Die-cut sticker
Matte art paper with gloss lamination, permanent adhesive, custom die shape200 minimum · 5 to 7 business daysA die-cut sticker is cut to the exact outline of your logo or artwork instead of a stock circle or rectangle, on a matte paper stock with a gloss lamination overlay that gives it a durable, water-resistant finish for handling and light outdoor exposure. It isn't true vinyl, and we'll say that plainly, but for packaging inserts, product swag, and everyday branded stickers it holds up well past what a bare paper label would. We produce them from 200 units, ready in about 5 to 7 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a die-cut sticker when a stock shape would clip your logo or leave an awkward white border. Packaging inserts, water bottle stickers, and laptop stickers all read as more finished when the cut follows the artwork instead of framing it in a rectangle.
Choose a standard rectangular product label instead if the sticker is doing a functional job like carrying an ingredient list or barcode. A custom die shape costs more per unit and doesn't add anything when the content itself is what matters.
Specifications
| Stock | Matte art paper with gloss lamination overlay |
|---|---|
| Adhesive | Permanent pressure-sensitive |
| Shape | Custom die-cut to your artwork outline, any silhouette |
| Digital CMYK, full color to the edge | |
| Finish | Gloss standard, matte or soft-touch lamination available |
| Minimum | 200 units |
| Lead time | 5 to 7 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | 2 x 2 in (logo sticker) 3 x 3 in (packaging insert or swag) custom size and shape to your artwork |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Is this real vinyl?
No, it's a laminated paper stock. We're upfront about that because some buyers specifically need true vinyl for heavy outdoor or automotive use. For packaging inserts, swag, and everyday branding, the laminated finish holds up well and costs less.
Will it survive a water bottle that gets thrown in a bag every day?
The gloss lamination gives it real water resistance for that kind of daily handling. For something that's fully submerged or run through a dishwasher repeatedly, you'd want true vinyl instead.
How complex can the die shape be?
Very. As long as there's roughly 1/16 inch of material holding each thin point together, the cutter can follow almost any outline, and we'll flag it if a detail in your art is too fine to hold up.
What file do you need for a custom shape?
A vector file, PDF or AI, with your outline as a clean path. If you only have a flat image, we can usually trace it, but a vector file gives a cleaner cut.
Can we mix several different shapes in one order?
Yes, as long as each shape hits a reasonable minimum on its own, we can run several die-cut designs in the same production batch.
Do smaller quantities cost a lot more per sticker?
There's a real jump between 200 units and a few thousand since the die itself is a one-time cost that amortizes across the run. We can quote a few quantity breaks so you can see where it evens out.
Sticker and label sheet, sticker sheet or die-cut sticker: which do I need?
Pick by the job. The sticker and label sheet is the working label: one shape repeated on sheets or rolls, on paper or waterproof vinyl, for sealing tissue, closing a bag or labeling a jar; it runs 10 to 12 business days after proof. The sticker sheet puts several different kiss-cut shapes on one page for your customer to peel off, as a bonus insert or a piece of merch; 5 to 7 business days. The die-cut sticker is a single sticker cut to the outline of your artwork on laminated paper, for swag, laptops and water bottles; 5 to 7 business days. All three start at 200 units.
How is a die-cut sticker different from a sticker sheet?
A die-cut sticker is one sticker cut to the outline of your artwork, on matte art paper with a gloss lamination overlay, sold as its own item or dropped in an order. A sticker sheet holds several kiss-cut shapes on one 4 by 6, 5 by 7 or 8.5 by 11 inch sheet that the customer peels one at a time. Both start at 200 units in 5 to 7 business days after proof. One hero sticker suits die-cut; a set of small ones suits the sheet.
Similar styles
Read next
Ready to price your die-cut sticker?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.