FAQ: How do Static Window Clings Work?

So, how do static window clings work? Great question, because most people assume static window clings use static electricity to adhere to a surface, but that’s not the case. What causes the cling to stick to the glass isn’t static electricity it’s suction. Would you like to know the science behind static electricity or the Triboelectricity Effect?

The Science behind Static Electricity

“All materials are built from atoms, which have a positive central core (the nucleus) surrounded by a kind of fuzzy “cloud” of electrons, which are the really exciting bits. Now some atoms have a more powerful pull on electrons than others; a great deal of chemistry stems from that fact. If we put two different materials in contact, and one attracts electrons more than the other, it’s possible for electrons to be pulled from one of the materials to the other.

When we separate the materials, the electrons effectively jump ship to the material that attracts them most strongly. As a result, one of the materials has gained some extra electrons (and becomes negatively charged) while the other material has lost some electrons (and becomes positively charged). Hey presto, we have static electricity!” – ExplainThatStuff.com

Bryant heating and cooling window graphic red a

How do Static Window Clings Work?

How do static window clings work?

How do static window clings work? With static clings, the surface and vinyl cling don’t have opposing electrical charges. The vinyl, when pressed to the surface, adheres through suction. It’s as if the cling had thousands of tiny suction cups attached to the substrate.

Should you use static clings or adhesive vinyl window graphics?

If the installation is to be semi-permanent the better choice is adhesive vinyl, it will last longer and has less chance of separation. If it’s a temporary installation or you plan to reuse the graphic, a cling is the way to go, although eventually, wear and tear will limit reuse. Static clings function better indoors. Because, heat, humidity, and weather will adversely affect the graphic. If outdoors placement is the only option use adhesive.

Who will see it?

Do you want the design to be viewed from inside or outside? Either can be installed on the interior surface. Should it be transparent? Static clings aren’t limited to glass surfaces they may be applied to many non-porous smooth surfaces including some metals and plastics. For an interior retail presentation placing the graphic on a display case or end cap may receive higher impressions than on a window.

Why do clings stop clinging?

Over a period of time, the static cling will lose its ability to adhere because it loses its suction capabilities. It can also be caused by the following:

Cleaning fluids
Being attached to a porous substrate
Placed on a filmy or dirty surface

Clings are Effective Advertising

So, how do static window clings work and how effective are they? Window clings are a great way to advertise products and services. They can be used to announce special offers, new services, or customer loyalty programs. They can add to the branded signage of most organizations, and they can be used as wayfinders. So, the next time you have a signage need ask yourself, will this be a temporary sign, will it be reused, and will it be installed indoors? If the answer is yes, yes, yes you may consider static clings. So, if you’d like to learn more, Contact Us don’t be static, we get a “charge” out of answering graphics questions.

And…

If you’d like to learn more about saving money on fleet graphics, we’ll help you save your hard earned dollars.

TKO Graphix is a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphics solutions such as design, digital printing, screen printing, installation and removal of fleet graphics, vehicle graphics, and commercial graphics.

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Do Vehicle Graphics Hurt Resale Value?

Do vehicle graphics hurt resale value? Not usually, when done correctly it’s just the opposite. They can add value to a vehicle. A few years ago, one of our sales consultants approached a national organization that is well-known for providing cars to high-producing salespeople. It seems the color of the vehicles adversely affected the resale value when the lease was up. At the end of the lease, the organization paid to have the vehicles painted white. Our consultant approached them with the idea of buying white company cars and then wrapping them in the organizations bright branded color.

Highly compliant adhesive vinyl (the good stuff) could be removed at the end of service. What the company would have is an attractive white car, and a finish that had been untouched by the elements. The exterior would look brand spanking new. So, do vehicle graphics hurt resale value? Nope, and here’s why.

Do Vehicle Graphics Hurt Resale Value?

Color Matters at Resale

Not only do a vehicles miles, condition, and mechanics affect its resale value, but also color. The color plays a significant part in determining what a car or truck will bring in the used vehicle market.

“If your vehicular taste is flashier be aware that you’ll pay dearly for your dubious choice. Gold cars tend to command 12.1% less than the average used model. The other questionable colors that take a much bigger-than-average hit at trade-in time include purple (10.7% below average), and beige (-10.3). If you’re not shy about driving a gold, beige, or purple vehicle (or are color blind in the first place), their depressed resale values tend to make the excellent values in the used-car market.” — Motor1 — Colors affect on resale.

What Does Color Have to do with Resale Value?

Protecting the manufacturer’s original finish maintains the resale value of a vehicle. And the sale-ability of basic colors is much higher than exotic colors. Do you love bright chrome yellow? Does your company use pink vehicles? Vivid colors may limit potential buyers in the resale market. The answer is to order a white vehicle, wrap it to your heart’s desire, and have a white vehicle, again, when it’s time to resell.

As Listverse explains— “Ever drive down the road and notice most of the cars you see are four colors (mostly black, white, silver, or gray)? Part of the reason why is resale value. People who want to resell their car later know they are far more likely to find a buyer if the car is one of these common colors.”

No One Wants to Buy a Car with A Business Name on its Door

And certainly, nobody wants to purchase a used vehicle with a full wrap, company logo, tagline, call to action, and mascot on both sides of the vehicle. Would you? In days gone by, before adhesive vinyl graphics, the vehicle graphics were painted on the cars and trucks. Want to guess what the owners did when it was time to resale the vehicles? They painted them.

With modern adhesive vinyl materials, digital print, and advanced inks it’s easier than ever to create eye-catching, information filled, branded vehicle graphics. The good news is that businesses don’t have to repaint them. They just have to have the graphics removed.

“Naturally, vehicles without branding are easier to sell at the end of their service term. Fortunately, most of the higher-quality decal packages these days aren’t painted directly onto the vehicle and can be removed easily by the auction house or other resale outlet before sale. So, the net impact of branding on your resale proceeds should be minimal.” — Wheels.com White Paper, Vehicle branding: Is there hidden value in your fleet?

Isn’t Paint less Expensive?

If we eliminate discount paint jobs, which often reduce the price by forgoing proper preparation, and using an inferior product as well as cheap labor. Wraps or decals may be more cost-effective. In this HowMuchDoes.com article, painting a car can range from under $1000 to $8000. Decaling or wrapping a car can run $500 to $4000 or more.

Vehicle Wraps Protect

Although vehicle wraps have never been designed or warranted to protect a vehicles finish. However, they do just that. A vehicle wrap will not protect the paint and finish from severe damage. But it does offer some protection from light scratches and the ultraviolet rays of the sun. According to this 3M FAQ for Wrap Film Series 1080, “Wrap film will protect the paint underneath it from some sun damage and mild abrasions. It isn’t a paint protection film, but the wrap does provide some protection between light abuse and the car finish.” Protecting the finish can save maintenance costs. And add to the resale value of the vehicle.

The Lowest Bid Isn’t Always the Best

Do vehicle graphics hurt resale value? If they’re done with low quality materials they can. Choosing an inferior adhesive vinyl or trusting your vehicles to inexperienced applicators can lead to significant expense. When it comes to time to remove the graphics the savings are lost.

“I was talking with Gary Meunier — one of our national account managers — about a bid we made to remove graphics from a fleet of vehicles. A company was preparing to return company cars at the end of a lease agreement. We didn’t install the graphics. However, we’re one of the few companies trained and prepared to properly remove the lowest bid decals they had purchased.

The company was surprised it would cost nearly as much to remove the decals as what they paid to have them installed. It was because they’d used a cheaper material with a permanent adhesive. It’s difficult, labor intensive, and time-consuming to remove such materials. The company didn’t know, at the time of purchase, the decals would need to be removed chemically or sanded off. These methods can cause so much surface damage that repainting is necessary.” — The Lowest Bid Mistake

So, Do Vehicle Graphics Hurt Resale Value?

Do vehicle graphics hurt resale value? Nope, when done correctly with the best materials for the job they add value to the car or truck. Wrapping your fleet vehicles protects them from fading and staining. A clean plain colored vehicle is worth more than a faded purple car or truck.

If we can answer any questions, don’t hesitate to Contact Us

We won’t always be the cheapest but we will be the best.

Aqua Blue Swimming Pool Service Work Truck Wrap Is Simple Yet Effective

The Aqua Blue service work truck wrap is a great example of fleet graphics that stay on brand and send a message. We’ve worked with the fine folk at Aqua Blue Swimming Pool Service for several years, and not only are they a pleasure to do business with – they get it. They understand that vehicle graphics is more than identification, but at the same time, they know that too much of a good thing can destroy the message. The Aqua Blue Swimming Pool Service work truck wrap is a good example of this. Thank you, Aqua Blue!

So, What Does a Swimming Pool Service Do?

The bottom line is that a good pool service makes it easier and more affordable to own and maintain a pool. Here’s some of what Aqua Blue offers:

Opening & Closing
Drain, Clean, Acid Wash, Fill
Troubleshooting
Pool Equipment Repair & Replacement
Vinyl Liner Replacement

Automatic Pool Cover Repair & Replacement
Pool Chemical Treatment Systems
Pool Automation Systems
Winter Safety Covers
Weekly Pool Service — Aqua Blue Pool Services

The Vehicle Graphics

This design sends the message loud and clear. Whether the truck is parked at a client’s drive or cruising north on I 465, there is no doubt as to the purpose of the truck. The blue, white, and light blue swoop flows from front to back like sparkling clean pool water. The business logo, branded colors, clear statement of what they do – Swimming Pool Service, and easy to find contact information send a clear message. The Aqua Blue Pool Services message is simple, they can help you with your swimming pool needs. If you have or want a pool Aqua Blue has the answers you’re looking for.

Aqua Blue Swimming Pool Service Work Truck Wrap — Keeps it Simple

We can never say it enough. When it comes to fleet graphics simpler is almost always better. Keeping it simple is often more difficult than it looks. Simplicity is elegance. Complicated fleet graphics with multiple images, several catchphrases, numerous calls to action, and a 10-bullet-point list of products and services isn’t the answer.

The primary job of any fleet graphic is to send a decipherable message. When a design is too busy, it’s hard to understand what the message is, but it’s darn near impossible for an over-designed fleet graphic to deliver the message when it’s on the road.

If we can answer any questions or help you with your fleet graphics, Contact Us.

If you enjoyed this, you might also like, Photo Blog: Aqua Blue Pool Van.

If you’d like to set your business apart with branded fleet graphics our team knows what to do. 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, our designers 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.

If you’d like a free estimate for your service work truck wrap; you can Request A Quote.

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.

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.

The Marvin Johnson and Associates Fleet Graphics are one of my favorites! Here’s Why

The Marvin Johnson and Associates fleet graphics are one of my favorites! I chatted with TKO graphic designer Jamie Burch about the Marvin Johnson and Associates fleet graphics. He didn’t create the design, but he did adapt the graphics to fit multiple vehicles. I began the conversation by sharing that the Marvin Johnson and Associates fleet graphics were one of my favorite designs. And then I asked Jamie what made this wrap stand out?

Here’s what he had to say, “The thing that makes the Marvin Johnson and Associates fleet graphics work is its simplicity. The big road, the limited copy, and the contrast, all come together to deliver the Marvin Johnson message. You know what they do with one glance. The yellow background really helps the road show well. I like the gradient used with the extruded letters stating, ‘Truck Insurance.’ And transitioning from white letters to an orange tone with shading adds dimension to the design.”

Pick Up Truck Vehicle Wrap

Who is Marvin Johnson and Associates?

“Marvin Johnson and Associates is the largest independent truck insurance agency in the Midwest. For more than four decades, Marvin Johnson & Associates has provided prompt, personal service to the Midwest, serving as the largest independent truck insurance agency in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.

Our claims service places emphasis on the immediate reporting of accidents, on-the-scene investigations, and speedy settlements – all designed to get your driver back on the road as quickly as possible.

Our answering service and claims service telephones operate on truckers’ hours – 24 hours a day, every day. When drivers call, they get direct service from the agency familiar with their insurance needs. All drivers are provided with accident packets and auto ID cards, which include detailed procedures to follow in case of a mishap.

Marvin Johnson & Associates is equipped with the computer systems necessary to give you crucial information “on-demand” quickly and efficiently. Our toll-free 800 numbers make communications easy and we offer bond and permit services as a time-saving convenience to our customers.” — Marvin Johnson and Associates

The Marvin Johnson and Associates Fleet Graphics

Jamie helped me understand why this fleet wrap worked and why it grabbed my attention. It wasn’t over the top. It didn’t try to share too much information. As Jamie said it was simple, and simple can be elegant. The design sends a definitive message, one look and you know that Marvin Johnson and Associates offer truck insurance. The graphics are pleasing to the eye, and I personally love the winding road. This wrap works.

We Know Fleet Graphics!

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, our designers 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.

Whether you need artwork created, or you have existing artwork, our design team will work with you to create what you need quickly and cost-effectively to Drive Your Brand.

If we can be of any assistance or answer any questions let us know, Contact Us, because we can help you get your fleet graphics on the road.

For over 35 years, TKO Graphix has partnered with commercial and private freight carriers to provide quality design, production, and installation of trailer graphics and decals. We are proud that hundreds of transportation companies throughout the United States trust TKO Graphix as their fleet graphics provider.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like, The First Step in Fleet Graphics Know Your Purpose

Lampliter Vehicle Graphics Shining A Light on Their Service

Before I talk about the Lampliter vehicle graphics I want to introduce John Dewaal. I met John in the TKO Graphix upstairs breakroom. I introduced myself and asked if he was waiting on a vehicle graphics installation. He was. It was his truck, or rather a work truck for the company he founded last July, The Lampliter.

John saw a problem that didn’t have a good solution. HOA’S (Homeowners Associations) almost all have exterior lighting and lamp post requirements, but when one is damaged where do you go to get it repaired? Good question. John created an answer. With the help of his two college aged sons he repairs and replaces exterior lighting for HOA’s and homeowners, helping them with their exterior lighting challenges. And he does this while maintaining a full-time position as a marketing consultant. I’m guessing John doesn’t like to sit still.

Who Is Lampliter and What Do They Do?

“We have found one of the primary reasons homeowners’ associations struggle with the upkeep of Yard Lights in their communities is the difficulty finding a reliable resource to service Lamp Posts. The Lampliter provides professional outdoor lighting service with a focus on Lamp Post replacement, repair and refinishing.” — The Lampliter HOA program

“Lampliter is dedicated to perfecting the beauty of your house with a professionally installed or repaired outdoor and yard light. Don’t let the beauty of your home get lost in the darkness of an ugly lamp light.” The Lampliter Facebook

The Connection

I asked John how he connected with TKO Graphix and he shared an interesting story. A friend of John’s had used 3M adhesive vinyl for wall graphics at his mother’s pharmacy in Columbus, Ohio. They told John how happy they were with the material and work. So, John asked who did vehicle graphics work in Indianapolis. His friend asked the 3M rep and they immediately answered TKO Graphix and recommended TKO’s National Sales Consultant Jason Scheurer. It helps to have a reputation for knowing what you’re doing and offering outstanding service. Jason has that reputation.

The Lampliter Vehicle Graphics

Here’s how the Lampliter vehicle graphics design evolved. When John first imagined vehicle graphics he pictured a full wrap with multiple colors, images, and more. However, working with Jason, our design team, and John’s sons, they focused on the message Lampliter wanted to send.

The message was simple. Lampliter had a quality solution to a problem many homeowners and HOA’s faced – a reliable fix for lamp posts gone bad. Just ask homeowners who lost lamp posts during the record high winds in Central Indiana late February 2019.

So how do you drive that message home? To begin with, although it could be done with a full or partial wrap it wasn’t necessary. Plotter cut decals could do the job. The Lamp post logo in its half circle of light grabs your attention, which then draws the eye to the contact information, phone and website. That’s followed by a three-bullet point list of Lamliter’s services: repair, refinish, replace. (Gotta love alliteration!)

The company name and contact information are repeated on the door. And then to cover all points of view the logo is on the front hood and window perf is used on the back window. The Lampliter Vehicle Graphics vehicle lite it up.

If you have any questions or we can help you with your fleet graphic needs Contact Us, we’ll leave a light on for you.

Would you like to see some great photos of Lamplite’s work, if so go to, The Lampliter Pinterest

If you have an exterior lighting problem and would like to know if Lampliter can help, here’s a link to the services they offer with prices! The Lampliter Services

Why Your Business is Losing Money if You Don’t Advertise with Fleet Graphics

Your business is missing out if you’re not using fleet graphics to advertise your operation. I’m not talking about a decal on the door in two-inch letters with your name, hometown, and phone number. That’s identification, not advertising. Your fleet may be the most cost-effective form of marketing available. Yet too many organizations spend their time and money on ad campaigns that don’t come near to the potential of fleet graphics. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying to discontinue other forms of marketing. What I’m saying is if you don’t brand with fleet graphics you should add it to your marketing mix. Because if you don’t, you’re missing the boat.

“Every day, your vehicles drive past thousands of people who could be among your best customers, prospects, vendors and/or investors. But if your vehicles are unmarked with company branding, they likely pass unnoticed by these key audiences. And you may have missed an important opportunity to grow your business.” — Wheels White Paper

What Kind of Impression Does Your Fleet Make?

In advertising an impression is the point where an advertisement is viewed once by a visitor, sometimes called an ad view, impressions are used to measure the effectiveness of ads. CPM is cost per 1,000 impressions.

Roadmark Inc. estimates each road type to have the following impressions per mile:

Rural Interstate 31
Suburban interstate 35
Urban interstate 48
Secondary arterial 68
City street—major market 93
City street—secondary market 131

“Impressions aren’t only from passing vehicles but also pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles. Vehicles also gain impressions while parked, for example, delivering goods, completing service at a customer, or parked at the place of business. Vehicle advertising only ends when the vehicle is garaged, other than that it’s a 24/7 billboard for an organization.” — Why You Should Choose TKO for Your Fleet Graphics.

So, are you impressed? You should be because impressions lead to new clients. And fleet graphics cost less per impression than any other form of advertising.

But Fleet Graphics are too Expensive, Aren’t They?

Here at TKO Graphics we’ve completed vehicle graphics for less than $1,000 and more than $4,000. There are many variables that affect the cost. If you like to learn more go here, FAQ: How Much Do Fleet Graphics Cost?

The Numbers Don’t Lie

“So, what does the investment buy you? Dan Rozzo, marketing innovation manager fleet & OEM markets, Avery Dennison, said ROI can be difficult to measure. However, he cites surveys conducted by the ATA and Robinson Yesawich & Pepperdine Inc., that state 97% of individuals surveyed noticed the advertising on fleet vehicles and 98% felt the ad portrayed a positive image of the advertiser. On top of that, 29% of those surveyed said they would base a buying decision on those impressions.” — HDT Trucking Info

According to the The American Trucking Association’s study. The Visual Impact of Trucks in Traffic, showed: “96% noticed truck side ads 98% said fleet graphics created a positive image for the company 96% said fleet graphics had more impact than billboards. 75% of people developed an impression about a company and its products 29% would base a buying decision on the impression.”

A Rolling Billboard is More Effective than a Stationary One

Your fleet vehicles are rolling billboards regardless of the size of the car or truck, they make an impression wherever they travel.

Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) says that more than 95 percent of Americans are reached by media targeting vehicle drivers and passengers.

“The OAAA says that mobile advertising can be the most effective and efficient form of out of home advertising, reaching more consumers at a lower cost per thousand impressions than any other form of advertising and estimates that a wrap costs around 4 cents per thousand impressions, while other forms of advertising cost significantly more.

For instance, outdoor signs cost $3.56 per thousand impressions and newspaper ads cost $19.70 for that number of impressions. One wrapped vehicle will net between 30,000 and 80,000 impressions per day. All in all, the estimated cost is less than $44 per million impressions.” — QuickBooks — Are vehicle graphics a good investment for your small business?

Fleet Graphics Work but Don’t Just Take Our Word for it

In this video, Carbon Golden Malted Wrap I chat with Bob Berarinelli, supply chain manager for Carbon Golden Malted. They supply hotels and restaurants with waffle and pancake mix, which is a rather limited and specific market. However, Bob shared with me that when he drove their first fully wrapped van from our shop near Indianapolis to the Carbon Golden Malted headquarters in South Bend, IN he noticed drivers jotting down the information on his truck. When he got to the office, they had three calls about their product, and all three have become regular customers.

Quit Wasting Your Fleet Advertising Opportunity

If your business isn’t advertising on your fleet, you’re losing money. And don’t tell me your logo and phone number on the driver’s door is enough because it’s not. It’s not even effective branding let alone a marketing effort that will bring new prospects to the top of your lead funnel.

Fleet graphics work. They solidify your brand, share your USP (Unique Sales Position) and position you as a leader in your field. Why do you think the vast majority of the big guns in your industry wrap their fleet vehicles? Is it because they like pretty cars and trucks, or could it be that they’ve learned fleet graphics pay their way and more?

If you’d like to learn more about fleet graphics check it out, TKO Graphix Vehicle Wraps and Graphics.

If we can answer any questions or offer our advice, Contact Us because we can help you drive your brand home. So, does your fleet advertise your brand?

Photo by Pepi Stojanovski on Unsplash

Mission 27 Resale Box Truck Wrap

At TKO Graphix we’re privileged to work with many outstanding organizations. The Mission 27 Resale box truck wrap represents one of the finest. Are you familiar with what they do? If not, here’s a little about them.

Who Is Mission 27 Resale?

“We’ve given our store the unusual name of Mission 27 Resale in honor of St. Vincent de Paul’s ministry to the poor and his feast day, September 27. Run by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a volunteer organization dedicated to serving the poor and disadvantaged, Mission 27 Resale is much more than a secondhand shop.

It’s a way to raise funds for two vital programs: the society’s food pantries and its Changing Lives Forever program, which teaches people how to lift themselves out of poverty. Good things for a good purpose – it’s not just about giving new life to used items. It’s about giving a better life to those in need.” — Mission 27 Resale.org

The History of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

“The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a 20-year-old student of Sorbonne University in Paris, Frederic and a group of fellow students began to seek out and visit the poor of Paris in their homes – taking them food and clothing and offering their friendship and concern. This small group adopted, as their Patron, the great French priest St. Vincent de Paul, who alerted the world to social problems.

Similar groups grew in Paris, then to the rest of France, and eventually spread throughout the Christian world with the purpose of visiting those in need as an extension of God’s love. Currently, the Society of SVdP has approximately 900,000 members in 151 different countries.” — About Vincentians.

The Mission 27 Resale Box Truck Wrap

The Mission 27 Box Truck Wrap is a complete wrap of the box, both sides, and rear. To complete the graphic the cab has plotter cut decals. The graphics against the pure white background stand out. Front and center is the red, white, and black circular logo.

Like all of the best vehicle graphic designs the The Mission 27 Resale box truck wrap is simple. It doesn’t let anything get in the way of it’s message. Simple can be elegant.

The Mission 27 Box Truck Wrap is hard to miss. Next, the eye is drawn to the rack of clothes which makes a clear statement as to the purpose of this vehicle. The website and phone number are easy to find as well as to read. All in all, it’s a vehicle graphic that captures your attention, sends a message, and shares a call to action. The mission 27 resale box truck wrap works!

If you’d like to drive your brand home, Contact Us, we’d love to help you share your message.

If you’d like further information or advice, be sure to Contact Us . If you’d like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics; you can Request A Quote.

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. If you’d like to learn more and get a free quote, contact us today.

What a Full-Service Fleet Graphics Provider Does and Why You Need to Know This

What is a full-service fleet graphics provider? Not all vehicle graphics providers are created equal. Not every large format printer is a complete full-service provider. Some only print, others print and do some design work, but don’t install. Many aren’t equipped to come to you, and still more aren’t prepared to remove existing graphics or de-identify fleet vehicles. They leave it up to the fleet’s owner to prep the fleet for vehicle graphics application. A true full-service fleet graphics provider does all the above and more.

What a Full-Service Fleet Graphics Provider Offers

Preparation

Proper preparation of fleet vehicles to receive adhesive vinyl graphics is critical. Adhesive vinyl graphics will not adhere to improperly prepped vehicles. They will bubble, rip, and split. That’s not a good look for your fleet.

Removal of Old Graphics

There are several factors to consider when removing old adhesive vinyl graphics from a fleet vehicle. First, how long have the graphics been on the vehicle? If the adhesive vinyl has been on longer than manufacturer recommendations, special care will be needed during de-identification as not to damage the surface of the vehicle, which can lead to further expense and time spent in repair.

The material used can make a huge difference during removal. Less expensive products meant for short term applications can become almost impossible to remove when left on a vehicle for longer than recommended. Sometimes they have to be scraped off the vehicle leaving marks, scratches, and abrasions. Covering the damage with new adhesive vinyl graphics can help. However, at the end of a lease the lessee will be held responsible for any damage.

Another factor is condition. For example, vinyl graphics on trucks that have experienced driving under low hanging tree branches are often cracked and split at the top of the truck. This adds time and expense to the removal.

Improper installation can lead to removal issues as well as adhesives that are too harsh for the application.

How to Reduce Fleet Graphics Removal Expense

Cleaning

“Preparing a vehicle for graphics installation isn’t complicated, but if you leave a step out, the outcome can be disastrous.

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3

1.Clean the vehicle using a 50/50 mixture of water and Isopropyl alcohol and be sure to use lint-free rags. Use one rag to apply the alcohol, and another to dry. If the vehicle is really dirty, you might consider washing the car first with soap and water, then cleaning with the 50/50 mix.

2. When removing adhesive graphics from a vehicle some residual adhesive may remain on the surface. Use a citrus based cleaner to remove the adhesive, then follow up with alcohol. Before applying the decal, inspect the surface for debris, lint, or moisture.
Pro Tip— For your final pre-installation step, coat the surface with 3M 94 Vehicle Graphics Primer.” — Prepping a Vehicle for Graphics Installation.

Why You Need a Full-Service Fleet Graphics Provider

Design

Good design begins with understanding the needs of the customer. A pretty design that doesn’t share the message a client wants to deliver or one that doesn’t reach the prospects target audience isn’t good design regardless of how pretty it is.

Delivering the Message

“Have you seen interesting vehicle graphics, billboards, or some other form of advertisement, and although it was eye-catching, wondered who the company was? I see this all the time. It’s an example of design getting in the way of the message. With the advent of digital printers and modern printable adhesive vinyl’s it’s easy to get lost in design creation. However, the priority of vehicle graphic isn’t to deliver an esoteric piece of art — it’s to deliver the message. Don’t misunderstand me; there’s nothing wrong with delivering the message through a vehicle graphic design that’s a work of art. That’s a win-win.” — 2 Keys to Great Vehicle Graphic Design

Is it a Long bed or a Short Cab?

Something often overlooked that is paramount to good design is accurate measurements of the fleet vehicles to be wrapped. And not only physical measurements by models, options, and add-on equipment. For example, according to The Daily Drive, there are more than 2 billion ways to order a Ford F-150 truck. 2 Billion.

Who should design your fleet graphics?

4 Sides to the Story

Fleet graphics are three-dimensional, vehicles have four sides, curves, glass, and more. A design that looks great on a two-dimensional computer screen might not work on the actual car or truck. Time and time again we’ve been sent design work that won’t work on the vehicle. One of my favorites was a very large company that sold condiments. They wanted a bottle of one of their products on the fleet vehicles. However, the design they’d sent didn’t look like a bottle on the three-dimensional vehicle.

Another key ingredient to great fleet graphic design is to picture the vehicle on the road. What will it look like cruising at 65 MPH as well as sitting at a customer’s place of business?

Print

Large format printing is complicated. It’s not like hitting print on your office copier. To begin with, proper color calibration of digital printers can make the difference between printing a graphic that matched the branded colors of a customer or missing it by a mile. At TKO we take the time to calibrate our printers.

“Our production manager at TKO Graphix, Tom McClelland, shared a story with me about a customer who was unable to match the existing rear panel of his vehicle wrap on his monster truck. The panel of the truck had been damaged in an accident (what a surprise) and needed replacing.

However, when the truck’s owner went back to the graphics company, who had manufactured the original decal, they couldn’t match the color even though the decal was less than a year old, wasn’t significantly faded, and was a standard color.” — Digital Print Color Calibration, or “Man, do the flames on my truck look pink in the daylight?”

Options

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of adhesive vinyl material to choose from. For example, “Vinyl begins as Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), then additives create the vinyl film used to wrap vehicles. Plasticizers are added for flexibility, pigments for color, and then UV absorbers and heat stabilizers to create a vinyl that will conform to a vehicle’s shape and withstand the elements.

Cast, or “premium vinyl,” is a process like making a cake. Ingredients are mixed and solvents are added, then poured into a casting sheet, which is baked, allowing the solvents to evaporate. This process makes a very flexible, thin, shrink-resistant material. Another manufacturing option is the calendar or economy process. In this method, ingredients are mixed, but solvents aren’t added. Like pizza dough, the vinyl is rolled and stretched into the desired shape. This material is thicker and having been stretched, it tends to shrink.” — Are their Different Vinyl Graphic Materials?

And it’s not only the material it’s also the ink. 3M’S warranty on its popular 180 adhesive series require specific inks, which if not used can nullify the warranty. 3M 180 series adhesive vinyl warranty.

Large Format Printer

Screen or Digital

You don’t hear much about large format screen print today, but only a few years ago it was the predominant form of print for fleet graphics. Although digital offers the ability to print multiple images and colors there’s still a place for screen.

A larger run of one or two colors may be more cost effective on screen. Digital uses set PMS colors. When a brand needs a particular color that isn’t on the PMS chart, screen print is an option. Screen inks are mixed similar to paint and can be “matched” to the clients branded color.

Finishing

“What is finishing? Finishing is the process of preparing adhesive vinyl graphics for shipping and installation. Here’s the process.

Weeding – Weeding is the act of removing unwanted areas of the print. For example, the vinyl around letters is removed leaving only the letters. It’s a tedious and painstaking operation. It’s also tremendously important. Weeding must be exact with nothing damaged or removed unintentionally. Removing even one letter ruins a decal.

Pre-masking – Premask is a wide material similar to masking tape used to cover and protect adhesive vinyl graphics. There are many different types of premask used for different vinyl materials and inks. For example, there’s one premask used with a liner (backing), another for prints with no liner, and still another for thermal pressed screen prints. Using the incorrect premask may cause it to adhere too tightly to the graphic and damage the print or conversely not adhere leaving the print exposed to damage. Applying premask is a skill. When tension isn’t evenly applied, creases may form which can ruin the print.

Cutting – Precisely following layouts can reduce installation challenges. Occasionally, sections of a graphic may need replaced due to a change or damage. It’s extremely important to place all letters and images in the exact location intended.

Is it finished?

Without the TKO Graphix Finishing Department, our wraps and decals wouldn’t be … finished. The Finishing Departments attention to detail helps TKO Graphix met customer expectations. It ain’t finished ‘till it’s finished.” — The Importance of a Finishing Department in Graphics

Shipping

At TKO Graphix our shipping department does a lot more than ship graphics. The team does a final quality check, checks counts so that the end user gets what they want and need, and manages fulfillment programs for some of our top customers. So, it’s a lot more than mailing packages. However, the team is on top of everything shipping. They build boxes and crates to meet the customers’ needs and then make sure the graphics are well protected. The team researches and finds the fastest transit times at the best rates.

Another key ingredient for customers as well as installation teams is that the shipping department takes the time to list the contents of each box and crate on the exterior of the box. Easily identifying what you have can make a huge difference when it comes time to install the product.

worker installing vehicle graphics

Installation

Vehicle graphics installation is more than checklists and processes. As important as procedures are it takes a creative mind to be a great vehicle graphic installer. The best adhesive vinyl applicators are artists. A landscape painter has to know how to hold the brush and mix the paint. And installers need to know the differences in surfaces and material before they can create their art.

If you want to find the best installers look for customer testimonials and examples of their work. Time in business, installer experience, and certification are all keys to finding the best installation teams as well.

“There are two primary vehicle graphics installation certification programs. PDAA (Professional Decal Application Alliance), which is administered by SGIA (Specialty Graphics Imaging Association), and UASG (United Application Standards Group), through 3M. Both require extensive training and testing, and there are different levels of certification. For example, PDAA offers both basic and master certification. According to PDAA, ‘Basic certification accommodates companies that have absolutely no interest in doing vehicle wraps with complex curves.’ So be sure you have an application team certified for the type of installation required.” — How to Find the Best Vehicle Graphics Installers.

Customer Service

The TKO Graphix CSR team is outstanding. They act as liaison between every department and the customer and do an outstanding job of it. But don’t take my word for it, 10 Client’s Rate TKO Graphix Customer Service.

So, what does a full-service fleet graphic provider do? They prep vehicles by removing old graphics and thoroughly cleaning fleet cars and trucks prior to installation. They offer design services from experienced fleet graphics designers, and share print options. A full-service team finishes the product, ships it the best possible way, and uses experienced teams of installers. And then, to follow all of that up they have outstanding customer service.

Our Full-Service Fleet Graphics Provider Mission

Our Mission is Customer Satisfaction

I could have saved a lot of time and words if I’d only shared TKO Graphix mission statement because it says it all. This is what being a full-service fleet graphics provider means to us.

“Customer service and quality products come first, success for all involved will naturally follow as we produce superior commercial graphics.”

Our mission statement may share the most important thing that a full-service fleet graphics provider does. They take care of their customers.

If we can be of any service let us know, Contact Us.

How to Create a Call to Action with Your Yard Signage

How important is a call to action from your signage. A good sign is part of an organization’s brand; it identifies its location, and shares the businesses USP (Unique Selling Position). But a great sign goes one step further—it issues an effective call to action.

5 Steps to a Superior Call to Action

Add urgency

In sales, urgency is defined as getting a reward for taking action within a limited time frame such as, contact us this month and save 20%. Or it can be the fear of missing out on a reward by not taking action.

ET phone home

Make it easy to call your business. Your phone number should not only be posted large enough to be able to quickly scan, and be easy to read, but it should also be easy to remember. For example, 1-800-800-HEAT would be a memorable number for an HVAC company. I’ll bet you remember that number tomorrow.

Direct customers to your website

The website should also be easy to read and memorable. Websites are usually placed on the lower third of a sign. People come to expect to find them there. Add some urgency to the website with a call to action such as, look for our new visitor discount coupon.

Help customers find your store

Give directions like, “Turn left at exit 32, and you’ll find us 500 feet on the right.” Put your address in good contrast near the bottom of your sign, and consider adding urgency such as using a code for a discount.

Share social media icons

Let prospects know they can interact with you on social media, and once again add some urgency. A bowling alley could say follow us on Instagram for one free game. Speaking of a call to action how about political signage.

The Politics of Political Yard Signs

At TKO we avoid controversial topics including politics. However, when the political campaigning season arrives, we’re asked to create and print hundreds of yard signs and banners for every political party at all levels. The prevailing political sign is the yard sign but we’ve printed all types of banners and signs, in all shapes and sizes for political campaigns.

How long have political signs been used?

Upon excavation of Pompeii, political slogans and endorsements for candidates were found covering the city walls. Political signage goes back as far as free elections go. I’m currently reading Pulitzer Prize winning author, David McCullough’s fine book Truman. In 1948 when Truman ran for president his campaign used banners and signs on railway whistle stop tours across the USA. In the 1948 election, as today, both the Democratic and Republican national conventions shared a profusion of signs. Check out all the signage in this clip from the 1948 Democratic Convention. And in the spirit of bipartisanship, take a look at these signs and posters from 1944 Republican Presidential Campaign. Political signs are nothing new.

Do political yard signs make an impact?

Several studies have shown that yard signs for national races make little impact; less than 2% of the electorate is swayed by yard signs for national office. The reason being, people know the candidates and have made up their minds. Larger signs, such as billboards, can be useful to help get the vote out for these races. However, for smaller races, where voters may not know the candidates, yard signs can have an impact on the election.

“In smaller races – for city council, sheriff, school board — where many voters don’t know the candidates, signs can tip the scales. The reason is something psychologists call the “mere exposure effect,” which says the more humans becomes familiar with something, the more they tend to like it. “– Cleveland Plain Dealer

Are you in the running?

If you’re running for local office or are on a campaign team and would like to know more about political signs, Contact Us. We’d be happy to help and advise you on every aspect of yard signage from design and layout to sign options and printing. You have our signage vote.

TKO Your CTA Consultant

Creating a call to action on any sign begins with a clear and easy to read design that incorporates good color contrast, highly visible fonts, and appropriately sized lettering. It continues with proper placement of the CTA, and ends with an urgency — a reason for future clients to take action. If you’d like to learn more about creating signage with a strong CTA, Contact Us. We offer free signage consolation. That’s a call to action!

What Will Adhesive Vinyl Graphics Adhere to?

So, this post is supposed to answer what will adhesive vinyl graphics adhere to? But let me begin at the beginning.

I first began working with TKO graphics in 2008 as a freelance leadership trainer. It wasn’t until June of 2010 that I came onboard as a full-time employee. I was to continue to facilitate leadership development training but also to be part of the marketing team creating content for blogs and social media. I had a lot to learn because I didn’t know much about SMM (social media marketing) and even less about large format graphics and the vehicle graphics industry.

One of the lessons I remember from the summer of 2010 was a trip to Richmond, Indiana with TKO Graphix National Sales Consultant Gary Meunier. A friend had contacted me about wrapping a bus they had obtained. It was quite a story. The bus was more than 40 years old. It was a double-decker shipped here from London. And yes, it was right-hand drive.

Gary told me not to get my hopes up, but he was heading that way on other business, so he’d take a look at it. I asked if I could tag along to learn and Gary said sure.

Adhesive Vinyl Graphics Won’t Hide the Facts

When we got to the warehouse where the bus was being stored, he told it didn’t look promising. I didn’t understand because the bus certainly needed something. It was faded, rusted in places, and pretty dinged up. Gary explained that the condition of the surface was the problem. First of all, adhesive vinyl graphics will not hide surface damage that goes beyond a scratch. If there are dents vinyl won’t hide them – it will only cover them. You’ll still have the dent.

He went on to explain that if the surface is porous, loose, or rusted the adhesive will not stick. He pulled out a piece of adhesive vinyl graphic from his briefcase and applied it to a spot out of sight on the rear of the bus. After he had squeegeed it on, he pulled it off. It took the paint with it. Adhesive vinyl wouldn’t stick. The bus needed body repair and paint – not adhesive vinyl.

It was one of my first lessons about adhesive vinyl graphics. You can’t stick vinyl to every surface.

Time Travel

Fast forward to 2019, nine years later. In that time, I’ve learned a lot about SMM and vehicle graphics. However, I’m not as knowledgeable as I thought I was about surfaces. I sat down with Tom McClelland, who’s been with TKO Graphix for more than 25 years and has installed adhesive vinyl on more surfaces than I’ve seen.

I went to Tom with a list of types of materials and surfaces that I though adhesive vinyl wouldn’t adhere to and although I was correct on some of it, I learned that on many surfaces it depended on various factors. And like Gary did in 2010 when he inspected the bus, it’s often best to talk to an expert and have them look at. For example, I thought you could only apply adhesive vinyl to wood painted with high-quality enamel.

What Will Adhesive Vinyl Graphics Adhere to and Doesn’t Stick?

Wood

It’s usually recommended that wood should be coated with high-quality enamel and then be allowed to cure, or gas out. The curing process depends on the paint, the manufacturer should be able to inform consumers of the time the paint needs to cure. However, the key isn’t the paint, it’s having a smooth surface. If enamel was coated over an unfinished, unsanded surface and is rough to the touch, adhesive vinyl probably won’t stay adhered. At the same time, Tom told me about the inside of a 53-foot trailer that was unpainted yet sanded smooth that we applied adhesive vinyl graphics to and it worked great.

Rubber

I didn’t think vinyl would hold to rubber, but I wasn’t sure why. Tom explained in three words, “Because it’s flexible.” He told me that sometimes there’s a rubber sill between vehicle side doors, but if you try to cover the sill – it will peel. So, that’s a no to rubber.

Brick and Cement

Once again, I thought no way Jose, but Tom straightened me out. He told me there are vinyl materials specially designed for these surfaces. However, it’s important to inspect the surface to know what the best material would be.

“3M™ Scotchcal™ Graphic Film for Textured Surfaces IJ8624 conforms to moderately textured surfaces like concrete block, brick, industrial stucco and tile similar to those commonly found in sports arena, stadiums, restaurants, retail, and other public venues. Adhesion depends on the substrate material, the texture of the wall and the adhesion technique.” — 3M™ Scotchcal™ Graphic Film For Textured

Plastic

“According to experts, applying adhesive vinyl graphics to plastic can be a challenge. Some are friendly, and some are not. Outgassing is a possibility much of the time. Before considering wrapping a plastic substrate, you need to know its chemical composition.

Polycarbonates are used on equipment for automotive, home, and the office. Polycarbonates contain water which when covered with vinyl graphics may outgas forming water bubbles between the substrate and vinyl. An experienced applicator can determine the best method of installation, dry or wet.

Polymethacrylate (PMMA) is the clear, shatterproof plastic used as a replacement for glass. Most adhesives will stick to a PMMA surface; however wet installation may be the best to avoid outgassing.

Polyethylene is used for plastic bags, containers, bottles, and tarps. Vinyl can be applied to this material using dry application and for some applications heat may be required.

Polystyrene is a hard plastic. For example, computer casings are made from polystyrene. This material can be wrapped but outgassing varies from formula to formula and may cause separation.

Styrofoam is a polystyrene plastic, and although vinyl can be applied it’s difficult and isn’t recommended on some types of Styrofoam

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is in most cases user-friendly for adhesive vinyl application; however, the hardness of the plastic impacts the installation. Hard PVC will accept the vinyl but may be difficult to remove while softer PVC may not offer the best adhesive surface.” — Can Adhesive Vinyl Be Applied to Plastic

Interior walls

So, smooth interior walls need to be a certain type of paint, right? Not according to Tom or 3M. And once again it’s not as much the type of surface but the condition of the surface that’s paramount. Any surface that is damaged, dirty, or uneven can create a problem. However, there are so many high-quality adhesive vinyls today that are created for nearly any type of retail or commercial installation that the key isn’t will it stick, the key is knowing the best material for the application.

“Turn smooth indoor surfaces into works of art with a wide array of 3M graphic films. From printable films and finishes to colored films and more, the ability to create vivid designs and make unforgettable impressions is at your fingertips. When your customers offer you a canvas, 3M graphic films can help make it a masterpiece.” — Wall wraps from inside out.

The Lesson

The lesson I took away from this, besides that I don’t know as much as I thought I knew, is that adhesive vinyl graphics can be applied to multiple types of surfaces – far more than I knew. But the critical point is knowing what material will work best on any given surface and the best way to know that is to go to someone experienced, like Gary or Tom.

If we can be of any help, Contact Us, we go deeper than the surface.

Photo by Lawless Capture on Unsplash