Project Update |Partial Vehicle Wrap for Mathieson Marine
April 5, 2012
SignWorks just completed a partial wrap project for Mathieson Marine in Emeryville. Based in Emeryville, the company provides marine electronic products and services to the boating/maritime industry. When the owner contacted SignWorks they informed us that they were purchasing a 2012 Nissan Cargo Van and wanted to discuss their options. Since the vehicle is quite large they decided to economize and go with a partial vehicle wrap. The owner had a favorite picture in mind that had been taken by a friend. The photograph captures a boat race and the magnificent waterscape under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Our designer worked with the owner on the layout and integrated the company product and contact information into the design. The prints for both sides of the vehicle were printed then over laminated using specialty conformable vinyl which was installed by our mater certified installer. The rear of the vehicle was lettered with cut vinyl displaying company name and phone number. Everyone, especially the owner, was pleased with the results which included same day installation!
If you are in the market for a full or partial vehicle wrap, give SignWorks a call at 510-357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.
Vehicle Graphics| Important Statistics
March 2, 2012
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According to various studies vehicle wraps provide the lowest cost per impression when compared to other advertising mediums. Most properly cared for vehicle wraps last around five years so when you average the cost over that amount of time, it averages to thousands of advertising impressions for just a few dollars per day!
According to the Traffic Audit Bureau for Media Measurement an urban vehicle generates between 30,000 and 70,000 impressions every single day. Just imagine the impact when the fleet consists of several vehicles.
• The American Trucking Association reports that 91% of the people it surveyed noticed vehicle graphics.
• 3M, a leading tape and vinyl supplier, reported that a company would need to spend $130,000 in advertising dollars to get the same effects as a $3,500 vehicle wrap.
• Other studies showed that vehicle graphics made name recognition 15 times greater.
Many companies are taking advantage of the fleet graphics including national franchises, utilities, delivery and freight service companies, landscapers and solar energy companies. And, the list keeps growing. If you are considering a vehicle or fleet graphics project, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or send an email to info@signworks.us.com.
Vehicle Graphics| It’s A Wrap! Restoration Hardware Fleet Graphics Update
February 23, 2012
We’re happy to report that we are down to scheduling the last Restoration Hardware truck in the Los Angeles area which will bring the total to eight large box trucks. Our remote installers represent one of the premiere wrap installation company’s in the Los Angeles area and they are extremely skilled at what they do. It was important to us to use well qualified certified wrap installers to ensure the finished process met with our client’s approval. Restoration Hardware is extremely protective of their excellent brand image which has been built over several decades.
The logistics and coordination of the final two trucks were not without some challenges, especially as the client’s busy delivery season approached, along with the California winter rain! It’s generally better to work on large trucks in dry weather so as to avoid potential adhesion issues and to promote optimal bonding between the vinyl and the truck surface.
We’re anxious to start working with the client on the Bay Area truck wraps and to on finalizing the schedule. With nine additional large trucks here in the Bay Area there will be lots of vinyl lettering to cut and mask along with a variety of related project management and scheduling tasks. If you are considering a vehicle or fleet graphics project, no matter how large or small, call us at (510) 357-2000 or send an email to info@signworks.us.com . We know you will be pleased with the results!
Vehicle Graphics| Tips To Simplify Design: “Less is more!”
February 14, 2012
Often times when customers have a sign design set in their mind there is nothing that will steer them away from it. The challenge that graphic designers face is explaining to customers that their ideas may not be the best or most efficient way to convey company information. Business owners or those in charge of ordering signage often put too much information on the vehicle and they are set on a specific design. It’s true sometimes there are certain signs that will have to contain a lot of information, but as far as vehicle graphics, this is where a simple design layout will have a better impact on onlookers. On a vehicle, having too many services, products, and company information can drown out the key things that you want to convey which are:
1.Who you are
2. What you do
3. How can I contact you.
Here at SignWorks, we had an opportunity to simplify a truck design for a local moving company. As you notice on the first picture there is so much information on the truck that the words just fade into the background. By asking the customer questions about what he really wanted onlookers to take away from the design, we were able to cut out excess information and maximize the main logo and contact information. With that the design became cleaner and also more cost effective. If you are a business or individual who is interested in these types of signs please contact us at (510) 357-2000 or e-mail us at info@signworks.us.com.
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!
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