Custom Die Cut Labels

A die cut label is a label cut to a custom shape rather than a standard rectangle, square, or circle. The shape is cut with a die, which is a metal tool shaped like your label outline (think of a cookie cutter for labels). Die cutting lets the label follow your logo, fit a curved or oddly shaped container, or stand out with a shaped edge. The cut goes all the way through both the label and its backing, so each label comes off as its own finished shape.

Both can be any shape. The difference is how deep the cut goes. A die cut goes all the way through the label and the backing, so you get individual shaped labels. A kiss cut goes through the top label layer only and leaves the backing sheet whole, so the labels stay on a flat sheet until you peel them. Die cut is the usual pick for product labels applied one at a time. Kiss cut is handy for sticker sheets and promotional stickers where easy peeling matters.

We print die cut labels on several stocks so the material fits the product:

• BOPP (a waterproof plastic film): a strong pick for bottles, jars, and anything that faces moisture.
• Vinyl: durable and flexible, good for curved surfaces and outdoor use.
• Polyester: holds up to heat and chemicals better than most stocks.
• Paper: a natural, printed look for dry-goods packaging where water resistance is less of a concern.

Each comes in gloss, matte, or satin finishes, with optional protective coatings. If you’re not sure which stock fits, tell us where the product lives and we’ll recommend one.

Sizes run from about 0.05 inches up to 28 inches, with plenty of custom dimensions in between. Because the label is cut to a shape, the size is driven by your artwork and your container. Send us your dimensions or your design file and we’ll confirm the cut before anything prints.

Permanent adhesive is the common choice for retail products, since it holds firmly and resists lifting. Removable or repositionable adhesives are worth considering when the label needs to peel off cleanly later, like on returnable containers or products where the label comes off before use. The best adhesive also depends on the surface, so let us know what you’re labeling and we’ll spec one that sticks.

No. We don’t require a minimum order, so you can print a small test batch or a full production run and pay for only what you need. That makes die cut labels practical for a new product launch or a limited seasonal item.

Not always. We keep thousands of existing dies on hand, so many common shapes and sizes are already covered with no extra tooling. If your shape is truly custom, we can build a new die for it, and we’ll include any tooling detail in your quote up front so there are no surprises.

Yes, when it’s built for it. On waterproof BOPP or vinyl with a permanent adhesive, die cut labels stand up to condensation, refrigeration, and regular handling. Adding a laminate or protective coating gives extra scuff and moisture resistance. We spec the material and finish for the conditions your product will actually see, whether that’s a cooler, a bathroom shelf, or a shipping box.

Our presses can match up to 97% of the full color spectrum, using CMYK plus an extended ink set for harder-to-hit colors. That keeps your brand colors consistent across every shape, every SKU, and every reorder.

Yes. Before we print your die cut labels, we’ll send a digital proof by email for your approval, so you can confirm the shape, size, and color first.

Our preferred file formats are Adobe Illustrator or a high-resolution PDF. For die cut labels, a vector file with a defined cut line works best, since it tells the die exactly where to cut.

We offer shipping through several vendors like UPS, FedEx, and USPS, including Ground, Next-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, and custom freight options. We print and ship from our Lancaster, Ohio facility nationwide.

While Blue Label Packaging doesn’t directly offer label design services, we do have resources to help, including a directory of designers we’ve worked with.