Proper Surface Prep for Vehicle Wraps/Fleet Graphics—Franklin, TN

Replacing old graphics with fresh, new, up to date visual advertising is a common place in business. Number changes, address changes, branding updates, or just outdated looks are just some instances of companies replacing existing graphics on your fleet vehicles. Some vehicles have seen so many changes, or service hours that the surface and paint of the vehicle is in desperate need of restoration. Assessing the current state of the vehicle’s exterior is imperative to the application and life expectancy of the new wrap or graphics being applied.

Many service vehicles have been painted several times, and had many graphics on them. The quality of each exterior application directly affects the next layer. Some people will just paint over existing cut vinyl, and apply new graphics to the painted surface. At some point, the original vinyl will lose its adhesion, begin to lift, taking the paint and anything layered on top of it with it. Vinyl, like paint, only adheres as good as the prepped surface. This holds true with quality of install as well; blemishes and imperfections will show through your wrap as cast films are just thin enough to help conform to curves and contours of vehicle panels.

Bottom line: if the existing vehicle surface is peeling, chipping, or lifting, you’re throwing good money at a bad situation. Life expectancy of the graphics and quality installation is compromised and not guaranteed. Most vehicle graphics installers won’t even touch a vehicle in rough condition. Take the time and spend the extra money on a new paint job and surface prep. Your fleet vehicles will show your customers you take care of your equipment, as you would their business. You’ll regain that look of excellence and increase longevity of your vehicle, and its marketing capabilities.

Feel free to contact us at 12pointsignworks.com for a free estimate and assessment of your vehicle and wrap or graphics project.