Vehicle Graphics| Avoiding Material Failure
February 2, 2012
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No one wants to fail. It just doesn’t feel right and can be the kiss of death to any business which relies on repeat business and referrals. Yet the truth is that vehicle wrap vinyl can and does fail. Let’s examine some of the more common reasons for these failures:
The Wrong Vinyl: Wrap vinyl’s are not all the same so making sure that you are using the right material is important. Also, like with everything else in life there are various levels of quality meaning that the level of adhesion may be inferior or the material quality could allow it to bubbly, wrinkle or be prone to over stretching.
Inadequate Surface Preparation: A trip to the car wash is definitely in order prior to a vehicle wrap but this step needs to ensure that all dirt and oil has been removed from the vehicle surface. Oil and dirt will lead to poor vinyl adhesion and/or bubbling. The vehicle should be free of wax in order to promote good adhesion.
Over Stretched Vinyl: Making sure there is enough material on hand so that overstretching does not occur will make for a good installation. When overstretching occurs a whitening of the vinyl occurs. Since vinyl is a type of plastic the film’s memory will want to return to the pre-stretched state and lifting may occur. This typically occurs in tight areas and around bumpers and grilles.
Post Installation Heating: As mentioned previously wrap vinyl will tend to conform back to its original shape. Problem areas will require post installation heat to prevent potential failure. This is particularly true at the edges and in deeply recessed grooves. This additional heat will lock in the memory of the new shape.
Edge Lifting: It is important to seal the edges of the wrap vinyl, especially around door jams, wheel wells and the like. When post installation heating is coupled with edge sealing, this type of failure can be avoided.
The key is to work with an experienced vehicle wrap company that understands why wrap vinyl can fail and takes the necessary precautions to prevent it. For more information and advice about this topic contact SignWorks at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.
Vehicle Graphics|Restoration Hardware Truck Wrap Update
December 21, 2011
Project Update | Sakura and the Ford Vehicle Graphics Program
December 14, 2011
When we were working with our customer Sakura to design some window perforation and cut vinyl for their Ford Transit we heard that our local Ford dealer was actually helping to pay for a portion of the work. This exciting new program allows purchasers of the Ford Transit to develop personalized advertising and vehicle graphics for the vehicle and have some of the costs defrayed by the dealership. We as a local sign fabricator and vehicle wrap installer think it’s a great idea, despite the fact that we don’t have all the particulars.
It is a well know fact that vehicle graphics and wraps are a very affordable way for businesses to advertise and promote their products and services, especially when compared to traditional print or media advertising. It goes without saying that the auto industry and local dealerships can use programs that allow commercial customers to personalize their vehicles as a sales aid. It is certainly a “winning” idea whose time has come.
If you or your company has an upcoming vehicle graphics or wrap project please give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or send us an email at info@signworks.us.com. We can assist you in getting just the look you want without going over your budget!
Project Update| HeavyLux Vehicle Window Perforation
November 9, 2011
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Sometimes a vehicle wrap will feature window perforation as part of the design and sometimes it won’t. Recently we completed a vehicle graphics project for HeavyLux, a San Leandro based company that specializes in frameless shower doors and specialty glass. Most recently, the owner stopped by because he had decided to add window perforation to the rear window of his vehicle. Though we can’t take credit for the logo art and color scheme, we thought the project turned out well. In fact, we liked it so much that we have decided to add it to our own shop vehicle.
Window perforation allows you to continue the theme and design of your vehicle wrap onto the window surfaces and give the design a very “complete” look. Lines, patterns and pictures can flow from the body of the vehicle into the window areas without concerns regarding obstructing the view out of the windows. If you are considering a full or partial vehicle wrap or just simple lettering, the addition of window perforation can make your design stand out and enhance the overall look of the project. If you need some creative suggestions about your upcoming vehicle or fleet graphics project, just give us a call at (510) 357-2000. We’re here to help.
Vehicle Wraps| Forbidden City Project Update
September 22, 2011
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When we were approached to do a partial wrap for a catering truck we expected a slightly different menu choice and certainly not the bright red color of the vehicle when it arrived for final measurements. We, like many others assumed a Mexican or American cuisine but that could not have been further from the truth! The fact is that there are many flavors of catering trucks in the Bay Area reflecting the diversity and food preferences of the multi-ethnic population that characterizes this region. “Forbidden City” is an Asian themed catering truck featuring Chinese and other Asian foods.
Though we cannot take credit for the design associated with the “Forbidden City” partial truck wrap, we worked hard to make sure the design elements were sized appropriately and placed on the vehicle to maximize the impact. We used a special conformable 3M vinyl and over laminate because the vehicle had some areas with contours that required us to wrap around corners and curves.
We hope you agree that the project turned out great. If you are considering a vehicle graphics project we hope you will give us the opportunity to generate a quote for you. If so, call SignWorks today at (510) 357-2000.
Vehicle Wraps| What Makes Them So Effective?
September 15, 2011
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Cost Effectiveness: When compared to other forms of adverting vehicle wraps have proved to be one of the most cost effective forms of advertising so if your business or charitable organization is working on a strict budget investing in a vehicle wrap may be the way to go! The added visibility, when you consider that it will last five years or more make it an incredible bargain that works out to pennies a day.
A Solid Long Term Investment: The visibility from this source of advertising, especially if it is a consistent brand focused message that does not change, will last five years or more. Pay for the wrap once and you’re done. (And, minor changes can be made to the individual panels or sections if the need arises).
Highly Noticeable: More and more people are reporting that they notice vehicle wraps and graphics. In a busy bustling culture with ever exploding information choosing a medium that is highly visible and noticeable is critical!
Compelling Graphics: To make your message even more effective it is important to include compelling graphics and imagery that emotes your unique message be it food, puppies, babies, flowers, etc. These kinds of visual short cuts draw the eye and create an impact by drawing on an emotional connection.
Better Asset Utilization: If the organization already owns a vehicle or if the owner drives to work each day, why not use the vehicle to make the business visible and build brand awareness. It makes sense to wrap a car, trailer or van that is already being used in the business! Otherwise the vehicle remains functionally a blank canvas.
If you are considering vehicle graphics or a car, van or trailer wrap, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000. We’ll happily lend our expertise!
Vehicle Graphics| 3 Easy Steps For Un-wrapping Your Vehicle Wrap!
August 5, 2011
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Perhaps your formerly wrapped company delivery vehicle reflects branding from the past and needs to be updated, or maybe the vehicle in question is being put out to pasture to serve as this summers’ family cargo van. Either way, the vehicle wrap needs to be removed and you as a business owner have heard terrible stories about the wrap removable process and possible damage to the paint job underneath the vehicle wrap vinyl. Be assured that in most situations the paint below the vinyl will be just fine even though there are a few exceptions. The good news is that if the paint had cured a minimum of 3 weeks prior to having the vinyl wrap installed, the paint below will have been preserved from the elements by the vinyl covering.
One of the other exceptions would be removing a specialty vinyl like Carbon Fiber which requires special bonding materials, that when applied, will adhere to the car’s paint and will not remove cleanly from the vehicle.
1. The removal process involves applying just the right amount of heat using a blow torch. Too much heat and you have a bubbling vinyl mess, too little and you have vinyl that will not release. The lesson here is to use an experienced sign company with qualified installers/de-installers.
2. Once the large sections of vinyl have been removed the smaller more stubborn ones are tackled. Depending on how long the vinyl has remained on the vehicle and been exposed to weather extremes, like baking in the outdoor sun which creates brittle and flaking vinyl, removing the smaller sections may take some time.
3. The sticky adhesive residue does not come off with just soap and water, so we will wipe the vehicle down with powerful chemical that will leave your vehicle free of this otherwise guppy mess.
If you’re considering removing, updating or creating a new vehicle wrap, give the folks at SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000. We give you our expert advice and ensure that your vehicle wrap or removal is handled with the utmost care!
Vehicle Graphics| Food Service & Delivery Makes a Tasty Match
July 27, 2011
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Some industries have a unique advertising opportunity when it comes to using vehicle wraps to advertise their wares. This is certainly true of the restaurant and/or food service trades! Could there be a better way to advertise than employing a drivable billboard plastered with pictures of delicious and delectable treats, especially during lunchtime or when folks are headed home with “what’s for dinner” at the forefront of their minds? The more I think about it the more I think that this form of advertising including the barbequed ribs pictured in the above vehicle wrap, may well be the perfect match for car wraps and fleet graphics.
Fortunately food represents a product that is visually enticing which means a giant hamburger, sandwich or giant sundae pictured on the side of a vehicle can have an immediate impact on a passing driver, especially if they’re hungry. So why not get those stomachs rumbling by having your most popular food treats pictured on your work and delivery trucks? The brand exposure is great for business! Parking strategically at local events and festivals allows you to get even more brand exposure for your business. And, if you find your business is tucked away (or harder to find than you would like) why not park the vehicle on the closest busy street with your phone number very clearly visible so prospects can call for directions.
If you’re a restaurant owner, caterer or bakery, or in the food service and delivery trades, you may be missing out on a great advertising opportunity by not integrating vehicle graphics into your marketing and advertising strategy. Call SignWorks today at (510) 357-2000 and we will work with you on ways to maximize exposure for your tasty treats!
Vehicle Graphics|Making it Memorable, Keeping it Relevant!
June 23, 2011
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When you’re working with a designer to create your vehicle or fleet graphics you will want to create an attention grabbing design that will catch the eye of potential customers. By using photo’s that are relevant to your business you can tell a story about your products and services that may be hard for your customers to resist.
Take for example a restaurant or food specialty company. Is there a better way to advertise than having pictures of sumptuously prepared foods integrated into the graphics on the side of your wrapped vehicle? This way hungry passerby’s sitting in traffic will definitely be thinking, pizza, french-fries or other menu items, as your delivery vehicle rolls by. It stimulates the appetite and inspires potential customers to jot down the delivery phone number.
The same is true of the local plumber or electrician who place photographically relevant information on their vehicles. Pictures of cool looking faucets or light fixtures speak volumes about the product and service offering. The same is true for contractors, handy-men, and landscapers who can take pictures of their latest project and use the visual to provide illustrations of their work. This allows potential clients who are considering a similar project to immediately identify resources for an upcoming project.
Regardless of the industry you are in pictures will help you tell your story. Florists can use big beautiful bouquets, or long stem roses and the like to communicate the product offering. Pet sitters and animal care providers might think about using puppies and kittens, since these have universal appeal and are down-right cute! Use pictures so your prospects know who you are and what you do. And, if you need our help to come up with the right visual, just give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000.
Vehicle Graphics| A Wrap Well Done!
June 14, 2011
We just concluded a vehicle wrap for a St. Louis Ad Agency, called Switch: Liberate Your Brand. The client has a fleet of Ford Transit Connects in multiple locations and had had a bad experience with a sign company that had used lots of relief cuts when installing the roof graphics. This is particularly problematic on a channeled roof because the water can sit and puddle after a rainy period, hence the water and dirt accumulation will make it virtually impossible to avoid lifting if relief cuts are present.
Our certified installer chose to take this challenge to whole new level and worked the roof vinyl as a solid piece instead. This approach, though more tedious to install, affords the client peace of mind regarding the roof section which is now less susceptible to the effects of rain and dirt. We hope you will agree that the job looks great based on the pictures posted here.
If you need a top of the line certified installer capable of working on cars, buses, trains and other more challenging wrap installations, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000. You’ll be pleased with the results!
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