Vehicle wraps are a versatile and eye-catching way to advertise your business or personalise your car. This guide explores everything you need to know about vehicle wrapping, from the application process to the benefits, costs, and design considerations.
Whether you're considering a partial wrap for targeted branding or a full wrap for maximum impact, find out how vehicle wraps can help protect your paintwork, enhance brand visibility, and make a lasting impression on the road.
What is vehicle wrapping?
Vehicle wraps are vinyl graphics that can help turn vehicles into a mobile advertisement. They're perfect for businesses that operate over a specific territory, as it allows you to remain visible to potential customers as they go about their daily lives.
This works well as part of your marketing strategy, as it provides an extra touch point without overwhelming potential customers. This is why vehicle graphics are so popular in the UK, used by businesses ranging from estate agents, tradespeople, restaurants, and much more.
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They are often used for personal use too, such as for decorating vehicles or simply displaying key information to the public as you drive.
What’s the difference between full and partial vehicle wraps?
A partial wrap is where only specific sections of the vehicle are wrapped as opposed to the entire surface. This is most commonly done on the doors, roof, bonnet or back of the vehicle.
A full vehicle wrap is a vinyl graphic or advertisement that covers the entirety of the exterior surface of a vehicle, including the bonnet, doors, roof, and sometimes windows, using perforated vinyl.
Further down in this guide, we explore the pros and cons of full and partial vehicle wrapping.
How are vehicle wraps applied?
The wrapping process involves a vinyl film that is applied to the vehicle’s bodywork with care. There are also a range of finishes depending on the look you’re going for; these include matte, metallic and gloss.
These wraps are applied by applying a layer of self-adhesive vinyl over the vehicle's existing paintwork over a series of stages to help create a consistently high-quality finish every time.
Below, we go through step by step how vehicle wraps are applied at FASTSIGNS.
Preparation
This is the first and most important stage for vehicle wraps. It involves FASTSIGNS’ expert signage teams accurately measuring and checking the surface of your vehicle. The FASTSIGNS team then work with your visual ideas to design a wrap that fits the contours of the vehicle perfectly.
There are a variety of factors that you’ll have to consider with wraps that go over doors or non-flat surfaces. This can distort graphics or hide their appearance, so it’s important that this is mapped out before the vinyl is applied.
Prepping and stripping the bodywork
This step involves thoroughly cleaning the bodywork before the vinyl is applied. If the vehicle has been wrapped previously or has any dirt or debris on the surface, it can ruin the finish and cause problems with the adhesive of the new design.
Depending on the state of the vehicle’s surface, it can take some time for our vehicle graphics installers to prep the vehicle for the new wrap installation.
Printing and lamination
At this stage, the vehicle is fully prepped so the vinyl is printed with a specific vinyl printer designed to print at large scale so the graphics can be applied in fewer sections.
Application
Once printed and laminated the vinyl is applied to the vehicle by a skilled installer who uses a squeegee-like tool to ensure a smooth finish and remove any bubbles from the vehicle wrap as it’s applied.
Heating
The final stage involves heating the wrap once it has been applied. It is post-heated to over 90°C where it is then recast to the shape of your vehicle, this is usually a lengthy process and where going to an expert will show real benefit to make sure you get a seamless high-quality finish to your vehicle wrap.
What are the benefits of vehicle wrapping?
Paintwork protection
Vehicle wrapping benefits the paintwork on the vehicle as the wrapping seamlessly covers it protecting it from scratches, UV rays and other minor damages which helps to preserve resale value.
Mobile advertising
Car wrapping allows you to advertise to potential customers as they go about their daily business. Vehicle graphics are a great tool for creating brand awareness and the more frequently your customers see your branding, it can help them to recall the name of your business as and when they require your product or service.
Cost effective
It provides exposure over time with a single investment that doesn’t expire other than wear and tear. But with car wraps lasting around 5 years on average, you’ll likely find a great return on your investment.
You own it entirely
With other forms of physical advertising such as billboards, you can have your space taken by a competitor when the terms of your contract ends. Whereas with vehicle wrapping you entirely own the advertising space meaning you can control the location of your advert and you can keep it up for as long as you wish to maximise your exposure. Competitors also won’t be able to take over the space as it is your vehicle.
Pros and cons of partial wraps
Weighing up getting a partial vehicle wrap? Check out the pros and cons below:
The pros:
Cost-effective: This can be cheaper while just as effective as full wrapping if done well, as it will still be eye-catching but you can invest less in the wrapping process.
Faster installation and removal: It takes less time to install and can be removed more easily than a full wrap, making it suitable for temporary promotions or seasonal advertising.
Design flexibility: Allows for more creativity in design, using the contrast between the wrap and the vehicle's original colour to enhance the overall effect. It also allows you to highlight specific areas of the vehicle.
The cons:
Reduced coverage: It doesn’t cover the entire vehicle, which can limit the impact and visibility of the design compared to a full wrap. Therefore potentially reducing its advertising effectiveness.
Potential colour mismatches: If the vehicle’s original paint colour clashes with the wrap design, it may result in a less cohesive and professional look. As part of our consultative service, FASTSIGNS graphic designers will make recommendations on how to incorporate a partial wrap with the vehicle’s physical appearance so you get a high quality visual.
Lower Advertising Space: Less surface area means fewer opportunities to display brand messaging or imagery, potentially limiting advertising effectiveness.
Pros and cons of full vehicle wrapping
Weighing up getting a full vehicle wrap? Check out the pros and cons below:
The pros:
Maximises Advertising Space: It covers the whole vehicle, providing the largest possible area for branding, messaging, and creative designs. Giving the best possible opportunity for effective advertising and visibility.
Consistent Branding: Ensures a uniform and cohesive design and look across the entire vehicle, enhancing brand recognition and professionalism. It leads to a more aesthetically pleasing final result.
Complete Paint Protection: Shields the vehicle’s original paint from UV rays, scratches, and minor damage. A full vinyl wrap provides a layer of protection for the vehicle's paint, helping to preserve its resale value
The cons:
Higher Cost: Full wraps are more expensive than partial wraps due to the larger amount of material and labour required.
Longer Installation Time: Applying a full wrap takes more time, which can result in longer downtime for the vehicle. It also means that the wrap takes longer to remove when you need to change it or if you are looking to sell the vehicle.
Additional Maintenance: Full wraps require regular cleaning and care to maintain their appearance and longevity.
Design considerations for vehicle wraps
Design flow
Ensure that the design flows naturally across different parts of the vehicle. Avoid disjointed sections by carefully aligning elements to create continuity across the vehicle.
It’s also important to consider how the design will look when the vehicle is moving. FASTSIGNS can use specialised tools to help identify the points on a vehicle that a viewer’s eye is drawn to when the vehicle is in motion. This allows our signage experts to provide advice on where your key messaging should be placed on your vehicle warp design.
Visual continuity
Ensure you use the brand’s official colours for consistency to give the same look and feel as all your other branding elements. Utilise contrast so they stand out against the vehicle’s original colour if any parts are left uncovered.
Brand messaging
It is vital that you position logos, taglines, and other branding elements in noticeable areas while sizing them correctly to ensure that they’re easily readable from a distance. You’ll also need to decide the intensity and volume of information you’re looking to include as too many key details might get missed whereas too little will leave customers with questions and limited information on how to find you.
Complexity and detail
Another key consideration is how intricate your design will be as this can impact whether you choose full or partial wraps. If your design is large and detailed we will advise you on your options for which type of wrap will help you achieve your desired outcome.
How much do partial and full vehicle wraps cost?
At FASTSIGNS, we assess and quote for each vehicle wrap individually. As you might expect, partial wraps tend to be cheaper because they cover a smaller area.
Many factors can affect the cost of a vehicle wrap, these include:
Coverage area: Pricing can be determined depending on how much of the vehicle is wrapped. Common areas for partial wraps include the doors, bonnet, roof, or rear panels.
Design Complexity: More intricate or custom designs can increase the cost, especially if they require detailed graphic work design or special effects.
Material Quality: Costs can vary depending on the type of vinyl used. Standard vinyl is less expensive, while specialty vinyl, like carbon fibre, metallic, or matte finishes, can cost more.
Vehicle Size: Smaller vehicles such as hatchbacks or coupes can be cheaper to wrap partially compared to larger vehicles like SUVs or vans.
Labour: Depending on how much work our team have to do to prep the vehicle and the size of graphics that are being installed, the length of time we require to work on the vehicle can increase the cost.
How long do full and partial vehicle wraps last?
Partial wraps typically last between 3 to 5 years depending on maintenance and the quality of materials used.
Full wraps generally last about 5 to 7 years, however, this can be impacted by how well they were installed, the maintenance and the quality of the materials.
Differences in protection levels
Full and partial wraps can offer protection from UV rays, scratches and abrasions to the vehicle’s paintwork and environmental factors (like bird droppings and tree sap!). Although, partial wraps will of course only offer protection for the part of the vehicle that is wrapped.
This can mean that, in the long run, full wraps offer better long term protection of the inner paintwork.
Cleaning tips
Avoid Automatic Car Washes: Automatic car washes, especially those with brushes, can be too abrasive and may damage the wrap. Opt for hand washing or touchless car washes.
Keep an Eye on Problem Areas: Regularly inspect the wrap, especially around edges, seams, and areas that experience a lot of wear (like door handles and bumpers), to catch any issues early.
Be Cautious with Fuel Spills: If you spill petrol or diesel on the wrap, wipe it off immediately to prevent the vinyl from staining or degrading.
By following these cleaning and care tips, you can keep both partial and full vehicle wraps in good condition so they last longer and continue to look new.
Which should I choose: Partial or full vehicle wraps?
Choosing between a partial and a full vehicle wrap depends on your budget, marketing goals, and design preferences. Partial wraps can be more cost-effective and are ideal for targeted branding or temporary promotions, offering flexibility and lower cost while covering specific areas of the vehicle. They provide a good balance but may not be as striking as a full wrap.
Full wraps may be more expensive but offer maximum brand visibility and impact, covering the entire vehicle for cohesive and bold branding. They provide complete protection against UV rays and damage, with a longer lifespan than partial wraps.
Full wraps are best for businesses seeking extensive branding and a uniform look, while partial wraps suit those with budget constraints or specific branding needs. It also helps to consider your vehicle type, desired impact, and maintenance preferences to make the best choice.