Fleet Graphics Guide

The Process

1. Consultation & Estimate

2. Design

3. Approval

4. Production

5. Installation

Consultation & Estimate

To get started, we would need to know the specific year, make, model, and color of your vehicle, and either be provided pictures of all four sides in its current condition or complete an assessment here at our facility. Then, we can help you identify the best coverage, look, and price range for your graphics. It often helps to first know the budget and style you might have in mind so we can help to maximize the coverage to best fit the amount you’d like to spend. If you don’t already have a mockup or design prepared, feel free to some time on our website or the internet to gather some examples of styles that pique your interest. Remember, vehicle graphics are customizable, so the sky’s the limit to what’s possible! A formal estimate or informal price range will be provided before design so you feel comfortable about what to expect, and our design team understands the limitations and intent of the project.

Design

Once a designer is assigned to the project, you’ll be introduced via email. A few rounds of proof revisions are typical. The overall duration of the design process can always vary based on the scope of work and your responsiveness. We may also require an in-person assessment of the vehicle for measurements, as well as to address any surface condition concerns. This is most common on used vehicles or custom fabricated trucks like those with utility or Unicell style bodies and is always necessary for trailers and other vehicles that are not standard models.

Approval

Once your design is approved, if requested, you may stop in and sign off on the printed colors for brand consistency. Sampling can take a few business days. Bear in mind that the color on your computer screen or personal printer will not reflect the color of the actual vinyl, but our production equipment is calibrated for exact Pantone color printing. We require a 50% down payment before proceeding to production. Your company may have an already existing relationship with VSP using a Purchase Order, so be sure to speak with your representative about those terms.

Production

Once approved and moved into our production queue, our team will need the time necessary to print all elements and allow for the appropriate dry time prior to lamination and installation. Depending on the print saturation print and overall scope, our production lead time is roughly 15 business days, with more labor-intensive or dark color printing requiring 15-20 business days. Thereafter, we will be in touch to coordinate the installation around our soonest availability.

Installation

Installation is typically 1 -2 days for standard-size vehicles and will take place at VSP’s West Seneca 3M facility unless otherwise specified. We’ll request that the vehicle be dropped off the day before, between the hours of 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Agreed-upon installation dates or times that are not met or canceled within 24 hours are subject to a surcharge valued at 3% of the total invoice.

Vehicle Wrap and Graphics Packages Coverage Tiers

A. Simple Decals & Spot Graphics

• Consists of “print & cut” style spot graphics

• May incorporate a logo and basic information

• Windows covered in design may receive perforated one-way vision application

• Potential Costs from $120 - $700 (varies based on model and condition, total design time, overall vinyl coverage, and unique scope of work)

B. Quarter Wrap

• Consists of approximately 25-30% coverage

• May incorporate partial “wrap” in combination with logo and other spot decals

• Windows covered in design may receive perforated one-way vision applications or overlays

• Potential Costs from $700 - $1300 (varies based on model and condition, total design time, overall vinyl coverage, and unique scope of work)

C. Half Wrap

• Consists of approximately 50-75% coverage

• May incorporate partial “wrap” in combination with logo and other spot decals

• Windows covered in design may receive perforated one-way vision applications or overlays

• Potential Costs from $1300 - $2500 (varies based on model and condition, total design time, overall vinyl coverage, and unique scope of work)

D. Full Wrap

• Consists of complete coverage on all sides

• Windows covered in design may receive perforated one-way vision applications or overlays

• Bumpers and some trim may be covered depending on the model and variables

• Roof coverage is not included or recommended in most cases

• Potential Costs from $2500 - $5000+ (varies based on model and condition, total design time, overall vinyl coverage, and unique scope of work)

Key Expectations

Choose Your Coverage: Coverage packages are highly customizable and specifically designed to deliver maximum impact on every budget. We can help you carefully consider the optimal layout for each vehicle design to ensure the highest quality of design, print, installation, and use of budget. Speak to us about your vehicle(s) and how a wrap design may best be implemented and customized for you.

Coverage Expectations: Our technicians recommend avoiding any matte or untreated plastic bumpers, as well as most trim and hardware pieces, like handles and hinges. Because of uncontrollable variables, if wrapped, these areas are not covered under warranty and usually are the first to fail. Untreated plastic may flex over time and its chemical consistency can naturally repel vinyl adhesives. Areas surrounding and inside door handles, door jams, deep channels, and body line grooves may be cut back to intentionally show the underlying paint color. Every vehicle is different, so based on the wrap coverage and vehicle type, results may vary.

Personal Vehicle Graphics: As primarily a commercial wrap provider, VSP doesn’t typically offer paint color-change wraps or utilize specialty materials. Products like high-end tuning films, window tint, clear protective films, stripe kits, or vehicle detail services, are best suited for other local custom automotive shops. We can certainly help with rear window graphics, small to medium-sized custom graphics and other personal vehicle decals. Installing supplied vinyl graphics purchased online is not a typical service we provide and we do evaluate those requests on a case-by-case basis.

Logos and Art Files: We accept many file formats including .JPEG and .PNG, but these formats may require our designer to optimize into a vector image or completely recreate. In this scenario, additional design charges may apply. For the quickest and best quality, we ask for native (original and unflattened) files. These can typically be found as an ai, .eps, .svg .psd, or .psb format. If you do not have a layered Adobe Photoshop or vector Adobe Illustrator file, we can utilize high-resolution image files. Please avoid providing Adobe InDesign files, as they are not compatible with wide-format printing software, and often require more time than usual to convert into files for setup purposes. Be sure to provide any fonts and Pantone colors, along with outlining any fonts and embedding any linked imagery or photography. Photoshop based artwork should be no higher than 150 DPI to avoid large inoperable file sizes.

Transferring Art: Feel free to provide artwork to our team utilizing Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, or USB/Portable Flash Drives. While these are the most common methods we use to transfer files, we are open to any other methods or file-sharing platforms that you may prefer!

We’re Here to Help: VSP has a full in-house creative team that can work with you to ensure your vision comes to life. Our designers are experts in knowing how best to setup graphics on a vehicle so that they maximize coverage but also make for the most balanced and aesthetically pleasing design. If you’re in the process of creating your design to share with us, we’re always here to help in that process.

Colors: Colors on a proof may not reflect actual printed colors. Our printers are regularly calibrated and are intended to print exact Pantone colors, but if color is a high priority, we still recommend requesting a sample prior to full production and installation. Be sure to consider the additional time this process may take. Printed colors will not match up to colors of automotive or wall paint, even if the exact HEX code and Pantone is printed. The makeup of how we see color is much more than digital color values and printed goods can never resemble that of a metallic or clear coat-protected automotive-grade paint. Talk to your VSP representative about expectations and color variance on your design.

Contour Cut Vinyl: Vehicle wraps and other vinyl projects often include the use of wrapped vinyl panels as well as what we call, “print and cut” graphics. These contour-cut graphics are often elements of a design that are best placed by hand and not embedded in a larger printed panel so that the installers can line-up and center certain elements of the design where they are intended. These “print and cut” graphics have limitations and manufacturer recommendations that we follow. Oftentimes, we will print and cut a graphic intentionally with a very thin white outline so that the edge of the vinyl is inkless. This outline is usually no more than 1/8“-1/4” and provides a better long-term hold for the vinyl, especially if the graphic is small and thin. Certain vinyls cannot be “print and cut”, while others are not meant for comfortability to contoured and complex surfaces. This is typically discussed during the design process, but be sure to talk to your VSP representative or designer if you have any specific questions or curiosities.

Origination to Implementation: A final production proof will serve as a guide for installation technicians. While this is followed as precisely as possible, a finished wrap may vary slightly in how it is completed due to the many unforeseeable variables and 3D real-life translation of the 2D design. While variables are controlled and minimized, this is normal and to be expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits to a vehicle wrap?

A wrapped vehicle is an amazing marketing tool with remarkable impact. Did you know, that vehicle wraps have a substantially lower cost per impression than almost any other type of advertising? Like a billboard, it can draw the attention of thousands of views per day, potentially millions a year, depending on your use and where it is parked. It provides brand recognition and trust that the consumer is working with a well-established business.

Can a vehicle wrap be removed?

Yes, vehicle wraps can be removed. Removals are quite unpredictable and every vehicle is different, so we may not be able to formally quote removal costs until the vehicle is in possession and work has started. Removals are typically charged by the hour and final costs are determined upon completion. However, your VSP representative can usually provide a rough range and will give updates throughout the process so that the final invoice is no surprise. Upon starting the work, we also may determine that the removal requires the use of an erase wheel (a rubber tool that is attached to a drill for a high-powered removal process), which can sometimes damage the surface and clear coat on a vehicle. Even if an erase wheel is not used, we're unable to provide any guarantees of the surface condition underneath, nor are we always able to restore it to a high-quality, “automotive-detailed” finish, so we recommend that if you plan to have the vehicle unwrapped for personal use moving forward, that you coordinate with a local detail shop to have it professionally detailed and waxed. If the vehicle is being traded into a dealership immediately, detail services are typically baked into the process of getting the car lot-ready for resale.

Will a vehicle wrap damage the paint?

When applied and removed professionally, a vehicle wrap does not damage your car’s OEM paint. Car manufacturers actually provide rebates on vehicle wraps because of their protective nature to the clear coat. Sun exposure over extended periods, especially graphics on flat surfaces like the hood or roof of the vehicle, or graphics applied to weak or after-market painted surfaces, still may cause damage when removed. Especially if there was oxidation in that area before the wrap installation, or during the life of the wrap. It is recommended to remove and replace horizontal surface graphics every 3 years or so, depending on the exposure. It is possible for a scratch of the clear coat and/or the paint surface to occur during the installation process or the removal process. All reasonable care is taken to minimize this from happening. VSP is a 3M Certified facility.

What if my vehicle has after-market paint or rust?

A professionally automotive-painted surface is key. Surfaces that are not properly painted with vinyl graphics over top will likely fail. In these cases, the paint often releases from the vehicle, not the vinyl. Our technicians will cut around and avoid any major surface issues, especially rust.

Will there be visible seams or flaws in my graphics?

A vehicle wrap is not a perfect product. Since vehicle wraps are meant to be viewed no closer than 8-10 feet, there will be visible seams and imperfections. Examples of these are air bubbles that appear from time to time and pixelated and/or rasterization of images or solid colors when viewed closely. Speak with your VSP representative about what is considered a part of the wrap process and final product and what is covered within VSP’s warranty and quality guarantee.

Should I wash my vehicle before installation?

Yes. All vehicles must be free of mud, dirt, pollen, or any other agents that interfere with the installation. VSP requires vehicles to be provided the day before a scheduled installation so that they can be washed, prepped, and brought into a temperature-controlled facility, ready for the next day.

What if I want multiple vehicles wrapped identically?

Absolutely! We just ask that each vehicle be photographed or assessed prior to production. Even though they may be the same, having a visual confirmation is necessary. As we design a graphics package and subsequently setup prints for production and installation, we look for certain differences that may not be noticeable to someone unfamiliar with the process. This is done to avoid reprints and lengthly installation time-frames to reconfigure, reproduce, and install graphics on the spot. Our goal is always to provide you with an efficient and great-looking product that both meets your expectations and 3M quality guarantees!

How do I care for my vehicle wrap?

It is recommended your vehicle be hand-washed. Automatic washes may damage the wrap. 3M does not recommend any waxes be applied to the vinyl material in any form. It is also highly recommended you do not pressure wash your wrapped vehicle. Pressure washing can cause vinyl to lift and fail due to the water pressure. More information can be found on our Vehicle Wrap Care Guide that can be found by visiting: www.vspgraphicgroup.com/news/vehicle-wrap-care or www.vspgraphicgroup.com/care-guide.

How long do vehicle wraps last?

3M laminates protect printed imagery from fading for about 5 years, but the overall life of the wrap can vary based on the wrap, model, how the vehicle is stored and used, and the condition of the vehicle when the graphics were installed. Automobiles naturally receive a lot of wear and tear, especially here in Buffalo! Areas of vehicle graphics may peel, release from contoured and inset areas, and experience sun damage at different times. Nevertheless, considering this as a mobile billboard, your business will see the most cost-effective and impactful marketing purchase possible. We recommend that after 5-7 years you consider having the wrap removed and replaced, especially if there is cracking or visible deterioration.

Why 3M?

As consumers, we have to weigh priorities and determine what fits our needs. There are quick and cheap solutions for every product and service out there. After 25 years and Buffalo’s leading and longest vinyl graphics company, we’ve worked with just about every vinyl graphic product on the market, and when it comes to vehicle wraps, 3M is second to none. There are many different vinyl manufacturers across the globe, and while some potentially offer cost savings, the installation process can be much more cumbersome, and its inevitable removal can be a larger obstacle. Removals of non-3M products tend to be lengthly, labor-intensive endeavors. Costs saved on the front end just may realize their impact when you look to trade in or replace your graphics. A wise man once said, “Measure Twice, Cut Once”. We pride ourselves on doing things the right way, and that means working with the best products available!

Do You Provide Free Assessments?

While we don’t typically provide on-site assessments for vehicles, we do ask that you bring your vehicle to our facility for a quick review and measurements. This, however, is not always necessary. For standard commercial vehicles, such as a Ford Transit, Express Van, Pickup Truck, etc. we can utilize precise design templates. In all cases, we ask that you share your vehicle year, make, and model, along with photos of your vehicle on all sides in its current condition, for us to evaluate the next steps.

How Much is a Vehicle Wrap?

Vehicle wraps and graphics packages vary in cost based on several factors, such as the vehicle’s year, make and model, its condition, the total design time, overall vinyl coverage, and the project’s unique scope of work. To give you a sense, costs for a full wrap (which excludes the roof and any unwrappable hardware or trim) on a standard commercial vehicle, such as a Ford Transit, Express Van, or Pickup Truck, typically will fall in the realm of $3000 - $4500, while a partial wrap or spot-graphics package would cost less proportionally to the design time and coverage. Vehicle wraps and graphics packages are totally custom, so the sky’s the limit with what we can do, and what it can cost. This means that there’s a creative solution for any budget, big or small, and understanding what you are looking to spend will help us maximize the impact of your design and also allow us to propose a style and coverage that offers your business the greatest bang for the buck!

What Is Your Turn Around Time?

From the date of final design approval and receipt of 50% deposit, or a formal Purchase Order, our lead time for most vehicle graphics projects is 3-4 weeks. However, more complicated production setup, printing process steps, or deep color printing, may require additional time. Juggling the flexing schedules of projects, we do our best to prioritize what is available and achievable. Because of this, not every job can be approached in a queue format, making it difficult to set dates or provide notice far in advance. Please let us know if there are time constraints or days of the week that work best, and we will always do our best to provide expectations and availability that align to yours.

Can You Rush or Expedite My Project?

Expedited orders are possible but are evaluated strictly on a case-by-case basis. There are absolute limitations within our production process and those limitations vary based on the products and scope of work. Rushing production of vehicle wraps and printed materials will eliminate our production and installation warranty, and demand that we go outside the bounds of typical process and operating procedures. In the realm of custom applications for a product intend to look good for years to come, that’s never ideal, and moving too fast can amplify the margin of error, reducing our ability to sustain the level of quality control that we strive for. Be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you have either a desired or firm deadline, so we can communicate transparently what is possible and what makes the most sense for the best product outcomes.

What is Your Warranty?

We take pride in the quality of our products and services. While we don’t provide a formal written warranty, we are committed to ensuring your satisfaction! VSP understands that each project and customer experience may vary, and that's why our approach is to address issues with careful consideration on an individual basis. If you encounter any concerns with our products or services, rest assured that we will thoroughly evaluate and address your specific curiosities and needs. Your peace of mind is important to us, and we are dedicated to delivering a personalized and fair resolution to any warranty-related issue.