When ordering custom labels, customers often focus on the material, printing, adhesive, and finish. However, the cutting method is another important part of label production.

One commonly used method is kiss cutting.

Kiss cutting allows individual labels to be cut into custom shapes while keeping the backing liner intact. This makes the labels easy to peel and helps maintain the structure of the label roll or sheet during handling, shipping, and application.

But what exactly is kiss cutting, and when should you use it?

What Is Kiss Cutting?

Kiss cutting is a label converting process in which the cutting blade cuts through the label material and adhesive layer but does not cut completely through the release liner.

The blade essentially "kisses" the liner without cutting through it.

As a result, the finished label remains attached to its backing material until it is peeled away.

A simplified structure looks like this:

Printed Label Material

↓

Adhesive

↓

Release Liner — remains uncut

This is different from a full die cut, where the cutting tool goes through both the label and the liner.

How Does Kiss Cutting Work?

The kiss-cutting process generally involves several steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Dieline

The desired label shape is created as a cutting line in the artwork or production file.

The shape can be:

• Rectangle
• Circle
• Oval
• Custom contour
• Irregular shape
• Logo shape

The cutting line defines the final label shape.

Step 2: Print the Label

The artwork is printed onto the selected label material.

Depending on the project, the label can be produced using:

• Flexographic printing
• Offset printing
• Digital printing

Additional processes such as lamination, varnishing, hot stamping, or other finishes can also be added before or after cutting, depending on the production process.

Step 3: Kiss Cut the Label

The cutting tool follows the designated cutting line and cuts through the label face material and adhesive.

The release liner remains intact.

This allows the labels to remain attached to one continuous backing material.

Step 4: Remove the Waste Material

For some label constructions, the excess material around the labels can be removed through a process called matrix stripping.

The individual labels remain on the liner while the unwanted surrounding material is removed.

This produces a clean, easy-to-use label roll or sheet.

Kiss Cut vs Die Cut

The main difference between kiss cutting and die cutting is the depth of the cut.

The most important distinction is simple:

Kiss cut = the label is cut, but the liner remains intact.

Die cut = both the label and liner are cut through.

What Are the Benefits of Kiss Cutting?

1. Easy Label Peeling

Because the label is separated from the surrounding material but remains attached to the liner, users can easily peel each label when needed.

This is especially useful for manually applied labels and applications where labels need to remain organized during handling.

2. Custom Shapes

Kiss cutting allows labels to be produced in many different shapes.

Instead of using only standard rectangles, brands can create:

• Round labels
• Oval labels
• Custom logo shapes
• Product-specific contours
• Decorative packaging labels

The cutting line can be designed according to the shape of the artwork and packaging.

3. Labels Stay Organized

The intact release liner keeps the labels together.

This is useful during:

• Transportation
• Storage
• Manual application
• Packaging operations
• Label dispensing

For sheet-format labels, multiple labels can also remain neatly arranged on a common backing sheet.

4. Suitable for Roll Labels

Kiss cutting is commonly used for pressure-sensitive labels supplied on rolls.

The labels remain attached to the liner, allowing the roll to be wound and supplied for use with manual or automatic labeling equipment.

For automatic labeling, however, the complete construction still needs to be matched to the labeling machine, including:

• Roll direction
• Core size
• Label gap
• Label spacing
• Winding direction
• Label material
• Adhesive
• Liner

The cutting method is therefore only one part of the overall label specification.

Where Are Kiss-Cut Labels Used?

Kiss cutting can be used for many types of custom labels.

Product Labels

Custom-shaped product labels can be kiss cut while remaining attached to the liner until application.

Promotional Labels

Brands can use custom-shaped labels for promotional campaigns, seasonal packaging, and marketing materials.

Logo Stickers

Company logos can be produced in custom shapes and supplied on sheets or rolls for easy peeling.

Barcode and Identification Labels

Kiss cutting can also be used for smaller identification labels where individual labels need to remain organized on a backing liner.

Packaging Labels

Food, beverage, cosmetics, household products, and other consumer packaging can use custom-cut pressure-sensitive labels.

Kiss Cutting for Automatic Labeling

For automatic labeling applications, kiss cutting is only effective when the label construction is correctly designed for the machine.

The following specifications should be confirmed before production:

• Label size: The label dimensions must match the packaging and application position.
• Label gap: A suitable gap between labels helps the sensor detect individual labels during dispensing.
• Liner: The liner needs to have suitable strength and release characteristics for the labeling process.
• Roll direction: The winding direction should match the requirements of the labeling machine.
• Adhesive: The adhesive should be selected according to the packaging material and application environment.

For example, glass, PET, HDPE, PP, and other surfaces can have different adhesive requirements.

Kiss Cut or Die Cut: Which Should You Choose?

The right cutting method depends on how the labels will be supplied and used.

Choose Kiss Cutting when:

• Labels need to remain on a liner
• Easy peeling is important
• Labels will be supplied on rolls or sheets
• Labels will be manually applied
• You need custom-shaped peelable labels
• The backing needs to remain intact during transportation

Consider Die Cutting when:

• Individual labels need to be completely separated
• The finished shape needs to be supplied as separate pieces
• The application process requires individually separated labels
• The packaging or presentation requires a specific standalone shape

Neither method is automatically better. The choice depends on the label structure, application process, packaging design, quantity, and equipment.

What Information Should You Provide to a Label Manufacturer?

When requesting custom kiss-cut labels, providing the following information can help the manufacturer recommend the right production method:

1. Label size
2. Label shape
3. Label material
4. Adhesive requirement
5. Packaging surface
6. Roll or sheet format
7. Application method
8. Quantity
9. Labeling machine specifications, if applicable
10. Artwork and dieline

If you already have a dieline, providing the original editable file can also help the printer check the cutting line and artwork before production.

Final Thoughts

Kiss cutting is a simple but important part of custom label production. By cutting through the label material while keeping the release liner intact, it creates peelable labels that are easy to handle, store, transport, and apply.

For custom product labels, the best cutting method depends on more than the label shape. Material, adhesive, liner, roll configuration, application method, and labeling equipment should all be considered together.

At Jinke Label, we provide customized label production with different materials, adhesives, printing methods, and finishing options. If you have a custom-shaped label or a roll-label project, we can review your artwork and application requirements and recommend a suitable cutting and label construction solution.