The three options
Lettering is cut vinyl: your name, what you do and how to reach you, applied straight onto the paint. A part wrap covers a section of the van (often the rear half, the lower panels or the back doors) with printed graphics that blend into the paint colour. A full wrap covers every painted panel in printed or coloured film, so the van can be any colour or carry a full-colour design.
When lettering is enough
For most trades, clear lettering does the job. People get about three seconds with a passing van, so what you do, your name and one phone number or web address matter far more than how much of the van is covered. Lettering is the quickest to fit, the simplest to change when your number changes, and the easiest to take off when the van goes.
When a part wrap makes sense
A part wrap adds colour and shape without the cost of covering everything. It works well when the van’s own colour is part of the design: a white van with a bold swoosh across the back half, for example. It’s the usual middle ground for businesses that want to look established without a full wrap.
When a full wrap makes sense
A full wrap suits photographic designs, strong brand colours that the van doesn’t come in, food vans and trailers that are the shop front, and fleets that need every vehicle to look the same whatever colour they were bought in. A wrap also covers the original paint, which protects it from light scuffs and sun.
Leased vans and paintwork
All three are removable, which is why lease companies are generally happy with vinyl. Check your lease terms first. Good-quality vinyl on sound factory paint comes off cleanly with gentle heat. Resprayed or damaged paint is a different story: vinyl can lift weak paint when it comes off, so tell us about any previous repairs.
How long it lasts
The film matters more than the type of job. Calendered vinyl is fine for flat panels and shorter-term graphics; cast vinyl conforms to curves and rivets and lasts longer. Printed graphics are laminated to protect them from UV and washing. Parking in the sun all day and harsh pressure washing shorten any vinyl’s life.
What affects the cost
The size of the van, how much is covered, printed or cut vinyl, the film, design work and removing old graphics. Our guide to van sign writing costs goes through each one. Every job is quoted individually.
Not sure? Try it
Have a play with our van designer to see lettering, stripes and a full wrap on a van in seconds, then send it to us and we’ll draw it properly on your exact make and model.