The Vehicle Wrap Process
From designing to production and installation, learn everything you need to know about the vehicle wrap process here.
What is a Vehicle Wrap?
A vehicle wrap is a modern marketing tactic that functions much like a billboard. It advertises your business, goods, or services while you’re out on the road. The wrap itself is made from high quality vinyl with adhesive backing that sticks to your vehicle. When applied correctly, it will not harm your vehicles paint and, depending on the material chosen, can last up to 10 years before it needs replacing.
Read on to learn more about the vehicle wrap process from our team at Slicks Graphics!
Vehicle Wrapping Coverage
Before beginning the vehicle wrap process, it may be helpful to know the differences in coverage. Depending on your budget or design goals, we offer different types of coverage for every vehicle. Each one has its own pros and cons, so make sure to reach out to us with any questions you may have about these.
Full Wrap
A full wrap is, as the name conveys, full coverage of the whole vehicle. This may or may not include the roof, depending on the customer’s request. Full wraps are often the most eye-catching while on the road.
Partial Wrap
A partial wrap is very versatile, as “partial” implies a bit more than spot graphics, but not quite as much as a full wrap. Coverage varies in shape and size, but can go from small portions to almost full coverage.
Lettering & Spot Graphics
This option is suitable for those with a limited budget who wish to advertise their business while they travel in their vehicle. Cost will vary depending on size and the quality of material that is used
The Vehicle Wrap Process
An Approximate Timeline of the Vehicle Wrapping Process
Our team of talented artists and installation experts have the skills to create your next big project. Our vehicle wrap projects follow a natural flow from design, production and installation so you can get back on track with what’s important – taking care of business!
Design
Our design department offers in-house design services to help bring you the most cohesive and eye-catching wrap design just for your brand. Tell us what you’d like to see and we’ll put together proofs with a few options and move forward from there. When the layout and colors are approved, we scale up the artwork and prepare it for the production team.
- Initial consultation in-person, online, or over Zoom
- If no artwork is provided, a $300 design fee will need to be paid to begin the design process
- Once the layout is approved, we'll request you come in for a test print or mail it out to you to approve colors
- The artwork is scaled up according to the vehicle and sent to production
Get started
Fill out the form below, attach your artwork and we will get started with designing your vehicle wrap graphics.
Design
Our design department offers in-house design services to help bring you the most cohesive and eye-catching wrap design just for your brand. Tell us what you’d like to see and we’ll put together proofs with a few options and move forward from there. When the layout and colors are approved, we scale up the artwork and prepare it for the production team.
- Initial consultation in-person, online, or over Zoom
- If no artwork is provided, a $300 design fee will need to be paid to begin the design process
- Once the layout is approved, we'll request you come in for a test print or mail it out to you to approve colors
- The artwork is scaled up according to the vehicle and sent to production
Get started
Fill out the form below and attach your artwork and we will get started with designing your vehicle wrap graphics.
- Approved artwork is printed onto durable vinyl on products line 3M or Avery Dennison
- The artwork is set to dry. Once it has fully set, it is laminated or coated with a liquid laminate
- After laminating, the panels are trimmed out or the shapes are cut out in a plotter
- The panels and all other pieces are given to the install department to begin the installation process
Production
Once the design has been scaled and colors have been matched, our production team begins printing on our large format, high quality printers. The design is printed onto high-quality vinyl with adhesive backing. These are then laminated, then trimmed or cut, and passed on to the installation team.
Production
Once the design has been scaled and colors have been matched, our production team begins printing on our large format, high quality printers. The design is printed onto high-quality vinyl with adhesive backing. These are then laminated, then trimmed or cut, and passed on to the installation team.
- Approved artwork is printed onto durable vinyl on products line 3M or Avery Dennison
- The artwork is set to dry. Once it has fully set, it is laminated or coated with a liquid laminate
- After laminating, the panels are trimmed out or the shapes are cut out in a plotter
- The panels and all other pieces are given to the install department to begin the installation process
Install
The Installation department preps all surfaces receiving vinyl lettering or graphics. The panels or pieces are then measured and aligned according to the proof. Once the pinned up graphics are approved by the designer, the adhesive vinyl is laid, smoothed out, and cut according to body lines and creases. If there is any confusion about the layout, the designer who worked on the project can always be consulted about any issues.
- Surfaces on the vehicle are cleaned and prepped for installation
- Panels are pinned up according to the proof. Graphic designers are on-site to help with placement
- Once placement is determined, the panels are then adhered to the vehicle
- After placement, cuts are made over seams and excess vinyl is removed
- The vehicle is then thoroughly examined to ensure proper installation before it is picked up by the customer
Install
The Installation department preps all surfaces receiving vinyl lettering or graphics. The panels or pieces are then measured and aligned according to the proof. Once the pinned up graphics are approved by the designer, the adhesive vinyl is laid, smoothed out, and cut according to body lines and creases. If there is any confusion about the layout, the designer who worked on the project can always be consulted about any issues.
- Surfaces on the vehicle are cleaned and prepped for installation
- Panels are pinned up according to the proof.Graphic designers are on-site to help with placement
- Once placement is determined, the panels are then adhered to the vehicle
- After placement, cuts are made over seams and excess vinyl is removed
- The vehicle is then thoroughly examined to ensure proper installation before it is picked up by the customer
THE ADVANTAGE
Ready to get your own vehicle wrap?
Contact Us Today
Designing, shipping, and installing vehicle wraps and graphics nationwide through our network of 3M certified installers.
Contact us today to get started.
