For example, acrylic adhesives are designed to adhere to a wide range of materials, including glass and metal. However, if your product is exposed to high sticker cutting humidity or temperatures for long periods of time, acrylic adhesive may not hold up well and can break down.

Rubber-based adhesives are less versatile, but are cheaper and can withstand harsh environments. These can also be used for a range of self-adhesive products, including barcodes and labels for product packaging.

Another important consideration when selecting the correct adhesive is surface energy, which is a measure of how easily the label glue can “wet out” the material it’s applied to. When a material’s surface energy is high, the sticker can easily be stuck to it; whereas when it is low, the material will resist being stuck to.

This is why many labels and stickers are made with various types of adhesives, as well as varying tackiness to ensure that they stick well in various situations or conditions. For example, if you’re labelling a bottle that’s going to be stored in a freezer, you would need an adhesive that can withstand low temperatures without cracking or losing adhesion.

In addition, if you are using the sticker on an outdoor surface that may be subjected to moisture and weather, you’ll need an adhesive that won’t peel or break down after a few months. Some removable adhesives are available in both paper and synthetic substrates, so you can choose one that works for your application.

TSL Graphics will be able to help you find the perfect adhesive for your stickers and labels, so you can rest assured that they’ll stay attached to your product and stand out from the competition. Our team of experienced adhesives experts will guide you through all the options and ensure that you choose the best adhesive for your application.

Printing

Sticker printing is a highly customized form of marketing that allows you to express your brand identity through unique shapes, colors, and textures. It’s an effective way to make your business stand out from the competition, and it can be used for a wide variety of purposes.

The different types of stickers and labels available can be printed using a number of techniques, including digital printing, heat-transfer printing, and die cut sticker printing. Each of these methods can produce a high-quality and eye-catching product that will help your business get noticed.

To achieve the best possible results, it’s important to understand the printing processes and the different types of sticker materials. If you want to increase the longevity of your stickers, it’s a good idea to choose fade-resistant inks. This will significantly improve the longevity of your stickers and increase their impact on potential customers.

Choosing the right printing technique for your sticker can have a significant impact on its quality and durability, and will also affect its cost. Some of the most popular options are digital and heat-transfer printing, both of which can be highly durable.

Another option is die-cut sticker printing, which uses a special cutting tool that allows you to print your stickers in any shape or contour. This is a great way to add a creative twist to your stickers, and it’s a fast and affordable way to increase their value.

You can use this method to create custom stickers in the shape of a car, truck, or any other vehicle. This type of printing is also a great option for creating promotional stickers that can be used in swag bags or as handouts for trade shows and conventions.

If you want to print your stickers in a more durable material, you can opt for polyester stickers, which are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re a great option for a more metal-like look and can be customized to include chrome or mirror-type finishing.

Aside from being a durable and long-lasting option, polyester stickers are also resistant to weather and wear and tear. This means that they’re a great choice for product packaging and advertising, especially if you’re looking to create a more eco-friendly initiative.