We’ve talked about vehicle wraps before (we even posted a blog about our fleet of Strategic Factory billboards on wheels), but this post is going to look at what is needed BEFORE the physical wrapping takes place.
Unless you’re in the industry, you probably don’t have a clue about what looks good and what fails miserably when it comes to vinyl vehicle wraps. Here are 10 tips straight from our experts to make sure your vehicle drops jaws as it sits in traffic, is parked on the side of the road or drives by a new client.
- Know your ride. We’ll need the exact make, model and year of your vehicle! Using the right template is critical, and that’s only possible with the right information.
- Snap some pics. Send our design and install team photographs from every angle (driver and passenger sides, front, and back) of the vehicle.
- Pull out the tape measure. We’ll need an exact measurement for the wheel base (measure the distance between the center of each wheel).
- Be specific. Your branded vehicle needs to match your existing marketing collateral; be sure to supply specific brand colors along with any style guide you have on preferred typefaces.
- Go bold. Bold is beautiful when it comes to vehicle wraps. The whole idea is to stand out from the crowd, so now is not the time to be conservative.
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- Less can be more. That said, don’t go overboard, either. Too much text can be overwhelming, too many images can be confusing. Try not to overcrowd your vehicle’s surfaces.
- Don’t forget the details. There are a few “musts” when it comes to vehicle wraps: be sure to include your company’s logo, phone number and web address on the vehicle (social media icons could also be included). Be sure to use only high-resolution images as well.
- Don’t mess with Maryland. State laws regulate which windows can be tinted, wrapped or perforated. You may be required to include a state license number as well. Be sure to use a reputable and knowledgeable install team for your project.
- Consult the panels. Ensure that there are no surprises when you open the driver door or the sliding door of your cargo van (though something like this can be hard to predict!).
- Be smart. Vehicle wraps are one of the most cost-effective forms of advertising, but that doesn’t mean they’re cheap. Be sure to work with a licensed and accredited company (or pay the price).
Pro Tip: Be aware that the placement of graphics may vary from the artwork proof to the actual vehicle, as often times the installer may need to adjust or shift panels during installation. Also, some areas of your vehicle cannot be wrapped (some bumpers, mirrors, trim, or any other elements made of plastic) as the vinyl will fail when applied to those surfaces.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our ever-expanding portfolio. Looking for more facts on vehicle wraps? Check out this article that proves vehicle wraps work!
