Vehicle wraps are a hot topic for any business. They are extremely cost-efficient to advertise your business to any passerby
Can a vehicle wrap damage the paint of a vehicle?Did your vehicle recently get a new paint job? Then, you might need to think twice before opting for either a full or partial vehicle wrap and consider the different options you have. Although vehicle wraps can make a bold, eye-catching statement for your brand and instantly pimp-up your ride, a good paint job is essential. If your vehicle’s paint suffers from surface imperfections impacting its texture, the defects will transfer through the vinyl and be visible. As a general rule, if your vehicle has any:
All of these conditions can create surface weaknesses that can impact the adhesion of the vinyl to your vehicle. This even applies to top-tier vinyl films, and it can cause the paint to peel off if the vinyl wrap is ever removed. Therefore, most professionals will tell you that vehicle wraps are only suitable for application onto OEM-factory paint quality, and not intended to be applied to aftermarket-finished paint jobs. Most of the time, aftermarket paint jobs are not using the same paint quality, or respect the same application or curing process to the same level as the OEM-factory paint jobs. The best way to avoid regretting a decision with your vehicle is to discuss it with an expert. What kind of vinyl is applied to your vehicle?If your vehicle has it’s original paint job or got a recent paint job using high-quality paint (while respecting factory application and curing process), the next step is to know which vinyl goes on your vehicle. If you desire a full or partial vehicle wrap, you may want to consider top-tier vinyl for their durability. Just like anything else, there are different types of vinyl at different price points, offering various results even in the portfolio of the top tier brands. Hence, saying that a 3M or Avery Dennison’s vinyl is applied to your vehicle does not mean much and certainly isn’t the guarantee that it is the right choice for your project. All manufacturers, including 3M and Avery Dennison, offer different vinyl ranging from the highest quality that will last to the most economical option that will offer less durability. If you think all vinyl looks alike at first glance, there are great differences between a cast and a calendered vinyl, for instance - both vinyl types being at different ends of the product range:
The best way to make sure that you make the right choice is to discuss your project with a professional installer. It’s all about preparationYou should wash your vehicle the day before the vinyl application with water and a simple detergent. The wash needs to be thorough, and some parts of the vehicle should be subject to greater care to be irreproachably spotless. These areas include:
Once most of the dirt, grease, pollen, and other contaminants are removed, do not cover the clean surface with any wax or paint protector - it would be detrimental to the vinyl adhesion. Once the cleaning process is completed, bring your vehicle to the wrap installer to let it dry. It is important to clarify that before any graphics application, the vehicle must be completely dry. Any trapped moisture or the presence of water in certain areas of the car can cause adhesion issues of the vinyl that could compromise the project. What's Next?Whether you are looking to get a full or partial wrap of your car, truck, van, or bus, the surface quality and preparation, and product selection require attention and care. Therefore, seek the advice of an expert installer able to guide you through your project.
For more information about preparation, application, and products, connect with Insignia Signs & Wraps.
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The Industry Challenge
Like manufacturing companies and corporate America, the home building industry is challenged with building a better product using tighter schedules and of course, a tighter budget. With all of these challenges, the architecture, engineering and construction industry must also meet the growing demand for greener more sustainable methods. Yet, we must not sacrifice quality as the new homeowner is always searching for a better product. What's The Solution? While the sign industry may not play the most upfront role in residential construction, we still have a part and must be able to meet the same demand. Although sign companies like Insignia Signs & Wraps can offer a variety of different signs for the industry, the big focus of the tradeshow for us were Monument Signs which are produced offsite using lighter, durable and often sustainable materials. This allows us to manufacture in parallel with the site development positively impacting the construction schedule. As we can produce in a climate-controlled environment, we are not affected by weather conditions. Materials used are typically lighter meaning construction or installation methods are simplified requiring less labor. All of which reduces the impact on the construction costs. We complimented our Monument Sign display with a variety of other signage including Traffic Signs, ADA signs, Direction Signs, Yard Signs, Banners, and more. When developing a community, whether it is a senior, gated, private, golf or any other the Traffic Signs used can help represent the quality and care that went into the community development. Placing Speed Limit Signs that are routed from sustainable materials can add that extra style an off the shelf aluminum sign would lack. In addition to the above, we were able to present examples of both indoor and outdoor signage using a number of different materials. Each of which can strengthen the brand and quality the designers, builders, developers and homeowners’ associations want to convey in their finished products. Each can inspire creativity as signage no longer just sends a message, it is part of the message and an extension of the architecture. What Are The Take-Aways? While sometimes the Signage is the last to be installed and usually a smaller line item in the budget, the signage is what your customers the homeowner sees every day. It is the brand that can shine for years. Today’s sign industry has a wider range of materials and manufacturing processes than ever before. We are grateful that Insignia Signs and Wraps was able to join the Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey and its manufacturing partners in highlighting our capabilities.
ContactThis is due to the availability of high-quality vinyl in a wide array of types combined with the ability to print an endless range of colors. The ability to remove the vinyl due to a lease trade-in or the sale of the vehicle. This of course will be made much easier of applied by a professional installer.
So, when you’ve decided to move forward with your own vehicle wrap take a few moments to think about the goal. Common Vehicle Wrap example The next time you are stopped at a traffic light in Monmouth or Ocean County in NJ, look around and some of the cars, vans and trucks that are around you. Take notice of one that really catches your attention. In many cases, you will start to read the name of the business and then start going through all the services they provide. But, before you decide they might be the type of business you are looking to engage, the light turns green and they pull away. No doubt, a lot of great content. Weekly, yearly and annual Lawn maintenance, sod and seed installation, complete pruning and trimming, yard clean-up, planting of trees plus mulch and landscaping rock and stones. Unfortunately, the contact information was below all the services and not in a font, height or color scheme that jumps out at the audience. It is common practice; you offer a lot with a lot of value and you want to let everyone know. Your Vehicle Wrap Let them know:
Use a font and a graphic with a color scheme that is easy to read and can send your message within just a few seconds. Additional services can and should be included, but in a manner when the audience has that extra minute such as parked in front of your customers location or in a parking lot. With all of that in mind, it is also important to know the regulations or laws regarding vehicle wraps. There are very specific regulations related to the required information for a vehicle which is used for commercial purposes. This ranges from the representation of the business name to the gross vehicle weight. Continuing with the percentage theme, most states have very specific restrictions as to the amount of chrome that can be added to a vehicle. This is to ensure you are not causing a traffic hazard for the drivers around you. If you are considering adding graphics or lettering to the glass of the vehicle additional regulations are in place. Typically, these fall within the same category as window tinting. Below are references to at least some of the regulations for the state of New Jersey: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/md/pdf/vehiclemarkings.pdf https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/commvehinfo.htm#11 https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2018/Bills/A2500/2233_I1.HTM While most states are likely similar there are undoubtably differences which should be investigated prior to starting your project. When engaging your vehicle wrap consultant expand the conversation, there is a lot to talk about. |
By George WrightFounder & Owner of Insignia Signs & Wraps Archives
September 2020
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