What is a cut that cuts only the backing of a sticker?
A cut that goes through only the paper backing and not the sticker itself is called a back slit, liner slit, or crack-and-peel cut. It lets someone flex the sticker so the liner splits and peels away easily. A kiss cut, by contrast, cuts the vinyl but not the liner, and a die cut goes through both.
| Back slit | Cuts liner only, sticker face untouched |
|---|---|
| Kiss cut | Cuts vinyl only, liner stays intact |
| Die cut | Cuts through vinyl and liner |
| Available at Stickerine | Yes, request on any order |
The three cuts, in plain terms
| Cut type | What the blade cuts | Why you would use it |
|---|---|---|
| Die cut | Vinyl and liner, all the way through | Individual stickers shaped to your art |
| Kiss cut | Vinyl only, liner stays whole | Sticker sheets, easy peel, square backing |
| Back slit (crack and peel) | Liner only, vinyl untouched | Large or stiff stickers that are hard to start peeling |
When a back slit matters
- Large decals. A 12in equipment decal has no easy corner to lift. A slit down the middle of the liner lets the installer bend the panel and start clean.
- Gloves-on environments. Equipment techs, dispensary staff and warehouse crews rarely have a fingernail free.
- Cold weather installs. Chilled adhesive grips the liner harder; a slit removes the fight.
- Registration-critical placement. Splitting the liner in half lets you hinge the decal, position it dry, then peel one side at a time.
How to ask for it
Add a note at checkout or reply to your order confirmation: "back slit the liner, vertical center." There is no charge for it on Stickerine orders. For very large decals we default to a hinge-friendly slit unless you tell us otherwise.
Related questions
- Is crack and peel the same as a back slit?
- Yes. Crack-and-peel, split back, back slit and liner slit all describe a cut that passes through the release liner only, so the backing cracks apart when flexed.
- Does a back slit weaken the sticker?
- No. The blade never touches the vinyl or the adhesive, only the paper liner that gets thrown away at install.