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Vehicle graphics are a powerful tool for business owners. They can generate up to 70,000 impressions daily and boast an impressive 97 percent brand recall rate. Plus, they reach more consumers at a lower cost compared to other outdoor advertising methods. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the advantages of custom partial vehicle wraps, offer guidance on selecting the right material and provide a list of do’s and don’ts to ensure they continue to support your marketing objectives.

 

Vehicle Advertising 101: What are Vehicle Graphics?

Vehicle graphics encompass a range of vinyl decals or wraps used for decoration or marketing. They can range from simple words or phrases to intricate logos. Decals are usually cut into specific shapes, like letters or logos, while wraps are large vinyl stickers that cover entire sections of a vehicle, including letters, logos, and backgrounds. At Creative SignWorks, we specialize in partial vehicle wraps, which cover only certain parts of a vehicle, like the hood, sides, trunk, or doors. Typically covering between one-quarter to three-quarters of a vehicle’s exterior, partial vehicle wraps are a great option for businesses not wanting to change their vehicle colour entirely.

 

Materials Used to Create Marketing Car Wraps

The materials for vehicle graphics vary depending on how you plan to use them and your budget. Let’s take a look at some common materials used to create these mobile advertisements.

Non-Reflective Vinyl

Vehicle graphics made from heavy-duty vinyl feature an adhesive side that sticks onto the vehicle. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is added to strengthen the material, making these wraps highly durable. Non-reflective vinyl wraps also contain plasticizers to increase flexibility, allowing them to withstand temperature changes. This flexibility helps them cover up minor scratches and bumps on your commercial vehicle. In the past, non-reflective vinyl was prone to cracking and fading, especially in the sun. However, manufacturers have improved vinyl composition with heat stabilizers and UV absorbers, ensuring your vehicle still looks great even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Calendared Vinyl

This material gets its name from the calendaring manufacturing process, where vinyl is pressed into a thin sheet using high-temperature steel rollers. The preparation includes liquid softener, PVC powder, and custom colours. By using multiple rolls, the vinyl becomes thinner, wider, and more uniform. During embossing, heated rollers imprint a pattern on the film to achieve the desired gloss level. High-grade calendared vinyl uses polymeric plasticizers, while inexpensive versions use monomeric plasticizers. Depending on the grade, calendared vinyl can last from one to seven years. Modern manufacturing methods have improved calendared films, making them shrink less, more conformable, and glossier. However, they are thicker, so they work best on vehicles with flat surfaces or gentle curves.

Reflective Material

Emergency vehicles utilize reflective vinyl decals designed for enhanced visibility at night. These materials are specifically engineered to be seen in low-light conditioners when the only sources of light are headlights and streetlights. However, there are some drawbacks to using reflective vinyl. These include limited colour options and variations in appearance between day and night. For instance, white reflective vinyl may look white at night but appear grayish during the day. There are two basic types of reflective vinyl: retro-reflective and prismatic. Retro-reflective vinyl contains pigment and glass beads that reflect light emitted by a source, making the decal visible to witnesses. Prismatic vinyl wraps incorporate tiny prisms in their base, which split and reflect light toward the viewer for increased visibility.

 

Custom Vehicle Advertising: Benefits of Partial Vehicle Wraps

Reach a Wider Audience

Using vehicle advertising is a highly efficient way to connect with more people. It’s like having your marketing campaign travel with you, reaching consumers directly in a fun and interactive manner. Commercial van wraps also provide great customization options, allowing you to personalize your message to different audience segments.

Hard to Miss

In a sea of familiar Hondas and Toyotas, anything different on the road tends to catch our eye. This presents a golden opportunity for business owners to leave a lasting impression on potential customers. Make sure your company vehicle stands out by showcasing your best graphics and marketing messages. It’s equally important for your message to be easily readable, as drivers and passengers may have limited time to take it in compared to other forms of advertising.

Cost Effective

Partial vehicle wraps are a more budget-friendly option compared to full wraps. They require less material and labour, which helps keep costs at bay. The total expense depends on which parts of your vehicle you choose to wrap and the design you have drawn up. On average, however, partial wraps range from $500 to $1000, whereas full wraps can cost up to $3000. If you’re looking to grab attention without breaking the bank, a partial wrap is the ideal choice.

Easier Maintenance and Increased Protection

Partial vehicle wraps are easier to maintain since they cover less of the surface. These wraps are made from high-quality vinyl, offering an extra layer of protection against scratches, UV rays, and other environmental damage, which helps preserve the vehicle’s value. Focus on wrapping the most visible and vulnerable areas of your vehicle to maximize its impact and protection.

Quick Installation

Wrapping only part of the vehicle makes the installation process simpler and quicker. This reduces the time your vehicle needs to be out of commission, minimizing disruption to your business operations.

Increases Visual Appeal

Focusing on just a part of your vehicle ensures your message is clear and not too much for your audience to take in. Place graphics strategically to emphasize important messages, products, or contact details.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Partial Vehicle Marketing Wraps

Question 1: How long do partial vehicle wraps usually last?

High-quality vehicle wraps when taken care of with the proper maintenance, can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on various factors such as climate and usage.

Question 2: Is a partial commercial van wrap a good option for small businesses?

Of course! Car wrap advertising doesn’t just benefit large establishments. They also serve as a powerful marketing tool for small businesses, especially given their cost efficiency and impactful brand exposure.

Question 3: Will a partial vehicle wrap damage my car’s paint?

No. If you choose a professional company like Creative SignWorks to complete your partial vehicle wrap and ensure to keep up with maintenance no damage comes with installing vehicle wraps.

 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Car Partial Wrap Advertising

Do...

·  Plan Your Design Carefully: Your design shouldn’t be a one-and-done. Give it some real thought. Does it effectively communicate your brand? Get feedback from a designer who specializes in marketing car wraps.

·  Choose High-Quality Materials: If you want your car wrap advertising to last, select high-quality vinyl materials specifically designed for outdoor use. This ensures longevity and protects your investment from fading, peeling, or damage from external elements.

· Consider Brand Consistency: Your commercial van wrap should remain consistent with all other marketing material and messaging, including logos, fonts, and colours, to reinforce brand recognition and cohesion across all marketing channels.

· Select Strategic Placement: Think about where your graphics will be most impactful. Consider which areas of your vehicle garner the most visibility. Areas like the sides, rear and hood tend to capture the most attention of both pedestrians and motorists.

· Ensure Professional Installation: When it comes to installing partial vehicle wraps, DIY is not the way to go. It’s best to rely on the expertise of experienced professionals who have the necessary skills to do the job. This not only ensures a better-looking final result but also prevents damage to your vehicle.

· Monitor Performance: Just like any other advertising initiative, be sure to track your partial wrap. Measure key performance indicators, including brand visibility, website traffic, and lead generation. You can use analytics tools to gauge the impact of your vehicle advertising efforts on overall marketing and make any necessary adjustments.

· Utilize Calls to Action: Ensure that your partial car wraps feature clear advertising messages with specific calls to action. These prompts should encourage viewers to take action, whether it’s calling for more information, visiting your website, making a purchase, and so on.

· Perform Regular Maintenance: To maintain your commercial van, truck, or car wrap, regular upkeep is necessary. Wash your vehicle regularly with mild soap and water, and occasionally apply wax. This routine care can extend the life of your wrap and keep it looking great.

Don’t...

· Overcrowd the Design: Simplicity often wins, and there’s a reason for this. Don’t overcrowd your design with too much text, graphics, or images. It can muddy your message. Aim for clarity, brevity, and visual appeal instead.

· Compromise on Quality: Resisting the temptation to cut corners can be tough, but it’s crucial for the success of your advertising. Saving money in the short term might compromise the effectiveness of your overall efforts in the long run.

· Neglect Vehicle Preparation: Make sure your vehicle is clean and prepped before getting your vehicle marketing wrap applied. Any dirt or residue left on the surface could interfere with adhesion and compromise the integrity of the wrap.

· Oversell or Misrepresent: Steer clear of exaggerating or misrepresenting your products or services in the messaging of your partial vehicle wrap. Being honest, transparent and truthful in your advertising will benefit you in the long run.

· Dismiss Feedback and Analytics: Feedback on your vehicle marketing wrap is incredibly valuable. It gives insight into the effectiveness of your current advertising efforts and suggests potential improvements.

 

Need Help With a Custom Partial Vehicle Wrap?

For a custom marketing car wrap for your business, turn to Creative SignWorks. Whether it’s a partial wrap for your truck or a partial commercial van wrap, with over 20 years of experience in the sign and printing industry in the Niagara Region, we’re ready to create the impactful mobile advertising you need to stand out. Fill out the form here to kickstart your project, or reach out to us to learn more about our vehicle wrap process. We’re eager to help you spread your message wherever the roads take you!