Full vehicle wrapping is a vehicle branding solution where specialised vinyl is applied to most or all of a vehicle's exterior surfaces. The vinyl can be printed with your company logo, colours, graphics, contact details, product information or other custom artwork, turning the vehicle into a mobile branding display.

Full vehicle wraps are suitable for cars, bakkies, vans, trucks and other vehicles used by businesses, organisations and individuals. They can be used for company branding, advertising campaigns, fleet identification and customised vehicle designs.

What Is Full Vehicle Wrapping?

A full vehicle wrap involves applying large sections of self-adhesive vinyl to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The vinyl is carefully shaped and fitted around suitable areas of the vehicle to create a continuous branded appearance.

The wrap can cover painted body panels and other suitable exterior surfaces, depending on the vehicle and the selected material. Areas such as windows may require specialised perforated window film rather than standard wrapping vinyl.

Full vehicle wrapping provides an alternative to permanent paint-based graphics and allows businesses to change or update their vehicle branding when required.

Benefits of Full Vehicle Wrapping

Mobile Business Branding

A branded vehicle can display your business identity while travelling between jobs, visiting customers or being parked at a business location. This provides an additional way to present your company name, logo, contact details and services in different locations.

Customised Design

Full vehicle wraps can be designed around your company's branding. Artwork can include logos, colours, photographs, graphics, contact information, website addresses, social media details and promotional messages.

Suitable for Business Fleets

Vehicle wrapping can be used across multiple vehicles to create a consistent appearance for a company fleet. Each vehicle can use the same branding or be customised for a particular service, department or campaign.

Removable Vinyl

Vehicle wrap vinyl can generally be removed when required, subject to the condition of the vehicle surface, the quality and age of the vinyl, installation method and removal process.

Changes to Vehicle Appearance

A vehicle wrap can change the visual appearance of a vehicle without permanently repainting the entire exterior. This can be useful for businesses that want branded vehicles while retaining the option to change the design later.

Paintwork Protection

Vehicle wrap vinyl can provide a layer between the original paint and everyday exposure such as sunlight, dirt and minor surface contact. However, it should not be treated as a replacement for paint protection film or as protection against significant scratches, stone chips or vehicle damage.

Types of Vehicle Wraps

Vehicle wrapping can be used in different ways depending on the required coverage and branding objectives.

• Full vehicle wraps: Vinyl is applied across most or all suitable exterior body panels.
• Partial vehicle wraps: Selected sections of the vehicle are wrapped to create a branded design.
• Colour change wraps: Vinyl is used primarily to change the appearance or colour of the vehicle.
• Commercial vehicle wraps: Vehicle graphics designed specifically for business branding and advertising.
• Fleet wraps: Consistent vehicle branding applied across multiple company vehicles.
• Promotional wraps: Temporary or campaign-specific graphics used to promote a product, service or event.

Full Vehicle Wraps for Businesses

Businesses can use full vehicle wraps to display their company identity while vehicles are travelling to customers, moving between work sites or parked at business premises.

A professional vehicle design can include the information customers need to identify and contact the business, such as the company name, services, telephone number, website and other relevant details.

Vehicle Wrapping for Company Fleets

For businesses with multiple vehicles, wrapping can provide a consistent visual identity across the fleet. Vans, bakkies, cars, trucks and other suitable vehicles can be branded using a common design system.

Fleet branding can also be adapted for different vehicle sizes while maintaining the same company colours, logo and key information.

Vehicle Wrap Design

Vehicle wrap artwork needs to be designed specifically for the shape and dimensions of the vehicle. Door handles, mirrors, panels, windows, curves, joins and other vehicle features need to be considered during the design process.

Important information such as the company name, logo and contact number should be positioned where it remains easy to see. Large amounts of small text can be difficult to read, particularly when the vehicle is moving.

Vehicle photography, logos and other artwork should be supplied at suitable quality so that the final printed graphics remain clear at the required size.

Printed Vinyl for Vehicle Wrapping

Vehicle wraps use specialised vinyl designed for application to suitable vehicle surfaces. Different vinyl products have different characteristics relating to flexibility, conformability, adhesive properties, finish and expected application conditions.

The appropriate vinyl should be selected based on the vehicle surface, design complexity, intended use, installation conditions and expected duration of the wrap.

Vehicle Wrap Finishes

Vehicle wrapping vinyl is available in different finishes depending on the selected product. Possible finishes include:

• Gloss
• Matte
• Satin
• Metallic
• Textured finishes
• Other specialist finishes

The available finish depends on the vinyl product and the requirements of the project.

Full Vehicle Wrapping Process

1. Vehicle Assessment

The vehicle is assessed before wrapping to identify its condition, surface type, existing graphics, paint condition and any areas that may affect installation.

2. Artwork and Design

The vehicle design is prepared around the dimensions and shape of the specific vehicle. Branding, graphics, images and contact information are positioned within the design.

3. Surface Preparation

The vehicle needs to be thoroughly cleaned before vinyl application. Dirt, grease, wax and other contaminants can affect the adhesion and appearance of the wrap.

4. Vinyl Printing

Where printed graphics are required, the approved artwork is printed onto suitable vehicle wrapping vinyl using a compatible printing process.

5. Vinyl Application

The vinyl is carefully applied to the prepared vehicle surfaces. Installers work around curves, edges, panel joins and other features to achieve the required finish.

6. Finishing and Inspection

After application, the wrapped vehicle is inspected to check the edges, joins, graphics and overall finish. Any required finishing work is completed before the vehicle is returned.

How Long Does a Vehicle Wrap Last?

The lifespan of a vehicle wrap depends on the vinyl product, printing process, installation quality, vehicle use, exposure to sunlight and weather, cleaning methods and general care.

Different vinyl products have different expected service lives, so a specific lifespan should be confirmed based on the material selected for the project.

Regular inspection can help identify lifting edges, damage, fading or other issues that may require attention.

Does a Vehicle Wrap Protect the Paint?

A vehicle wrap can provide some surface protection against everyday environmental exposure and minor surface contact. However, it does not make the vehicle immune to scratches, dents, stone chips or other physical damage.

The condition of the paint before installation is also important. Vinyl is generally best applied to sound, properly prepared paint and suitable original surfaces.

Can a Vehicle Wrap Be Removed?

Yes. Vehicle wrapping vinyl is designed to be removable. However, the ease and result of removal depend on factors such as the type and age of the vinyl, how long it has been installed, exposure conditions, paint condition and the installation surface.

Removal should be carried out carefully to reduce the risk of adhesive residue or damage to an unsuitable or poorly maintained surface.

Full Wraps vs Partial Vehicle Wraps

A full vehicle wrap covers a larger portion of the vehicle and provides more space for branding and graphics. A partial wrap covers selected areas and can be used when a smaller branded design is required.

The appropriate option depends on the vehicle, design, budget, required coverage and intended branding application.

Vehicle Wraps for Cars

Cars can be wrapped with company branding, promotional graphics, colour changes or custom designs. The artwork can be adapted around the shape and features of the specific vehicle.

Vehicle Wraps for Vans and Bakkies

Vans and bakkies provide substantial exterior surface areas for business branding. They can display company information, services, contact details and graphics across the vehicle body.

For service businesses, branded vans and bakkies can also identify vehicles when employees are visiting customer properties or work sites.

Vehicle Wraps for Trucks and Larger Vehicles

Large commercial vehicles can also be branded using suitable vinyl and application methods. The larger surface area provides space for company branding, fleet identification and promotional graphics.

Large vehicles require careful artwork planning because of their size, multiple panels, access requirements and installation time.

Vehicle Wrap Maintenance

Proper cleaning and care can help maintain the appearance of a vehicle wrap. Follow the care instructions recommended for the specific vinyl used.

• Use suitable cleaning products and methods.
• Avoid harsh chemicals unless they are confirmed as suitable for the vinyl.
• Do not use abrasive materials on the printed surface.
• Check edges and joins periodically for lifting or damage.
• Clean dirt and contaminants from the vehicle when necessary.

Can You Wash a Wrapped Vehicle?

Yes, wrapped vehicles can generally be washed using cleaning methods suitable for the vinyl. Hand washing is often preferred because it allows better control over pressure, chemicals and contact with the wrapped surface.

Always follow the care recommendations for the specific vinyl product used on your vehicle.

How Much Does Full Vehicle Wrapping Cost?

The cost of a full vehicle wrap depends on several factors, including the size and type of vehicle, amount of coverage, vinyl selected, printed artwork, design requirements, vehicle condition and installation complexity.

Large vehicles, complex body shapes and designs requiring detailed fitting can require additional material and installation time.

For an accurate quotation, provide the vehicle make and model, photographs where required, the intended coverage and your branding or design requirements.

Vehicle Wrapping in South Africa

Vehicle wrapping can be used by businesses and organisations across South Africa for company vehicles, service vehicles, delivery vehicles, promotional campaigns and fleet branding.

Businesses should also ensure that vehicle branding complies with any applicable requirements relating to vehicle registration, road use, visibility and other relevant regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Full Vehicle Wrapping

What is a full vehicle wrap?

A full vehicle wrap is a vinyl graphics application that covers most or all suitable exterior body panels of a vehicle. The vinyl can contain custom branding, graphics, images, colours and business information.

How long does a full vehicle wrap last?

The lifespan depends on the vinyl product, installation, vehicle use, sunlight, weather exposure, cleaning and maintenance. Different vinyl products have different expected service lives.

Can a vehicle wrap be removed?

Yes. Vehicle wrap vinyl is designed to be removable, although the result depends on the vinyl, installation surface, age of the wrap and condition of the vehicle's paint.

Does wrapping a vehicle damage the paint?

When suitable vinyl is correctly installed and removed from an appropriate surface, it is generally designed to be removed without damaging sound original paint. Existing paint damage, poor-quality repainting or unsuitable surfaces can affect the result.

Does a vehicle wrap protect the paint?

A wrap can provide some protection from everyday exposure and minor surface contact, but it does not protect against all scratches, dents, stone chips or other physical damage.

Can I wrap any vehicle?

Many cars, vans, bakkies, trucks and other vehicles can be wrapped, but the suitability depends on the vehicle's surface, paint condition, body shape and existing damage or modifications.

Can I customise my vehicle wrap?

Yes. Vehicle wraps can be customised with company logos, colours, photographs, graphics, contact information, website addresses and promotional messages.

Can a company fleet use the same vehicle wrap design?

Yes. A common design can be adapted to different vehicle makes and models to create consistent branding across a fleet.

Can wrapped vehicles be washed?

Yes. Wrapped vehicles can generally be washed using methods and cleaning products suitable for the selected vinyl. Care instructions should be followed to help maintain the wrap.

How do I prepare my vehicle for wrapping?

The vehicle should be clean and have a suitable surface for vinyl application. Existing damage, rust, peeling paint, poorly repaired areas and certain aftermarket coatings may need to be assessed before wrapping.

How much does a full vehicle wrap cost?

The price depends on the vehicle size, coverage, vinyl, artwork, design complexity, surface condition and installation requirements. A quotation can be prepared once the vehicle and project details are provided.

Get a Full Vehicle Wrap for Your Business

Whether you need a full vehicle wrap for a car, bakkie, van, truck or company fleet, Signs4SA can assist with custom vehicle branding based on your vehicle and business requirements.