Vehicle wrapping has emerged as a powerful advertising medium, attracting attention from small businesses, large corporations, and media outlets alike. More businesses are exploring vehicle wrapping as an effective advertising tool.
However, successful vehicle wrapping demands expertise and precision. While some basic graphic application skills transfer, wrapping requires sophisticated techniques and a keen eye for detail.
Vehicle wrapping is rapidly becoming a popular form of outdoor advertising. Your fleet could potentially generate revenue by displaying advertisements.
While large companies readily invest in vehicle wraps, smaller businesses may hesitate due to the upfront cost compared to traditional vehicle graphics. However, the enhanced visibility and brand impact often justify the investment.
Traditional vehicle livery primarily serves identification purposes, whereas vehicle wrapping acts as a persuasive advertising tool. Ignoring vehicle wrapping could place your competitors at an advantage.
To gauge the potential impact, observe the prevalence of vehicle wraps in your area. Frequent sightings may signal the need to consider wrapping your own fleet.
**Design:** The design phase is critical. An ineffective design can render the entire wrap useless. While wrapping companies typically focus on installation, design agencies are increasingly equipped to create impactful vehicle wrap designs.
**Printing:** High-end machines like HP Scitex and VuTek deliver excellent results. It’s important to understand the relationship between resolution and viewing distance. High resolution isn’t always necessary, especially when the audience views the wrap from a distance and at speed.
**Materials:** The self-adhesive vinyl’s quality significantly affects the wrap’s longevity. Inferior vinyl can lead to unsightly damage and adhesive residue upon removal, proving to be a false economy. Top choices include:
* **Avery MPI1005 EZ:** This vinyl features Easy Apply technology, minimizing wrinkles, bubbles, and waste during installation. It also allows for clean removal from OEM paint surfaces, reducing installation time. Avery’s Supreme Cover warranty system provides additional reassurance.
* **3M Controltac Plus:** This film incorporates Comply Performance technology, enabling air to escape through the adhesive, reducing air bubbles. The pressure-activated adhesive allows for repositioning during installation.
* **MACTac JT5529P:** Emerging as a popular choice, this vinyl features a permanent, opaque, acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive.
**Installation:** Experienced installers emphasize using cast vinyl over calendared vinyl. Cast vinyl’s superior conformability allows for easier application over rivets, corrugation, and complex curves. Calendared vinyl tends to shrink and tent when applied over such surfaces.
**Cost:** The average cost for vehicle wrapping ranges from £45 to £50 ($90) per square meter installed, plus design fees. However, prices may be lower for larger fleets.