Vehicle wraps have become an increasingly popular and cost-effective way for companies to promote their brand on the go. But when exploring wrap options, one of the biggest questions is whether to go with a full vehicle wrap or partial vehicle wrap. The signage experts at SignWorks Inc. have helped countless Castro Valley businesses maximize their marketing impact with custom vehicle graphics. Here, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of full versus partial wraps so you can determine the best fit for your needs and budget.
What is a Full Wrap?
A full wrap covers the entire surface of a vehicle in vinyl graphics. This includes wrapping the front, sides, back, mirrors, door handles and roof. Going full wrap allows you to transform a vehicle into a moving billboard to display your brand loud and proud. It provides the maximum real estate for showcasing your logo, messaging, images and contact information from all angles.
Benefits of a Full Wrap
- Makes a bold, high-impact branding statement wherever your vehicle travels.
- Provides the most surface area for advertising graphics and design elements.
- Offers 360 degrees of visibility for your brand as the vehicle is in motion.
- Grabs attention with eye-catching colors, images and messages wrapping the entire exterior.
- Creates a sleek, cohesive look with graphics covering all sides.
- Ideal for food trucks, delivery vehicles, contractors, realtors and mobile businesses.
Downsides of a Full Wrap
- Most expensive wrap option due to the amount of material and labor involved.
- Application and removal can take more time.
- Requires careful design planning to utilize all available space.
What is a Partial Wrap?
As an alternative to enveloping a vehicle entirely, partial wrapping only covers specific sections of the exterior. Popular partial wrap choices include wrapping just the rear cargo doors, applying graphics to the rear half of a vehicle, or spotlighting the sides or hood area.
Benefits of a Partial Wrap
- More affordable option that still grabs attention.
- Quicker and simpler application and removal.
- Highlights your most important branding elements.
- Allows some of the original paint or finish to show through.
- Easy to target wraps to high visibility areas like sides or back.
- Good transitional option if not ready for a full wrap investment.
Downsides of a Partial Wrap
- Provides less overall space for graphics, messages and design.
- Limits the angles your branding is visible from.
- May appear disjointed compared to a cohesive full wrap.
- Doesn’t make as bold of an impact as a full exterior wrap.
Factors to Consider
When weighing full versus partial wrapping for your Castro Valley fleet or vehicle, keep the following factors in mind:
- Budget – Full wraps are more expensive, partial wraps more affordable. Select a scope that fits your budget constraints.
- Visual Impact – Full wraps maximize visibility and branding exposure. Partial wraps offer flexibility to highlight key elements.
- Maintenance – Full wraps require occasional trimming around handles, mirrors and lights. Partial wraps are simpler to maintain.
- Design Elements – Full wraps enable more color, images, messages and creativity. Partial wraps focus on your most essential graphics.
- Longevity – Properly cared for, most quality wraps last 5+ years regardless of full or partial coverage.
The wrap specialists at SignWorks Inc. are happy to provide quotes for both full and partial wraps. We can help you select the ideal wrap solution to meet your Castro Valley advertising objectives and budget while making a memorable impression.
Contact us today at 510-357-2000 for a free consultation or stop visit us online to view wrap samples and discuss design ideas for your own custom vehicle graphics!
