Make your vehicle easily recognisable with custom vehicle graphics.

Vehicle Graphics

Updated: 24/11/2022

The vehicle signwriting process

We take note of the make, model, year and colour of your vehicle and what ideas you may have in mind. Based on your requirements we provide a rough estimate and when you have agreed to proceed, we can start drawing up some design ideas on a digital illustration of your vehicle. Once you have confirmed the design is to your liking – production and application can start. Graphics can be printed or cut vinyl that are applied to a car or van. Depending on the design or layout of the vehicle – the graphics might be printed or cut from a solid colour, multiple colours or a combination of both.

How long do van graphics last?

Vinyl can come in various grades and finishes, and the price can vary depending on this. Often the cheaper vinyl will have less of a lifespan compared to the more expensive solutions. Over time, vinyl colours can also fade, or the adhesive can start failing and tend to lift off the vehicle. If a good vinyl is used, applied correctly, and looked after over time graphics can last up to 7 years.

How much does car or van signwriting cost?

The size and design of your graphics may vary greatly, as the cost to apply small graphics to a Mini will be cheaper than applying large graphics to a Transit Custom.

A rough guide is around £50+VAT* per side (£200+VAT) for a basic 1 colour design excluding any artwork costs.

*Prices are estimates only and subject to change.

Do vehicle graphics invalidate insurance?

It’s important to check your current cover, as some insurers policies see this as a modification. In some instances, signwriting on your vehicle could make insurance cheaper, as the vehicle is easier to identify in the event it is stolen etc.

Can sign writing a vehicle leave marks or damage paintwork?

When the right products are used and applied correctly, there should be no damage to your vehicle.

Over several years, when you decide to remove the graphics there may be some “ghosting” or you may still see the outline of the old graphics however this is generally due to the sun fading the rest of the vehicle. As vinyl can add a layer of protection from sun damage, the area where the graphics were removed may have preserved the paint in the covered area and create a contrast.

Sometimes, when it comes to removing vinyl, some paint or lacquer may be affected however this is generally due to bad paint work if the vehicle was repaired in the past. Make sure to let us know of any repairs prior to application.

It’s always good to talk to us as unfortunately the vinyl market is a big one and cheaper vinyl products may contain chemicals that could react badly with paintwork.

How to clean sign written vehicle.

With most vinyl products, normal washing using warm water and soap is advised. Pressure washing a decaled car or van should be kept at minimum of 1 metre away from the graphics, as this can lift or damage the graphics entirely.

Some vinyl aftercare products are available however it’s also best to check on the manufacturer guidelines or specifications, as it may invalidate any guarantees.

How long does it take to apply sign writing to vehicle?

For basic vinyl graphics about 1 hour per side of the vehicle is a good guide to work with, however this will vary on the designs and sizes of the graphics. Car wrapping can take several days to a full week for a full wrap.

Temporary vehicle graphics:

If you’re not sure about applying graphics directly to your vehicle just yet – magnetic vinyl or magnetic signs can be the perfect solution as sometimes you may need one vehicle for multiple jobs or personal use over the weekends etc.

Magnetic vinyl can be cut to almost any shape and made to nearly any size to fit your van or car. There are also several grades of car magnets that you can use – so bear this in mind if you shop around as lesser grade materials may not stay on as the more premium products.

What to look out for on the vehicle design proof.

Some points the points below seem obvious but you would be surprised how often they can be overlooked:

1. The make, model and year of the vehicle is correct.
2. The colour of the vehicle is correct, or a good example.
3. Rear & boot of vehicle match your vehicles tailgate or barndoors.
4. Sliding doors (i.e. if the van has 1 or 2 sliding door)

By not checking these points, any graphics that are produced for application may be the wrong size or colour causing wasted products, time and money.

Chevrons & Reflective Vinyl

If you need stand out a little more, several reflective products are also available. Depending on the type of work you are carrying out you may require higher grades of reflection. Basics chevrons (engineering grade) like reflective red and fluorescent yellow may be sufficient for most work however if you are carrying out work on motorways you will likely require Chapter 8 chevrons. We can also incorporate reflective vinyl into your design to create a more striking look – just get in touch and let us know what you need.

Considerations

If you are renting or leasing a van or vehicle, it is important to check the terms and what restrictions there are. If you are intending to wrap or decal your vehicle, always check with your insurance company prior to wrapping, as some companies may see this as a modification and increase your premium. Some companies may choose not to cover wrapped cars at all. If your vehicle is going through a considerable colour change – you may also need to contact the DVLA to notify them of the colour change, or update your V5C.