How do you know you got a good deal on fleet graphics? Are you happy with the finished product? Did the job meet your expectations? Because if it didn’t meet your needs, regardless of price or expediency, it’s not a deal, is it? When people talk about a good deal, they usually mean price, but the price has little to do with satisfaction. The Low Bid Mistake. So, how else can you know you got a good deal on fleet graphics?

Was it Professionally Installed?

Were the installers certified? How to Find the Best Fleet Graphics Installers. Was the job completed in a timely manner, was the worksite keep clean and organized, and was the crew open and attentive to your needs. If the work was completed at your place of business was the installation area left the way it was found or even better?

Does the Design Fit Your Brand?

If you hired the graphics company to complete the design, does it fit your brand? Were vehicle graphics best practices used? 5 Keys to Vehicle Graphics Design.

Is the Work Guaranteed?

Is there a manufacturer’s warranty and did the graphics provider use the equipment and materials required for coverage? Because if they didn’t it may void the manufacture’s warranty. What is the Warranty on a Vehicle Wrap? Does the provider guarantee work not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty? A Vehicle Graphics Horror Story and How to Avoid it. What about future work, can the same quality be repeated? What if there’s damage can it be repaired and matched? Case Study: Graphics Solution for Poor Color Match.

What Do People Say About Your Fleet Graphics?

Have customers’ commented positively about your fleet graphics? Have new leads come to you because they saw your vehicles? Do your drivers feel a sense of pride driving your branded car or truck? Because if if existing customers, new prospects, and employees aren’t talking about your fleet graphics the message is being lost.

Is There Service After the Sale?

Does the graphics provider have dedicated customer service representatives to help you? Because if not, will you still be happy down the road when you need help?

So, Did You Get a Good Deal?

Was it what you expected, was it designed well, and completed on time by qualified installers? Then I’d say yes, you did get a good deal. If not, at least it’s a chance to learn from your mistakes. If you’d like to discuss graphics for your fleet, Contact Us, because we’ll make you a great deal.

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

We’re a fleet and vehicle graphics company, and since 1985, we’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles. Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.

So, how much do fleet graphics cost? If your organization has a fleet of vehicles, placing graphics on your fleet is one of the most cost effective forms of advertising. The Cost of not Wrapping Your Fleet. Whether your fleet is ten or 10,000 vehicles. Whether it’s 53-foot tractor-trailers, or a fleet of smart cars, fleet graphics is an investment, not a cost. No, it’s not free, and it can be expensive, but there is a return on the investment and isn’t that what’s important? So, how much do fleet graphics cost?

What’s the Cost?

“How much does the wrap cost? It depends on the size of the vehicle / car and also how time-consuming the installation will be.” — Avery Dennison FAQ

A set of variables controls fleet graphics cost. Some of these are at the discretion of the customer while others are the type of work.

We’ve recently completed installations for less than $1,000 and more than $4,000. That’s a big range, but so much depends on options, conditions, and the types of vehicles. If you’d like a more accurate number for your organization, we’d be happy to help you calculate the cost. Contact us for a quote.  Here are five of the top variables that affect fleet graphics cost.

5 Fleet Graphics Cost Variables

Size of the Vehicle

A van will most likely cost less to wrap than a tractor-trailer.

Type of Graphics

There are many options for fleet graphics. They include:

• Full wrap – Which simply means wrapping the entire vehicle. This can also include window film and wrapping the roof of the vehicle. The larger the wrap area, the more it will cost.
• Partial Wrap – Wrapping portions of the vehicle, not the entire car, truck, or trailer. This can be a great option when the vehicle has been ordered in a color that works with the graphic. For example, placing a dark logo on a white vehicle can eliminate the need for a full wrap.
• Decals – Plotter cut decals can be strategically placed to create a full wrap appearance when, once again, the vehicle is the appropriate color.

Number of Vehicles

Some cost savings might be realized by the number of vehicles being wrapped. Savings in material cost, design, and fabrication set up can be passed on to the consumer.

Materials

Printable adhesive vinyl isn’t a place to cut expenses. There are hundreds of materials available at all levels of quality, and for specific applications. However, in most cases, it would be overkill to use a five- year warrantied material on an installation that will be removed and replaced in six months.

Labor

Once again this isn’t a place to cut expenses. The best installers are certified and may cost more. How to Find the Best Vehicle Graphics Installers. However, money can be saved by coordinating installation. If the vehicles are to be de-identified (old graphics removed) and wrapped at your place of business prepare ahead of time for the installation team. The more a team has to wait for vehicles to arrive or clear a place to work the more costly it can be.

Design

Good design that adheres to vehicle graphics best practices is critical to the success of the wrap. Poor design defeats the purpose of the wrap. Hire a vehicle graphic professional to design your vehicle graphics—you’ll be glad you did. Who Should Design Your Vehicle Wrap?

So, How Much Does it Cost?

The answer is it depends. It depends on size, number, and type of graphics—wraps or decals. Labor, design, and materials all factor into the cost as well.  Maybe the better question is how much does it cost to do it right. The Lowest Bid Mistake.

“TKO Graphix is a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.” — About TKO Graphix

Would you like to know what vehicle graphics cost for your fleet? Contact Us for a free etsimate.

Will a vehicle wrap protect my paint? The answer to your question is yes, but there are limits. Vehicle graphics when properly installed can be an excellent way to protect the original finish of a vehicle. And there’s another point worth mentioning. I was talking with TKO Graphix president Tom Taulman II, about painted vehicle graphics vs. adhesive vinyl graphics. He mentioned a company that is well known for their branded color on their vehicles.

An automobile manufacturer paints the vehicle especially for them at an extra charge near $5,000, and it doesn’t end there. When the vehicles are turned in at the completion of the lease, they must be repainted. In this scenario, it would be far less expensive to wrap the vehicle and remove the wrap at the end of the lease.

How Can a Vehicle Wrap Protect Paint

Exposure to sunlight – A full wrap protects the paint from sunlight and exposure to ultraviolet rays. UV rays can cause paint to fade especially dark colors and areas exposed to direct sunlight like hoods, trunks, and tops.

The elements – Vehicle graphics protect the original finish from the elements. The paint is shielded from ice, snow, and rain by the adhesive vinyl.

Harmful chemicals – Such as salt, petroleum- based products, and acidic atmospheric conditions don’t reach the paint where they could potentially cause harm. For example, prolonged exposure to salt will eventually lead to corrosion.

What Will a Vehicle Wrap Protect and not Protect

Damage – Accidents, scraps and damage caused by collision will affect both the wrap and the paint.

Poor installation – For example, if the vehicle graphic installer cuts too deep the paint can be scored. Likewise using heat improperly can damage the paint.

Cheap material – Using the wrong material for the installation could lead to problems when it comes time to remove the material, which can damage the paint. Cheap Vehicle Graphics

It’s More Than Just Protecting the Paint

So, will a vehicle wrap protect your paint? A full vehicle wrap does more than protect the paint. It protects your investment. Three, five, even seven years down the road the original finish will still look brand new. And that translates into dollars. If you’d like to learn more, Contact Us, we’d be happy to help you protect your investment.

Note: The featured image is a pink BMW Tom Taulman II had wrapped, drove for 31 days to solicit contributions for Real Men Wear Pink, and is now back to it’s original white finish. Will a vehicle wrap protect your paint?

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us. 

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

We’re a fleet and vehicle graphics company, and since 1985, we’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles. Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.

We’re glad you asked because you don’t need a certified graphics installer to apply a small decal or sticker, but you do need to know how to go about it.

It starts with the vehicle

First off, the vehicle must be in good condition. Applying a decal to cover a blemish, dent, or rust will not work. It’s not like hanging a picture over a hole in the wall. The decal will not hide the damage or adhere to rust.

The Environment is critical

The temperature must be above 40 degrees F (55 for reflective materials) and works best at 70 degrees and above. When the temperature approaches 90 degrees, the surface of a dark vehicle may reach 150 degrees, or more, and may be too hot, 50% or less humidity is best, and a well-lit clean environment is preferable.

13 Steps to applying a decal

1. Clean the surface area, and then clean it again. Use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to thoroughly clean the area.
2. Let it dry before you apply.
3. Measure twice. Use surface landmarks such as door frames to make measurements. You may find a level handy. A crooked decal isn’t a pretty sight.
4. Mark it. Use a pencil to make small light marks designating where to attach the decal.
5. Tape it. Tape the decal to the marks with two or three small vertical pieces of tape and double check the level.
6. Apply a tape hinge. Tape the top of the decal horizontally from end-to-end.
7. Remove the backing. Don’t touch the adhesive, but lift the decal from the bottom and slowly remove the backing, beginning at the top, from an 180-degree angle. If it’s a larger decal begin by removing the top quarter to one-third.
8. Be sure the decal is flat and tight.
9. Squeegee the decal with steady even strokes. Begin at the top center and work down and outward. If you don’t have a professional vehicle application squeegee use a credit card.
10. Remove the protective pre-mask. This is the masking tape-like film protecting the decal. Pull down at 180-degrees and discard.
11. Re-squeegee. Go over the entire decal one more time. Be careful not to damage the sticker.
12. Let it dry. Preferably let it sit in the sun. Don’t try to wipe or wash it until it’s completely dry.
13. Wipe and wash it with mild soapy water. Remove any pencil markings that remain.

Can I wrap my car?

For a bigger task, something more than a decal, we’d recommend using a professional applicator. However, it can be done. Can I wrap my car myself?

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us. 

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process. We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, work trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.

Are vehicle graphics worth the money? What do you expect us to say? Of course, we believe they are. That’s our business. Asking us if vehicle graphics are worth the money is like asking Pizza Hut if pizza is good food, or asking Chevrolet if their cars are roadworthy. Yes, we believe vehicle graphics are worth the money, and we’ll take it further—we think they pay for themselves and businesses that lack effective vehicle graphics lose money. But don’t take our word for it. We’re going to defer to a well-respected global organization, Avery Denison. Here’s what they had to say about the effectiveness of vehicle graphics. are vehicle graphics worth the money?

Are Vehicle Graphics Worth the Money?

A quick comparison in typical advertising mediums suggests the following:

• Radio attracts 900,000 listeners in six weeks with 10 to 12 30-second spots.
• Value Pak mailings offers a reach of 600,000 with 100,000 addresses per drop and your client is just one of many advertisers included in the packet.
• Direct mail reaches 20,000 names with one post card mailer.
• Seven city buses get 600,000 impressions in two months.
• Billboards receive 700,000 impressions in one month.
• An ad in the yellow pages can cost up to $15,000 per year — with your competitors listed right there next to your ad.
• The same is true for pay-per-click advertising — at an even higher cost per month.
• Car or vehicle wraps have the potential to garner thousands of impressions each day; they last up to three years and cost, on average, between $2,000 and $4,000 for a standard vehicle. – Avery Denison FAQ: Wraps

“Another thing to consider is the cost you’ll save on not having to repaint the vehicles in your fleet. Vinyl wraps are a cost-effective solution compared to the price of a new paint job. Vehicle wraps also provide paint protection for your car, truck, or van. The wraps give the vehicle a new look, while preserving the original paint job.’ — Quick Books

So, are vehicle graphics worth the money?

In a few cases, maybe not, but the percentage is so slim as to be negligible. In the overwhelming majority of cases, vehicle graphics pay for themselves. They’re worth the initial investment because that’s what they are—an investment. If you’d like to learn more about investing in vehicle graphics contact us, we’ll help you spend your dollars wisely.

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us. 

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process. We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, work trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.

Great question. I seldom include definitions, but in this case, I want to clarify that OEM means many things to many people. According to Search it Channel Tech Target  “OEM (original equipment manufacturer) is a broad term whose meaning has evolved over time. In the past, OEM referred to the company that originally built a given product, which was then sold to other companies to rebrand and resell. Over time, however, the term is more frequently used to describe those companies in the business of rebranding a manufacturer’s products and selling them to end customers.”

OEM and Adhesive Vinyl Applications

The OEM role of print providers such as TKO Graphix is to print and provide graphics to the specifications of the manufacturer for various purposes. The products and purposes vary greatly. Some are only used for temporary purposes, others are more permanent.  Here are a few of OEM Graphics uses.

• Make, model, and serial numbers – At one time most product identification was made using aluminum plates. Today graphics can do the same at a much lower cost.
• Branding – Corporate colors, fonts, and logos are easily reproduced with adhesive vinyl graphics.
• Safety, caution, warning, and instruction – For example, we print thousands of “Caution Wide Turn” decals.

Types of OEM Graphic Products

Adhesive vinyl can be a cost effective and useful way to share information on vehicles and equipment. Traditional metal nameplates, control panels, and branding plates can be expensive. Adhesive vinyl not only can be less of an investment, but it can do more. Metal plates often don’t allow colors to pop or logos to shine. Adhesive vinyl graphics do just that. Here are a few ways they can be produced.

• Embossed
• Overlaminate
• Cut decals
• Full and partial wraps

Is it Time for you to Think About OEM Vinyl Graphics?

Adhesive vinyl graphics can be designed and produced to brand, identify, and educate. They not only can be used to replace other forms of OEM materials, but have advantages including cost, design flexibility, and they’re easily replaced. Does your product use OEM graphics? If you’re not using vinyl, is it time to switch? If you’d like to learn more Contact Us.

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us. 

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process. We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, work trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.

Can information be changed on a vehicle wrap is a great question. Because you’re not the first and won’t be the last to ask this question. Businesses in the midst of a rebrand ask if they can change out their logo. Companies move and want to add their new address. Phone numbers change, and we’ve had a few customers who have changed their website URL. Can information be changed on a vehicle wrap? The answer is sometimes, maybe, and probably not because altering a wrap isn’t always the best answer.

Can Information be Changed on a Vehicle Wrap?

Sometimes

Can information be changed on a vehicle wrap? If possible future changes were accounted for during initial design it can be easier to complete, but not always. When it’s cut decals and not a full wrap, it’s much easier to change out a decal rather than attempt to overlay a wrap. If the design file is available, a panel can be redesigned with the new information, the old panel removed, and the new applied to the wrap.

Maybe

Can information be changed on a vehicle wrap? It’s possible to create an overlay to cover part of an existing wrap, but it’s difficult to make it look like an integral part of the wrap. Some of the old graphics may bleed through the new overlay, and placing vinyl over the existing graphic may be noticeable.

Probably not

Can information be changed on a vehicle wrap? If the wrap is two or three years old, the graphic has faded. It may not be apparent because it’s a uniform fade, but it’s there. This can be made worse by the color, for example, red, climate—think Arizona, or  horizontal placement like a rooftop, which takes more direct sunlight. If the original graphic has faded it will be difficult to match.

The condition of the graphic, and the vehicle, are also factors. Has the vinyl been damaged? Corroded by chemicals? Scrapped by tree branches? Damaged in a parking lot? Can information be changed on a vehicle wrap is a great question. Because you’re not the first and won’t be the last to ask this question.

What’s the best answer for you?

Talk to a pro. Take your vehicle to a shop or send photos. Seek advice from those who are in the know, and be prepared when you’re told it can be changed, but it won’t look good unless it’s replaced. If you’d like us to look at your vehicle contact us, our information hasn’t changed.

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us. 

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process. We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, work trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.

How long will vehicle graphics last? I’ve seen wraps that needed replaced after a couple years, and others that looked good after ten years on the road. So what’s the difference? The best answer to how long will vehicle graphics last is, it depends. There are multiple factors involved in determining the lifespan of any vehicle graphic, but in general, a quality installation using superior materials should last five to seven years, occasionally longer. Here are some of the things that can shorten or lengthen the life of an adhesive vinyl wrap or decal. So, how long will vehicle graphics last?

8 Answers to How Long Will Vehicle Graphics Last?

Material

There are hundreds of grades of adhesive vinyl material designed for many uses. Using the wrong material for the job, such as a short-term vinyl for a long-term application, will cut the life of any vehicle graphic. Like most things, you can purchase many levels of quality in adhesive vinyl. Warranties may range from two to seven years. Choosing the best material for your application is key. Using a cheaper material for short term use is fine, but cutting cost by using a lower grade material that was never intended for extended use creates problems. Material is key to knowing how long will vehicle graphics last.

Color

Some colors, such as reds and yellows, may fade faster, shortening the warranty. They can can be more adversely affected by sunlight than other colors. Whether paint or vinyl, red and yellows often show signs of fade in a shorter time than many other colors. Before deciding on color for you graphics, check the warranty for exceptions by color. If your branded color is red or yellow we recommend lamination, which slows the fading process. How long will vehicle graphics last can depend on the color.

Installation

Proper installation with approved tools is crucial. A poor installation will make for a short term graphic. Vehicle Graphic Application–The Devils in the Details.

A local franchise of a national restaurant chain brought their vehicle in for an estimate. Areas of the existing wrap were peeling because it hadn’t been installed properly around rivets. Potential customers judge your organization by the face it presents, whether it’s your storefront, interior signage, or vehicle graphics. A peeling graphic doesn’t present a good image. It’s critical to for your vehicle graphics. How to Find the Best Vehicle Graphics Installers. So, how long will vehicle graphics last might begin with answering were they properly installed?

Climate

Areas with extremely high temperatures and above average direct sunlight will take their toll on vehicle finishes whether it’s paint or vinyl. Areas with high levels of contaminants in the air, or on the road, as well as high saltwater concentration can adversely affect the vinyl. Motoring through the deserts of Nevada or New Mexico will affect graphics more than driving in Tennessee or Virginia. Ask your preferred graphics provider how your climate may spoil printed adhesive vinyl.

Care

Improper care, or the lack thereof, can lead to a damaged finish. The most important thing to remember is to keep it clean. A dirty vehicle sends a bad message. It can also lead to a build up of chemicals that can damage a wrap. Following proper maintenance guidelines will extend the life of your vehicle graphics.

“The best thing anyone can do to keep adhesive vinyl vehicle graphics looking bright and new is to keep them clean. Road contaminants, solvents, and dirt can damage the surface of any vehicle, paint or graphics. It’s important to remove these particles soon and often. Don’t allow harsh chemicals like road salt to build up and attack the surface of your vehicle. Wash bird droppings, tree sap, and other stains as soon as possible. The number one key to keeping your new vehicle graphic looking new is to keep it clean.” — Caring for your New Vehicle Graphics. 

Substrate

The condition of the vehicle can and will affect the vehicle graphic. Attempting to cover rust and damage with graphics will not hide the damage. However, it will hasten the death of the material. “We recommend 1080 Series for new or reconditioned cars. Ideal candidates for 3M’s 1080 vehicle wrap film are luxury, sports cars, exotics, and track cars. Older vehicles that have dents, scratches, rust and other damage may be visible through the wrap. These defects may cause the wrap to look bad. 3M’s warranty only covers vehicles that have an excellent paint to substrate bond. Vehicles with clear coat issues, scratches, and dents will need to be sanded and prepped before it is wrapped.” – All about 3M 1080 Vehicle Wrap Film

Some materials are difficult to impossible to cover, for example some plastics, “Proper adhesion of vinyl graphics on plastics depends on several variables that include the type of plastic and how it was produced. Much of the success or failure will depend on the knowledge and experience of the applicator. Should it be installed wet, dry, or not at all? Other factors such as the condition and cleanliness of the surface as well as temperature and humidity during installation will impact the appearance and longevity of the graphic.” —  Can Adhesive Vinyl be applied to Plastic?

Use

Vehicle graphics applied to work vehicles can be affected by the work. For example, tankers that haul petroleum products can be damaged by petroleum products allowed to spill and sit on the vinyl. Construction equipment that digs, pushes, and grates, may be scraped and cut by dirt and gravel. Conversely, graphics on a show car that sits inside may last for years.

Lamination

Some vinyl’s don’t accept clear coat or lamination, however, most do and protecting the finish with an overlaminate will extend the life of the vinyl. “It also provides excellent gloss and clarity of reflection, giving a “wet paint” look.”  — 3M in this Graphics solutions post.

“Use a quality overlaminate on all of your graphics. Lamination not only protects against abrasion and improves the finish, it also provides a built-in layer of UV protection that helps protect the colors from fading and helps prevent the deterioration of media in sunlight. Matzen recommends another tip for her clients: “Rotate the vehicle so the intensity of the sun isn’t beating mostly on one side.” — Sign & Digital Design Magazine: Preparation and Maintenance For a Long Term Wrap

Vertical vs. Horizontal Exposure

Where the graphics are placed on a vehicle makes a difference. Horizontal surfaces such as hoods and roofs take more direct sunlight and may fade sooner than vertical surfaces such as doors. How long will fleet graphics last can depend on where they’re placed.

“Horizontal installations have more direct continuous exposure to: Harsh ultra-violet energy of the sun, and the accumulation of contaminants, pollution, acid rain, and moisture commonly known as fall out. The combination of these two factors causes premature fading, and browning or discoloration of products. Therefore, these applications require products that have performance enhancements that are able to meet expectations.” — Sign & Digital Design Magazine: Wrap Protection Technologies

The Experts Answer How Long Will Vehicle Graphics Last?

Adhesive vinyl provider Avery Dennison has this to say, “On average, Avery Dennison vehicle wraps that are properly installed will not fade, crack or peel for up to 5 years in most locations.”

In Wrap film series 1080 3M shares these factors that affect graphic performance life.

“The actual performance life of a graphic is affected by:

• Selection, condition, and preparation of the substrate.
• Surface texture.
• Application methods.
• Angle and direction of sun exposure.
• Environmental conditions.
• Cleaning or maintenance methods.”

How Long Will Vehicle Graphics Last?

How long will fleet graphics last? The best answer is we can’t say. However, climate permitting, if you’ve used the correct material, had it installed by professionals, and kept it clean and undamaged it should last 5 years or more. If you’d like to know more just ask us, we’ll be here for a long, long time. We’re built to last.

Do you have cheap temporary vehicle graphics? Interesting question. The answer isn’t cut and dried. It may seem as if a  low-end adhesive vinyl  could be used for all short-term or one-time events, but that might not be what you need. Factors, other than time on the vehicle, must be considered to determine the best material for the job. For example, the SUV shown above was a new Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV that Indy School on Wheels raffled off. Although the wrap was removed before the winner took possession, a high-end material was used. A cheap material would have looked cheap, and that wasn’t the image School on Wheels wanted. They needed temporary vehicle graphics not cheap temporary vehicle graphics.

What are the factors to consider for temporary vehicle graphics?

Image and branding

Regardless of how long the temporary vehicle graphics are to remain on the vehicle it needs to look good. Using a non-compliant material, not intended to bend around corners, on a wrap can look terrible. The appearance of any vehicle graphic, whether it’s on the car or truck for one year or one day, is paramount. Do you want your name associated with a poorly done graphic parked at an event for thousands to see?

Time on Vehicle

Will the temporary vehicle graphics stay on the vehicle one weekend, three weeks, or six months. It can make a difference.

Coverage

Will it be flat decals or a full wrap? The material choice will have much to do with the answer to this question.

Construction

For example, a 53-foot trailer with exposed rivets will need a high-quality material to cover the rivets. Cheap material will bubble and tear around the rivets. Not a good look regardless of how temporary it is.

Substrate

Are the graphics going over existing graphics? If so, material choice is critical. Using a cheaper material could damage the existing vinyl during removal, and the wrong material could allow the current graphics to bleed through

And the Answer is?

While researching this post, I discovered more than one vehicle graphics provider that talked about the advantages of using low-cost materials for short term vehicle graphics. One even mentioned using them on rental cars—I’d want to be darn sure I used a material that didn’t damage the finish on a rental car, wouldn’t you? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. I wish there were, but it depends on the vehicle, time, coverage, and construction. A low-end material may fit your needs, or it may cause problems. The good news is, if you can answer the questions we shared above, we can recommend the best adhesive vinyl for your needs. If you’d like to learn more let us know, we’ll recommend the best material for your temporary vehicle graphics   needs. We’ll stick it to your vehicle but not to you.

How Can We Help You? 

If you’d like fleet graphics designed to capture attention, printed on state-of-the-art equipment, and installed by expert certified installers, we’re here to help.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us. 

Would you like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics? If so, you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix has been a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process. We’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, work trucks, and company vehicles for more than 35 years.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.

When it comes to making your graphics a reality — it all begins with our design department services. From a concept on paper to road-worthy advertising for your vehicles, the TKO Graphix design team can help bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating fleet and vehicle graphics while keeping your brand consistent across all types of vehicles in your fleet.