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Materials & Options

The material you choose for your vehicle graphics or shopfront sign determines how the job looks, how long it lasts, and how much it costs. This page explains the options we offer, the differences between them, and when each one is the right choice.

Selection of coloured vinyl material rolls in a workshop

Cut vinyl

The simplest and most affordable option. Individual letters and shapes are cut from a sheet of coloured vinyl using a computer-controlled plotter. The vinyl is then transferred to the vehicle panel by panel. Cut vinyl is ideal for text-based designs: business names, phone numbers, web addresses, and simple logos.

Lifespan: 5 to 7 years outdoors, depending on the colour and the orientation of the panel (south-facing panels fade faster). Premium cast vinyl lasts up to 10 years.

Best for: Trade vans, fleet vehicles where cost matters, and any design that is primarily text and simple graphics. The clean, professional look of well-applied cut vinyl is hard to beat at the price.

Printed vinyl

Full-colour graphics printed onto white vinyl using a large-format inkjet printer. Allows for photographs, gradients, complex illustrations, and unlimited colours. After printing, the vinyl is laminated with a clear film for UV and scratch protection.

Lifespan: 3 to 5 years without lamination. 5 to 7 years with lamination. The lamination is always worth the cost.

Best for: Businesses that want photographic imagery, branded colour matching, or complex designs that cut vinyl cannot reproduce.

Close-up of professional printing equipment producing coloured graphics

Vehicle wraps

A full wrap covers every visible panel of the vehicle in printed or coloured vinyl. It transforms the entire appearance of the vehicle and can include a complete colour change, photographic panels, or branded graphics from bumper to bumper.

Wraps use cast vinyl film, which is thinner and more conformable than calendered vinyl. Cast film wraps around curves, door handles, and panel edges without lifting. The fitting process takes one to three days depending on the vehicle size and design complexity.

Lifespan: 5 to 7 years for premium cast films (3M, Avery Dennison, Hexis). Cheaper films last 2 to 3 years and are not worth the saving.

Wraps vs paint: A wrap costs roughly the same as a professional respray but is reversible. Remove the wrap and the original paint is underneath, undamaged (provided the paint was in good condition when the wrap was applied). This makes wraps attractive for leased vehicles and vehicles that will be resold.

Window graphics

Perforated vinyl (also called one-way vision film) allows graphics on the outside of the window while maintaining visibility from inside. The film is made up of tiny perforated holes that allow light and vision through but display a solid image from the outside.

Useful for rear windows and side windows where you want branding without blocking the driver's view. Not suitable for front windscreens (illegal in the UK) or front side windows.

Durability comparison

Finishes

Both vinyl and laminates come in several finishes:

Talk to us about materials

Not sure which option fits your vehicle and budget? Send us the vehicle details and a rough idea of what you want, and we will suggest the material that gives you the best result for the money. Call 01430 555 100 or email [email protected].