The Complete Guide to Vehicle Graphics

Yes, high-quality vehicle graphics designed for vehicles can be removed without damaging the paint. It's recommended to have a professional remove the graphics to ensure there is no residue or damage. The condition of the paint prior to application and the duration of the graphics being on the vehicle can also affect the removal process.  To find out more read our article on How to Remove Vehicle Graphics article.

The lifespan of vehicle graphics depends on the quality of the materials used and exposure to elements like sun and rain. High-quality vinyl graphics can last up to 7 years but there are more cost-effective solutions available, but these may not last as long as premium alternatives. Regular maintenance and careful cleaning can extend the life of the graphics.

In the UK, vehicle graphics must not obstruct the driver's view and should comply with the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001. This means registration plates must remain visible and legible. Graphics should not be misleading or resemble official signage (like emergency vehicles). Additionally, ensure that graphics do not contain offensive or explicit content as per the UK's public decency laws.

Whether you’re looking to cover an individual vehicle or entire fleet, the wide range of options for vehicle signwriting means you can find a solution matched to your budget and timescale.

For those looking for a speedy solution with a smaller budget, vehicle decals and stickers can be quickly applied to your vehicle so you can be back on the road in no time. This also applies for magnetic signs, which have the added benefit of being quickly removed or replaced whenever you like. This makes them an ideal solution if you have regular or seasonal promotions or to temporarily brand a hire vehicle.

Self-adhesive cut vinyl graphics offer a great solution for a permanent or longer-term vehicle rebrand. They are cost-effective, durable, designed bespoke to your vehicle make and model, and help to preserve paintwork underneath. Typical use cases include branding vehicles and fleets with company logos, contact details, slogans and key messaging.

For those looking for even more eye-catching and impactful vehicle graphics, partial and full vehicle wrapping can achieve amazing results. For the most successful application, any existing graphics must be removed and the bodywork should be in good condition. Because they are printed using large format printers, high resolution photographs, designs, and eye-popping colours can all be used to ensure your vehicle is always noticed on the go.

While full vehicle wraps have a longer turnaround time than some of the simpler solutions such as stickers, they offer considerable reductions in lead time when compared with traditional hand-painted signwriting – and the use of digital printing means the possibilities for colour and design are virtually endless.

No, vehicle graphics don't damage the vehicle. In fact, the opposite is true. Graphics actually help to protect the paintwork, making a full wrap a popular option for lease vehicles for this exact reason. If you require graphics to be removed from your vehicle, be sure to get in touch with us for a professional service.

Standard graphics can typically be applied in half a day, while more complex designs can take around a day. Full wraps usually take 2-3 days but this may be longer depending on the size of the vehicle.

It's important you use colours that are already associated with the identity of your business, if you have brand colours ensure these are incorporated. No matter which colours you choose, make sure there is enough contrast between the message and the background colours.

As vehicle wraps are bespoke, all jobs are quoted on an individual basis. Costs range from a few hundred pounds for simple design up to several thousand for a full wrap. However, if you want a more cost effective solution, decals, stickers and magnetic boards are all great alternatives.

The answer is, 'yes you should'. A 3M study on the 'Power of Vehicle Advertising' claims up to 3,000 people see your vehicle every hour. So once you break down the cost of a vehicle wrap or vehicle graphic over the course of its lifetime it can be as little as pennies, (depending on the design and signage solution) making it one of the most cost-effective advertising methods available.

When considering wrapping a commercial vehicle, you need to decide what the most important things are you want customers to know. The golden rule is to state who you are, what you do and how to contact you.

If your company name doesn’t make it clear what services or products you offer it might be worth considering adding additional details or a small product list.

Your vehicle graphics can be completely bespoke, alongside text you can apply logos, patterns and imagery where appropriate.

A professionally installed vehicle wrap, using quality materials, installed by a wrap specialist can last between three and five years, typically. The quality of wrap is a very important factor, along with type of climate and environment the vehicle is used in. Some wraps may last longer, if the vehicle was to be lightly used and the wrap cared for.

After you’ve invested in a new vehicle wrap it’s important to keep it in good condition to ensure it will last longer and look fresher. Follow the below tips to get the best from your van wrap.

Hand washing your vehicle is the best way to keep wraps in perfect condition. Using a non-abrasive solution, rinse first to soften and loosen dirt, and then wash with a gentle sponge or cloth.

Car washes are fine, however avoid stiff brushes that can scratch the finish. A rough brush pulls up the corners, and the bristle motions can remove the shine, causing it to look dull. The better options are touchless car washes or rolling up your sleeves!

Pressure washing isn’t recommended, although it depends on the type of wrap on your vehicle. 3M recommends using water pressure under 2,000 PSI, keeping heat under 80 °C, and using a 40-degree angle spray with the water stream at 90 degrees to the bodywork.

If you take care of your vehicle wrap, they’ll remain as good as new.

To remove your wrap, find yourself a blunt plastic scraper (something that won’t damage the paintwork underneath the graphics) and a hair dryer.

With the hair dryer, focus heat on a small area of your signage to gently melt the glue beneath the vinyl. The area should not be so hot that you cannot touch it; if the vinyl is too hot it will stretch and tear rather than coming off cleanly. Tearing is not a issue in itself, just that it will take a lot longer to remove.

With a patch of vinyl now heated, use your plastic scraper to push up an edge, this raised edge gives you a starting point to pull the vinyl away from the surface. If the vinyl is at the right temperature, you should be able to lift and remove a good size piece of the vinyl.

Our Basildon centre have put together a handy guide on how to remove vehicle graphics, if you would like to learn more.

• Above all, make it clear and obvious what you do.
• Make sure the colour and design matches your brand, and is recognisable.
• Make sure your contact details stand out, so potential customers can contact you.
• As your vehicle will be moving a lot of the time, make sure the design is uncluttered and concise.
• Make the most of the rear of your van. People behind you have more time to digest this area of advertisement.
• If you vehicle has a sliding door, check that there are no inappropriate words on show when it is open.
• Don't put too much detail in. You only have a finite space for your design, so use it wisely.