Signage Education | Vehicle Wrap Options

We are frequently asked to quote on vehicle wraps only to discover subsequently that what the customer really wanted was vehicle graphics – not a wrap at all. In this week’s article, we contrast and compare vehicle wraps, partial wraps and vehicle graphics to help you in your marketing plan.

Vehicle Lettering
The term “vehicle lettering” generally refers to lettering cut from solid color vinyl film. Cut vinyl is most suitable for lettering and other vector based graphics in a limited number of solid colors. As the number of colors increases, the cost increases both for production and installation. Production costs increase as there is waste when a design is cut from a roll of vinyl film. Adding additional colors means additional waste. The amount of waste depends on the design. If registration marks are needed to align one color to another, each color being cut can use as much film as the overall dimensions of all combined colors. Installation costs increases to register or align one color with another.

Vehicle Graphics
The term “vehicle graphics” generally refers to any type of graphic that does not cover the entire vehicle. Full color or even multiple solid colored graphics are digitally printed, laminated and optionally contour cut prior to installation. Full color vehicle graphics are an effective and professional means of conveying a message that is more affordable than a full or partial vehicle wrap. This type of graphic generally covers only a portion of the vehicle and contains a message and a minimum of graphics that may detract from the message being presented.

The material used for vehicle graphics may vary depending on the design and installation. If the graphics are intended to be long term or must conform to the vehicle’s body contour, vehicle wrap material and laminate offer the greatest longevity and conformability.  For glass or other flat surfaces, premium cast vinyl and laminate may suffice at less cost than vehicle wrap vinyl.

Vehicle Wraps
Vehicle wraps refer to full color graphics that cover all, or most of the vehicle. The graphics may even even include a design that extends to windows – this portion of the design is printed on perforated material to allow visibility from the inside out. The digitally printed and laminated PVC film is specially formulated to conform to complex curves without wrinkles or bubbles. The cost of a full or partial wrap is considerably higher than other vehicle graphics.

The intent of a wrap is to grab the attention of those that see the vehicle. The message is generally incorporated within the design and is often secondary to the attention-grabbing design itself. The effort in design is considerably greater as more graphic elements are involved. Relatively simple graphics on a relatively flat surface are easier to plan than complex graphics that must conform to every part of the vehicle.

Though the options may be daunting, we can help you find the solution that suits your need and budget.

About Spectrum Signs
Spectrum Signs is an independent, locally owned, full service sign manufacturing company located in south Orange County – Mission Viejo, California. We are affiliated with over 240 independent sign companies with access to resources nationwide. This affiliation provides significant discounts from sign suppliers, and allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising in quality and service.

For more information, contact:

Spectrum Signs
23382 Madero Suite L
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 297-3800

Spectrum Signs