The Process of Vehicle Branding

Vehicle wrapping or vehicle branding is the marketing practice of completely or partially covering (wrapping) a vehicle in an advertisement, thus turning it into a mobile billboard. This is achieved by using large vinyl sheets as decals. These can be removed with relative ease, making it much less expensive to change from one advertisement to another. Vehicles with large, flat surfaces, such as buses and light-rail carriages, are fairly easy to do vehicle branding on, though smaller cars with curved surfaces can also be fully wrapped in this manner.

Recent advancements in vinyl development have led to new types of vinyls specifically for doing vehicle wraps and vehicle branding, such as vinyls that feature air channels to prevent bubbles, and microscopic glass beads that prevent the adhesive from taking hold until squeegeed down. This feature allows the material to be lifted and reapplied as needed during the wrapping process, without compromising the longevity of the vehicle wrap.

Decals can be made to cover side and rear windows on a vehicle, though for obvious safety reasons, the front windows used by the driver are not covered. The decals on side windows are typically perforated contra-vision so that it is still possible for passengers to look outside. A wrap must often be divided into a number of smaller pieces to appropriately cover any movable panels on the vehicle, such as the fuel tank cover, trunk (boot) openings, and other doors.

The benefits of vehicle branding

The benefits of vehicle branding include:

Your vehicle will look professional, making your business look professional.

Other forms of advertising are very costly and reaches a very limited audience. A well branded eye catching vehicle wrap promotes your buisiness and brand 24/7 where ever you drive.

Vehicle Wrapping will protect your paintwork against stone chips and minor abrasions, extending the lifetime of your vehicle.

Hand-painted graphics can look great but when it comes to selling your vehicle you need to pay for an expensive re-spray or lose money. If your vehicle is branded and you want to sell it, simply remove the vinyl and restore the vehicle to its original colour.

If you change your company branding, develop a new advertising message or simply want to freshen up your ageing vehicles a new design can be applied to totally, and cost effectively, update the vehicle.

Vehicle branding is rental free space for advertising. Its a cost effective way to advertise. Vehicle branding promotes corporate pride and captivates your market, where ever you my go 24/7.

Q: What is a vehicle wrap?
A: A vehicle wrap consists of a design which is developed by our staff of designers, then printed on special vinyl and laminated, and finally installed or "wrapped" on a vehicle. The wrap is applied directly to the vehicle. The application is so precise it is often mistaken for a custom paint job.

Q: How is a wrap designed?
A: Our in-house staff of designers specialize in vehicle wrap design. They work with the client throughout the process to ensure that the message conveyd in the design accurately and appropriately reflects that of the company, product or person. Final proofs, mockups and explanations are always reviewed prior to sending the job to print.

Q: How is a wrap printed?
A: Our onsite printing department and staff ensures the accurate transfer of the images through its advanced art print server. The large format printers are fitted with state of the art echo solvent ink systems, insuring the best colour schemes and resolution available in the industry. We have carefully chosen the media we print on, which has been time tested for use in vehicle wraps.

Q: How do you wrap a vehicle?
A: Our installers are put through a rigorous apprentice programme before they are given the title of expert installer. Once the have reached this level, they are capable of handling the most intricate design wrap installations. The vinyl material is accurately laid out and applied to the vehicle - the actual process is extremely precise, requires a lot of experience and is difficult to explain in writing.

Q: Are car wraps applied to windows?
A: Yes, but only rear side and rear windows. Window wraps are printed on a special perforated vinyl called contravision that allows the driver to see through the rear and side rear windows.

Q: What if the company information on my wrap changes, can it be reolaced?
A: Yes Graphics, logos, and phone numbers (or any part of the design) can be changed, reprinted and re-installed as overlays on the car wrap

Q: Can a wrap be removed?
A: Yes. The wrap can be removed. However, attempting to remove it yourself may cause damage to your paint. We suggest having Soho de-install your vehicle wrap as our installation experts are best equipped for this task.

Q: Will the wrap damage my paint?
A: No. A vehicle wrap, when applied correctly, does not damage your car's OEM paint. In fact, it protects it.

Q: Will you pay me to drive my car with someone else's advertising?
A: No. Our company designs, prints and wraps vehicles for businesses looking to advertise on their vehicles.

Q: How do I care for my wrap?
A: It is best to hand wash your wrapped vehicle. In general, avoid power washing. Brushing windows and the use of a rear defroster will cause no damage to your window wrap.

Q: How long does it take to wrap a vehicle?
A: Our wraps are typically completed within 3 to five days from date of artwork approval. Time estimates are given to our customers prior to beginning the installation process.

Q: Do you wrap anything other than vehicles?
A: Yes. We can wrap boats, jet skis, motorcycles, laptops, buildings and storefronts.