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Vehicle Graphics; Function and Design on the Go!

by: artman07( 592Feedback score is 500 to 999) Top 5000 Reviewer
27 out of 31 people found this guide helpful.
Guide viewed: 3792 times Tags: graphics | advertising | customized


      Vinyl Graphics can completely transform the look of a vehicle. There are several catagories of graphics use; identification for service vehicles like ambulances and squad cars, advertisement for businesses and organizations and just plain showing off for private vehicles! If you can't afford a vehicle wrap (big bucks) and the packaged graphics look difficult (big headaches) then our designs, utilizing high performance vinyl films are right up your alley.

      We have done graphics work for all of the above including national level competition go-carts. Law Enforcement vehicles are a specialty of ours, particularly now that newer, sleeker Dodge Intrepids are replacing the more standard Crown Victorias and Chevys. We design squad cars that look assertive, not aggressive, using reflective vinyl films to add function to the designs. Adding reflective material increases the visibility of a squad car, cutting down on incidences of officers being rammed from behind at traffic stops.

     Installing graphics for your business on the sides of your vehicle is one of the wisest investments you will ever make. You pay for them once, but they advertise for years, usually longer than the vehicle is in service. They give your business a clean, successful look.  If you do city or in-town driving the back window or tailgate is a great place for your company's phone number! Ever been caught in traffic for awhile? Your potential customer has plenty of time to grab a pen and take your number down!


      For pleasure vehicles, graphics should be well-proportioned and applied with careful consideration. You want them to enhance the look of your Pride 'N Joy, not junk it up. Work with your graphics designer to find the scale and colors best suited to the shape and paint job of your vehicle. Remember that many characters and designs come with a copyright and a reputable designer will not infringe upon someone else's work

      Vinyl graphics are best applied by a reputable sign professional, someone who understands the nature and performance of the products used. A sign pro will move you through the process from concept to installation without any anxiety. Once the design and dimensions are fed into the design computer, a computerized plotter will cut the designs out of sheets of high performance pre adhesed vinyl, which is backed with waxed paper. The sign pro will weed out the excess around your design and use application tape, a low tack masking tape, to lift it from the paper and to install it flawlessly to the side of your vehicle. It will be flattened with a squeegie, the tape will be removed and then tiny weep holes that the pro applies will eliminate any bubbles and eleviate any creases. A few days in the sunlight without washing will secure the graphics. unlike painted designs, a damaged vinyl graphic can be replaced quickly and with relatively little expense.

      After the installation, wait two weeks before rag or brushwahing over your graphics and NEVER EVER use a power washer to clean graphic coated vehicles! trust me, folks have tried and the results are not pretty! DO NOT attempt to squeeze or peel any bubbles on the graphic; as the body of your vehicle heats up, the vinyl will smooth out and suck down to the surface.

      The price range for graphics varies by material usage, size and complexity of the job, and of course, the sign pro. Don't be afraid to check a few different shops before you decide who you can work with and ALWAYS ask to see a few samples of past jobs.

Guide ID: 10000000001887028Guide created: 09/20/06 (updated 08/13/09)

 
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