Die Cut Labels

FAQ Guide

Die cut labels are the reigning choice for outdoor stickers, being renowned for their looks and flexibility. That said, the myriad of choices of custom stickers can typically create decision-making dilemmas. Fear not, as this is a definitive guide that will cut through the confusion and provide an overall picture of all things related to die cut labels.

1. What are Die Cut Labels?

Die cut labels are stickers cut precisely to a specific design or shape. The labels are applied for various purposes, such as logo stickers, brand stickers, or brewery stickers. “Die cut” derives from the process of cutting implemented to achieve the odd shapes, which is now the general term used to call stickers cut into special shapes.

Previously, a die made of steel was employed to precision cut stickers into intricate shapes, providing them with a custom appearance. Even though technology has improved, newer cutting methods using plotters and lasers replaced the original die, the sticker industry retained the name “die cut.”

The appeal of die cut stickers is that they can tease with their fanciful shapes and contours, which makes them ideal for brand product branding. Their pleasing visual appeal not only makes the sticker eye-catching but also the powerful way in which effective advertisement is made.

2. Die-Cut Sticker Benefits

Die-cut labels have a few advantages that distinguish them from regular stickers:

1) Brand Identity Recognition

Die-cut stickers are also a powerful advertising tool for corporations. By defining your logo or brand image into a unique die-cut shape, the stickers draw attention immediately and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

2) Customization and Creativity

One of the standout features of die-cut labels is the freedom to customize their shapes entirely. Used to emphasize your logo, picture, or original design, die-cutting gives you the precision to turn your creative ideas into reality.

3) Durability

Being made of good quality, long-lasting materials, die-cut labels are very resilient to withstand different environmental conditions. Having a long lifespan, they can be applied for indoor as well as outdoor environments, which makes them receive extended exposure for your message.

4) Professional Appearance

The die-cutting process gives these labels a professional and elegant touch, making them more attractive. Die-cut stickers present a completed appearance with their sharp edges and personalized shapes that distinguish them from standard stickers, causing them to stand out more.

3. What are the Other Custom Label Styles?

Enter the world of custom labels, where a host of styles, sizes, cutting options, and specialty materials are waiting to elevate your branding. Let’s examine some of the most common permutations in the world of custom labels.

1) Kiss Cut Labels

Enter kiss cut labels domain, where accuracy cutting intersects with customization. In contrast to traditional die cut stickers, kiss cut labels peel off in sophistication from the backing paper, leaving behind beautiful designs in immaculate fashion. This new cutting method, besides deterring deformation of design, offers an artistic platform for the incorporation of other branding elements like QR codes, websites, and social media details.

2) Label Sheets

Enjoy the versatility of label sheets, a variation of kiss-cut stickers. Label sheets contain multiple peel-outs, typically 3 to 5, that allow for a range of various sticker designs in a single sheet. Ideal for showcasing a variety of branding options, label sheets offer a creative arena to express your brand personality with a mix of designs and messaging.

3) Hang Tag Labels

Step into the realm of hang tag labels, a fusion of die cut and kiss cut styles tailored for retail clothing, hats, and similar products. These versatile labels serve a dual purpose, exquisitely combining a price sticker with a sticker element. Conveniently applied through retail clothing guns, hang tag labels ensure that every customer leaves with a branded sticker in hand, thereby qualifying as an absolute retail branding necessity.

4. What is the Best Material for Die Cut Labels?

In the case of the best material for die cut labels, both durability and cost should be at the top of the list. Die cuts made from standard die cuts are commonly made of outdoor-grade vinyl, which are more resistant to most elements like sunlight, rain, and car washes. Materials such as polyester, BOPP, static cling, and paper also make good alternatives to produce die cut labels that fit different purposes and needs.

5. How are Die Cut Labels Made?

Die cut label manufacturing is an art of meticulous steps that ensure the quality and shelf life of the final product. Let us delve into each step in depth below.

1) Create the Design

To create any shape a die cut label, you begin by creating the design in design software like Adobe Illustrator. Should you need any assistance, our seasoned art department is ready to help bring your idea to life.

2) Print the Design at Graphicoverlaysz

Select your desired size and quantity of the die cut label on our product page. We will supply a free PDF proof at the time of checkout for you to sign off prior to printing. Depending on size of order and complexity of artwork, we utilize various printing techniques like screen print for outdoor longevity or digital print for smaller orders.

3) Laminating

Once printed, every label is subsequently laminated with a matte or gloss laminate for added protection and durability. The coating saves the print quality from wear and tear over time.

4) Back Slitting

Back slitting is a process of slitting through the liner paper of die-cut stickers to enable easy usage by facilitating easier peeling. The process enables very easy application and a smooth user experience while applying the stickers. A good back slit cannot be overstated for optimum sticker usability.

5) Die Cutting

Moving on to the cutting phase, die cut labels are shaped using plotters, laser cutters, or steel rule die cutters, ensuring precise and clean edges for a professional finish.

6) Packaging & Shipping

Following cutting, the stickers are then packaged for good, whereby they are packaged in batches of 100 and shrink-wrapped for security in transit. Thereafter, the packaged stickers are then boxed and shipped for delivery onto your front doorstep.

6. Tips and Hacks for Custom Die-Cut Stickers

Exploring the realm of custom die-cut stickers unveils a world of tips and tricks for both design enhancement and maintenance to maximize their impact.

1) Design Tips for Maximum Impact

The art of creating compelling die-cut stickers is in thoughtful design choices that appeal to and interest your target audience. These are some design recommendations to make your stickers even more effective:

(1) Consider Brand Colours

Harmonize your die-cut sticker colors with your brand’s identity to maintain a cohesive visual language across all marketing materials.

(2) Select the Right Material

Tailor your choice of sticker material to the intended usage environment, ensuring durability and longevity whether indoors, outdoors, or on products.

(3) Simplicity Speaks Louder

Emphasize clean lines and vibrant colors in your die-cut designs to make a dramatic visual impact. Let the unique design elements command attention while making your message brief and potent.

(4) Audience and Purpose Alignment

Personalize your die-cut stickers to fit your particular audience and purpose, whether it is advertising a business or a cause. Make sure that your design clearly conveys your message to your targeted audience.

2) Maintenance Tips

Preserving the quality and impact of your die-cut stickers requires diligent maintenance practices. Follow these tips to ensure your stickers maintain their allure over time:

(1) Clean Surface Application

Before applying die-cut stickers, clean and dry the surface to maximize adhesive performance and life.

(2) UV Protection

For stickers that will be exposed to the sun, add UV-resistant coatings when printing to protect against fading of color and retain brightness.

(3) Regular Inspection

Regularly inspect your die-cut labels for any signs of wear or peeling, addressing any issues promptly to extend the stickers’ lifespan.

(4) Gentle Cleaning

While cleaning surface areas covered with die-cut stickers, employ a gentle cloth and mild detergent and avoid abrasive material or chemicals that can compromise the structure of the sticker.

7. Top 5 Uses for Die Cut Labels

Die cut labels, those adorable stickers carefully cut to the shape of car windows, water bottles, and laptops, has turned into a popular favorite in American culture. The stickers not only express individuality but also express brand affiliations. Let us explore the wide range of applications of die cut stickers and see how they are cleverly used.

1) Branding Labels

For new brands wanting to make a big splash and push their new releases, branding labels are an extremely powerful weapon. Paired with a good solid social media push, these labels can launch brands into the stratosphere, blending seamlessly with existing branding guidelines.

2) Logo Labels

Each brand carries a signature logo, and logo stickers provide a simple yet effective way to propagate brand image. Sharing these stickers between employees and consumers can yield dramatic dividends, creating brand visibility and having a lasting impression.

3) Brewery Labels

Following the craft brewery explosion of the last twenty years, brewery labels have become hot commodities. These labels provide a versatile canvas for breweries to spread their word, market new beers, and foster a community of devotees.

4) Contingency Labels

Most typically seen on the sides of racing vehicles, contingency labels are 36 square-inch brand stickers applied strategically by automobile manufacturers for marketing purposes. They wind up on whatever surface is available, from refrigerators to windows of automobiles, to get maximum visibility of the brand.

5) Back Print Labels with QR codes

Back print labels, an easy sticker type, offer a unique chance to access the backing paper for secondary features of branding, such as QR codes. Aside from maximizing brand visibility, this multi-tasking approach provides added value to the consumer, which makes them extremely popular among die cut sticker buyers.

Other than the above uses, die cut labels are innovatively used as water bottle stickers, ice chest stickers, and waterproof stickers, to name a few, showing their flexibility and overall acceptance in various industries.

8. What are the Design Considerations that Matter for Die Cut Labels?

Design considerations are at the core of creating effective die-cut labels, determining the result of your design with accuracy and impact. From building safety zones around your design to deciding on white borders versus full-bleed designs, every choice affects the appearance and usability of your labels. Discovering the significance of interior die cuts and how they can elevate your design to the next level is essential in making distinctive and memorable labels. Let’s delve deeper into these significant design elements to make your die-cut labels shine and leave a lasting impression!

1) Safety Zone Around the Design

When cutting die-cut stickers, consider incorporating a safety zone around the design so there will be enough space for small cutting variations. The typical safety zone is 3/32″ (.09375″). Keep this in mind when putting vital pieces at the edges of the design.

2) White Border vs. Full Bleed

Both white border and full bleed patterns can contribute to the visual attraction of stickers. Consider the context while choosing between the two. Black designs without a white border may become invisible on black backgrounds, such as car windows. In those cases, it is advisable to use a white border because it will highlight the design.

3) Interior Die Cuts

Interior die cuts involve cutting out inside the design. These are particularly useful when the sticker will need to cover up an existing component. While we can perform interior die cuts in some instances, it is best to call our customer service department to determine if your artwork is capable of being used for this feature.

9. Conclusion

Die cut labels are a generic product and the die-cut one is a great choice. In summary, die-cut outdoor labels offer an incredible avenue to brand your business, communicate your personality, or simply give a little personality to your possessions. Constructed of durable and weather-resistant materials, die-cut outdoor labels are designed to thrive in harsh outdoor conditions, bringing your message to life and with great strength for many years to come.

Either you desire a personal design or prefer to work with an existing template, ample options are available to match your style and financial capabilities. Bring the world of die-cut outdoor labels into your life today to experience endless artistic opportunities and make a memorable impression!