Vehicle Signage – What Is It And What Are The Benefits?
In today’s fast-paced world, catching the attention of potential customers requires innovative strategies, and “Vehicle Signage” has emerged as one of the most potent tools in this endeavour.
Not only does it transform vehicles into moving billboards, but it also offers businesses a unique blend of visibility, cost-efficiency, and market penetration.
But what exactly is vehicle signage, and what makes it such a powerful advertising medium?
Dive into this article to uncover the intricacies of vehicle signage and explore its myriad benefits for businesses of all sizes.
What is Vehicle Signage?
Vehicle signage, also referred to as vehicle wraps or vehicle graphics, is the practice of applying printed designs, logos, messages, or advertisements directly onto a vehicle’s exterior.
This form of mobile advertising turns vehicles into moving billboards. Any time you are out and about you will various cars and vans advertising companies and products.
From even the smallest sign on the car to the large van wraps, this is a form of advertising designed ot catch a customer’s eye.
Like all types of advertising, vehicle signage comes in many forms and includes:
- Full Wraps: Cover the entire surface of the vehicle, transforming its look entirely.
- Partial Wraps: Cover a specific portion of the vehicle, such as the doors or rear end.
- Decals and Stickers: Smaller designs or logos placed strategically on the vehicle.
- Magnetic Signs: Removable signs that can be easily placed and replaced, making them ideal for temporary use or for businesses that use personal vehicles.
- Vinyl Lettering: Cut-out letters made of vinyl applied directly to the vehicle, commonly used for contact details or names.
Depending on your needs and the size of your vehicle, some of these may not be suitable.
However, at Leading Signs we can talk through your options and budget and recommend a style of vehicle sign that will work perfectly for you.
Benefits of Vehicle Signage
In the bustling avenues of our cities and the winding roads of our countryside, there lies a dynamic form of advertising that effortlessly melds form and function – vehicle signage.
As cars, trucks, and vans traverse the landscape, they can also carry powerful messages that garner thousands of impressions daily.
Beyond the evident mobility of this advertising medium, vehicle signage offers a plethora of benefits that many businesses might not immediately recognise.
So let’s delve into the multifaceted advantages of adorning your vehicle with custom graphics and why it might just be the marketing boost your business needs.
Cost-Effective Advertising
Compared to other forms of advertising, vehicle wraps offer a one-time expense that continues to advertise for years.
Increased Brand Awareness
As the vehicle travels, it exposes your brand or message to a wide and varied audience.
Protection
The vinyl used in vehicle wraps can protect the vehicle’s paint from minor scratches and UV rays.
Local Advertising
It particularly targets local areas where the vehicle operates, making it ideal for local businesses.
Professional Appearance
A well-designed vehicle wrap can make businesses appear more established and professional.
Versatility
Designs can be changed as often as needed to promote different messages or campaigns.
Non-aggressive Advertising
Unlike radio ads or pop-up ads, vehicle wraps attract attention without disturbing the target audience.
Residual Impressions
A wrapped vehicle parked in a prominent location continues to advertise even when stationary.
How Vehicle Signage is Achieved
So you have decided that vehicle signage is for you and your business. You know your budget and what you want to achieve. What happens next?
Firstly, we will take you through process beginning with creating a custom design.
We will ensure that it that suits the vehicle’s shape and structure, ensuring brand consistency.
Then we will move on to material selection. The most commonly used material is high-quality vinyl, which ensures durability and vibrant print quality.
After design finalisation, it’s printed on large-format printers that utilise UV-resistant inks.
Now that the design is complete and printed, the vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, grease, or wax. This step ensures the vinyl adheres properly.
The printed design is then meticulously applied to the vehicle. This requires skill and precision to avoid air bubbles and to ensure the wrap conforms to the contours of the vehicle.
Some wraps might require post-heating, which ensures that the vinyl is properly set and reduces the chances of peeling. This isn’t necessary in every case but it is a consideration.
Once your car or van has had the design applied, all you have to do is maintain it. This isn’t very tricky. You simply clean it regularly, avoid abrasive cleaning tools, and be cautious about high-pressure washing.
How Long Will My Vehicle Sign Last?
A vehicle wrap, when properly applied and cared for, typically lasts between 5 to 7 years.
The longevity of the wrap largely depends on various factors including the quality of the vinyl used, the expertise of the installer, environmental conditions like exposure to UV rays or extreme weather, and how the vehicle is maintained.
For instance, a vehicle often parked indoors or in shaded areas may have a wrap that lasts longer compared to one constantly exposed to the sun.
Regular cleaning and using the right cleaning agents can also extend the lifespan of the wrap.
Over time, you might notice the colours beginning to fade, edges lifting, or other signs of wear, indicating it might be time for a replacement or touch-up.
How Easy Is It To Remove Or Change A Vehicle Sign?
Removing or changing a vehicle sign is a straightforward process, but the ease can vary based on several factors.
Generally, professionally installed vinyl vehicle wraps and graphics are designed to be removed without causing damage to the vehicle’s paint.
Vinyl Wraps and Decals
These are usually easy to remove with the application of heat, typically from a heat gun or steamer.
The heat loosens the adhesive, allowing the vinyl to be peeled away. Once the vinyl is removed, any residual adhesive can often be cleaned off with a gentle adhesive remover.
Magnetic Signs
These are the easiest to remove and change, as they simply stick to the metal parts of a vehicle using magnetism.
Stickers
Smaller stickers might be more challenging than large vinyl wraps because they may tear during removal. However, heat and adhesive removers can still be beneficial.
Signs that have been on a vehicle for a very long time might be harder to remove than those applied more recently due to the adhesive setting more firmly and potential fading of the vehicle’s paint around the sign.
If a vehicle has been constantly exposed to harsh environmental conditions, like extreme sunlight or cold, the wrap or sign might either become brittle or the adhesive might become tougher to remove.
High-quality wraps and signs and professional installations are designed for easier removal. Cheaper materials might break or tear more easily, making the removal process a bit more challenging.
It’s recommended to seek professional assistance for removing vehicle wraps to ensure there’s no damage to the underlying paint.
So while the process to remove or change a vehicle sign is generally straightforward, it’s essential to approach the task with care and the right tools.
This is especially true if you’re aiming to preserve the vehicle’s paintwork underneath.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vehicle signage is a powerful tool for businesses and individuals looking for a cost-effective, high-impact advertising method.
With proper care and maintenance, a vehicle wrap can last for several years, continuously promoting a message wherever the vehicle goes.
If you would like to talk through your marketing needs with Leading Signs Limerick, please just drop us an email or call us.
For a look at what we can do for you, check out our gallery of vehicle signs.
