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Vehicle Graphics

Vehicle graphics… wraps… signwriting… decals… Whatever you choose to call them, vehicle graphics can be a minefield of different options (especially if this is your first time signwriting your vehicle) and a common question we get asked is ‘how much are your vehicle graphics?’…

Prices are based on 3 main factors; Size, Coverage and Time. We’ve put together this blog to break down the different factors into simple terms to help you understand what you need and also how different options are priced. For example, the term ‘vehicle wraps’ is often used loosely and 90% of the time when a customer rings us and says they want their van to be ‘wrapped’, they actually just mean conventional vinyl graphics to advertise their business. The price difference between vinyl graphics and a full vinyl wrap is hugely different, so it’s up to us as experts to help you understand the differences and make sure you end up with the right outcome for a price which suits your budget.

• Size. It’s likely that the size of your vehicle will affect the price of your vehicle graphics due to amount of material and time to complete. For example, it’s very likely that a long wheel base transit van will work out more expensive to signwrite than a Smart car! However, it’s not always as simple as that due to material choice, coverage and complexity of the design.
• Coverage. The amount of coverage you require will affect the price of your graphics because more coverage means more material and more material takes longer to fit. The type of material used also affects the price (read more in material differences and their uses below).
• Time. The time it takes us to design, produce and fit your vehicle graphics all factors into your price. More complex designs take longer to complete, bespoke printed graphics will take longer to produce and more intricate looks will take longer to install.

Types of vehicle graphics…

• Graphics. Our most popular and cost effective form of vehicle signwriting. Vehicle graphics are contour cut vinyl, (either stock colours or bespoke printed) usually applied to a vehicles bonnet, sides and/or back doors. With this option, you will still see the paintwork of your vehicle as it is not a full wrap and most people choose contrasting colours to add impact. Ie black graphics on a white van or silver graphics on a dark grey van. Graphics usually tend to consist of company logo and name, contact details and sometimes a list of services too but can be anything really.
• Panel Infills and Bonnet Wraps. These are larger sections of vehicle graphics where the side and/or back panels of a van, or bonnet are completely covered with vinyl. This again can be with stock coloured vinyl, or with a bespoke print. You would still see your original paintwork on the rest of the vehicle. This option is useful if you’d like the impact of a wrap but at a most cost effective price and is good for including imagery or background patterns.
• Partial Wraps. A more cost effective version of a full wrap. They usually include a wrapped bonnet, partial wrapped side sections (ie the back 3^rd) and sometimes wrapped back doors too. You would still see your original paintwork in the areas where there is no wrap. This option is more expensive than your standard vehicle graphics or infill options, but does offer more space for your content/images and really does stand out on the road.
• Full Wraps. A full wrap is complete coverage of your vehicle. Often with full wraps they are referred to as colour change wraps as you can (as it says on the tin) completely change the colour of your vehicle! Often done as a way of preserving the paintwork on your vehicle, but also offers a full advertising space. This option is the top tier of vehicle graphics which is reflected in the price, we don’t offer full vehicle wraps at Signspeed.

Material differences and their uses

Material can affect the price of your vehicle graphics and it’s our job to select the correct material for your vehicle:

• Stock vinyl. Single colour, contour cut stock vinyl is good for simple logos and contact details on flat surfaces of your vehicle. It’s our most cost effective material and comes in an array of shades where you will likely find a close match to your brands colours but not an exact match.
• Printed vinyl. Bespoke printed vinyl is needed for more complex logos and patterns, it can also be contour cut to shapes or just used as flat panels. This material again can only be used on fairly flat surfaces of your vehicle.
• Wrap vinyl. Stock colour and bespoke printed options can both come as ‘wrap’ vinyl. Wrap vinyl is needed to cover large areas with curves and/or recesses (such as full bonnet or back door coverage and partial side coverage).

Stock colour vs printed graphics

A main difference in vehicle graphics would be the colour. We have a large range of stock coloured vinyls which work out quite a cost effective way to sign write your vehicle. For example if a business’ branding is black and red, some people will be happy with a stock red and black which closely matches their branding colours. However, others might prefer to go for a bespoke print of their brand’s colours which matches their brand guidelines exactly and ensures consistency across their business. We have colour charts here in our showroom which you’re always welcome to come and take a look at if you aren’t sure.

Things to bear in mind

If you are planning on designing your own vehicle graphics and coming to Signspeed to have them produced and installed, then remember that graphics should be clear and fit for purpose. For example:

• Avoid placing an important detail on a door join
• Use clear legible typefaces so your graphics can be read quickly by passing cars.
• Avoid too much ‘jargon’, keep to clear and concise information, graphics should be a snapshot of what you do and how to contact you; in an eyecatching way.
• Choose a contrasting colour palette to the paintwork of your vehicle.
• Wipers should be removed or disengaged if placing graphics on a back window.

Costing Templates

We have created some templates of our most popular coverage options. These templates really are a guide as we will work with you to produce what you require whilst also working within your budget. Please pop us an email to mail@signspeed.com or give us a call on 01646 651799 and we will send you over a copy of our templates. If you’ve got an existing design, or have seen a style of vehicle graphics you like then get in touch and we can provide you with a quote!