Die Cut Sticker Printing in Los Angeles: Shape, Size & Custom Options

Die Cut Stickers in Los Angeles: A Guide

Die cut stickers are an extremely popular way for businesses, organizations, and individuals in Los Angeles to promote brands, spread messages, and show off creativity. Die cut stickers come in endless shapes, sizes, and designs - from simple circles and squares to intricate custom shapes. Removing the backing and applying these stickers properly is key to getting the most out of your die cut stickers. Here is a comprehensive guide to using die cut stickers in LA, including how to remove backings and apply them for maximum stickiness and visual appeal.

What Are Die Cut Stickers?

Die cut stickers are stickers that are cut into custom non-rectangular shapes using a die cutting machine. Die cutting uses sharp steel blades to precisely and accurately cut stickers into any imaginable shape. Die cut stickers come with a backing sheet that covers the adhesive side, which you peel off before applying the sticker.

Common die cut sticker shapes include circles, ovals, stars, hearts, speech bubbles, logos, and more. Die cutting allows for completely unique sticker shapes like animals, abstract shapes, outlines of objects, and anything else you can imagine. The die cutting technique leaves smooth, professional edges so die cut stickers look extremely crisp.

Benefits of Die Cut Stickers

There are many reasons die cut stickers are popular for businesses, events, crafts, and personal uses in LA:

• Customization - Die cutting allows for endless custom sticker shapes and sizes.
• Visual appeal - Die cut shapes are eye-catching and draw attention.
• Versatility - Use die cut stickers for branding, product labels, promotions, crafts, scrapbooking, and more.
• Professional quality - Die cut edges are precise and clean for a professional look.
• Cost effective - Die cut stickers are affordable to produce in small or large quantities.

How to Remove Die Cut Sticker Backings

Removing the backing properly is the key to successfully applying die cut stickers without any hassle. Here are some tips for removing die cut sticker backings cleanly:

1. Take things slow - Carefully peel off backings rather than yanking them off quickly to avoid tearing the sticker.
2. Use your fingernail - Run your fingernail under a corner edge of the backing to lift it up.
3. Try a knife - For small stickers, use an X-Acto knife to gently lift up the backing at one edge.
4. Apply heat - For stubborn stickers, use a hairdryer on the hot setting to heat up and loosen the adhesive before peeling.
5. Do a bend test - Bend the sticker slightly to loosen the adhesive before removing the entire backing.
6. Avoid over-stretching - Pull the backing straight back rather than stretching it too far sideways as you peel.

How to Apply Die Cut Stickers

Once you've removed the backing, it's time to perfectly apply your die cut sticker. Use these techniques for flawless sticker application:

1. Clean the surface - Wipe down the surface where you plan to stick the sticker to remove dirt, dust, or oils.
2. Align it right - Place the sticker where you want it and gently press a corner down as you realign if needed.
3. Apply pressure - Use your finger or a soft cloth to firmly press down on all edges and the middle of the sticker.
4. Go edge-to-edge - Try to press from one edge of the sticker all the way across to the opposite edge to avoid air bubbles.
5. Rub it out - Use your finger or a stiff card to rub firmly over the entire surface of the sticker to secure the adhesive.
6. Heat it up - For maximum stickiness, use a hairdryer to gently heat the sticker for 30 seconds after application.

Creative Uses for Die Cut Stickers in LA

Now that you know how to apply them perfectly, explore all the creative ways businesses and individuals are using custom die cut stickers in Los Angeles:

• Branding - Create logo stickers to brand clothing, devices, binders, notebooks, computers, water bottles, and more.
• Product labels - Use die cut stickers as whimsical product labels for food, bath and beauty items, arts and crafts, and any retail items.
• Event promotions - Design eye-catching die cut stickers to give away or sell at conferences, festivals, trade shows, concerts, races, and other events.
• Scrapbooking - Decorate scrapbook pages, cards, journals, and crafts with colorful die cut stickers in fun shapes and themes.
• Decor - Stick die cut wall decals and art in offices, homes, dorms, lockers, cars, storefronts, and other spaces.
• Campaigns & causes - Create promotional stickers for political campaigns, nonprofits causes, school spirit, community events, and more.

Where to Order Die Cut Stickers in Los Angeles

To get your hands on die cut stickers with any size, shape, or design, Los Angeles has no shortage of awesome printing and sticker shops. Here are some of the best local companies making high quality custom die cut stickers:

• StickerYou - This online printing company has fast turnaround and easy online ordering for LA-based clients. Upload your own design or work with their team to create the perfect die cut stickers.
• StickerGiant - This nationwide printing company has experts ready to help LA sticker buyers create and print eye-catching die cut stickers perfectly tailored for any project.
• LA Sticker Printing - A local LA printer making high quality die cut stickers in any size and shape at wholesale prices. They have a retail shop in Mar Vista.
• West Coat Printing - A long-running LA printer with expertise in die cut sticker printing as well as other custom print projects like business cards, signage, and promotional products.

In addition to using professional printers, you can also find inexpensive die cut stickers from craft stores, office supply shops, online retailers like Etsy, or make your own using DIY die cutting machines like Cricut.

Die Cut Stickers Add Creativity in LA

Die cut stickers are the perfect way for Angelenos to add art, branding, messaging, and creativity to any surface. With so many shapes and design options, the possibilities are endless. By removing backings slowly and applying stickers properly, you can get stickers to look smooth and flawless in any location. Use custom die cut stickers from LA's awesome printing shops to take your projects to the next creative level!

FAQs

What are some popular die cut sticker shapes?

Some popular die cut sticker shapes include circles, ovals, hearts, stars, hexagons, speech bubbles, clouds, arrows, and custom shapes like animals or abstract designs.

What materials are used to make die cut stickers?

Die cut stickers are most commonly made from vinyl or clear polyester, but can also be made from paper, fabric, foam, or other materials.

How many die cut stickers should I order?

Order enough die cut stickers for your immediate needs, plus 10-20% extra to have on hand. Many printers offer discounts for larger quantities. Stickers can last 1-2 years if stored properly.

How much do custom die cut stickers cost?

Cost depends on size, quantity, and materials, but custom die cut stickers can range from $0.10 - $2 per sticker for small orders. Prices go down significantly for orders over 100-500 stickers.

How long does it take to get die cut stickers printed?

Turnaround time is usually 1-4 business days for rush orders. Standard turnaround ranges from 4-7 business days for small orders and up to 2-3 weeks for large orders of thousands of stickers.