The Sign Authority recently printed and installed new fleet graphics for Kozak Custom Landscapes in St. Charles, IL. Why do companies need fleet graphics? Kozak Custom Landscapes recently acquired a contract with the City of Wheaton for snow removal. Kozak Custom Landscapes needed their service trucks to be properly marked. The Sign Authority quickly put together the graphics and send them a proof. We then installed the graphics on several of their trucks.
Visit our website at www.thesignauthority.com and check out some of the other fleet graphics we have done for happy customers. Or, call us today for a free consultation at 630-462-9850
The Sign Authority will get many questions regarding fleet graphics. I thought it would be helpful to list a few here with some answers.
How long will the graphics last?
Less expensive materials may be rated for only one or two years, which is not a good thing on a three – five year vehicle lease! If you own the vehicle even worse! The Sign Authority never uses inferior or “cheap” materials. The Sign Authority prints with eco-solvent inks for increased durability, and we laminate all of our vehicle graphics (some sign companies do not) so they will last 7 years + without any fading. The outdoor ratings of these products are all based on vertical applications. Applying a vinyl film on a horizontal or angled surface greatly increases its exposure to UV rays and reduces its service life. So a six year vinyl will only last for 7 years if it’s applied vertically. Think storefront graphics or banners. Application on the side of a box truck fits that description. Application on the hood or windshield does not. Putting vinyl on the hood of a vehicle cuts its outdoor durability in half just because of the more intense impact of the sun’s rays hammering down on it. Add engine heat and you have a recipe for disappointment. Your 7 year vinyl applied to the hood may look old and weathered in two years or less. Manufacturer warranties for outdoor life of installed vinyl graphics typically do not apply to anything applied horizontally.
How do I properly clean and maintain the vehicle graphics?
“I didn’t know I couldn’t use a power washer!” You should take the time to understand the limitations of the materials being used. Laminated graphics can even be damaged by inappropriate cleaning methods. According to Josh Culverhouse of Oracal USA’s tech support department, danger lurks in the car wash.
Josh offers these care and maintenance tips to pass on to your customers:
“Stay away from car washes with brushes, as these could cause the material to degrade at a very rapid rate. This could cause the [overlaminate] film to chip, mar, welt, and even crack. When washing the vehicle by hand, use cotton or wool sponges with mild car wash soap. Never use pressure washers! This could cause the material to chip away as well as mar the face film and even crack. Never apply wax or polish to matte vinyl.”
Visit our website at www.thesignauthority.com and check out some of the other fleet graphics we have done for happy customers. Or, call us today for a free consultation at 630-462-9850
