Local business owner Steve Hastings came to us with a challenge - "Here's my new van - make it the best looking Drain Services van in the industry."
That's exactly the sort of challenge we like.
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| Steve's Van before the transformation |
After measuring and photographing Steve's VW Transporter, our expert in-house graphic designer John Leatherbarrow got to work on his new Mac to come up with something to suit.
No. 1 For No. 2's - The Design
Steve already had a catchy strapline for the business - "No. 1 For No. 2's" -, this was going to be used as a feature on the design. With over 15 years professional experience in stunning vehicle graphic design, John was sure to come up with something spectacular. He didn't disappoint.
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| Steve Hastings Drain Services Van Wrap Design |
Printing The Wrap
The material we print on for full vehicle wraps is a specialist premium vehicle wrap film. Very flexible, it can be almost moulded around complex shapes, crevices and corners whilst retaining performance specifications. There are cheaper films on the market but in our experience they do not offer the same combination of print quality, ease-of-fitting and most importantly, performance on the vehicle.
Once printed using UV stable inks, the wrap is left to 'cure' for 48 hours. Again, this is a crucial stage. Skipping this step can lead to reduced vinyl performance and even de-lamination weeks or months later.
We then laminate the printed vinyl with a matching high performance clear vinyl. This offers scratch and scuff resistance as well as additional anti-fade UV protection.
Vehicle Preparation
Prior to a full wrap installation, vehicle preparation is absolutely key. We have noticed that this is something often rushed by other sign companies - resulting in a poorly fitted job.
Prior to a full clean, all external trim has to be removed. Door handles, number plates, light fittings, door trims etc. all are removed. Only by doing this can the vinyl wrap material be correctly positioned and guaranteed to stay in place. Not removing all trims leaves exposed edges on the fitted wrap which in time may lift and look untidy.
Some vehicle trims can be quite difficult to remove and require special tools. Fortunately, we can always call upon the expertise of a neighbouring car body specialist on the odd occasion we come up against anything particularly tricky.
A thorough cleaning and degreasing is the next vital step. Vehicle polishes and cleaners may make you car or van shine, but they are none too friendly towards the proper adhesion of vinyl graphics. All exposed surfaces are thoroughly treated, especially the insides of doors where the vinyl will be wrapped around.
Wrap Installation
Armed with squeegees, hot-air guns, elbow grease and years of experience, our fitters generally pause for a cuppa, perform another visual check of the vehicle and then begin their craft.
Local wrap jobs are performed inside our workshop as a dust-free, temperature-controlled environment is crucial. A touch thermometer is used to check the temperature of the vehicle bodywork before application - if this is within a certain range, we are good to go. On extreme days, fans or heaters are used to adjust it.
Finishing Touches
After a thorough inspection of the installed wrap, the vehicle's trims are replaced back to how they were.
The Client
Steve was extremely happy with the finished job. Heads are turning everywhere he drives.
He has since booked the vehicle back in to have the roof done!
