Thursday 19 February 2015

Creating a Show-Stopping Van Graphic

We attracted a beautiful new client recently in TattLight, a locally based company who specialise in seriously artistic illuminated vintage works of art.

MD John was so blown away by this concept that before the end of the first meeting with the client, he had ordered a stunning illuminated anchor as a centrepiece for his 'mood-wall' at home!!

The Brief:

The challenge was to create and install graphics on the company van which matched the business philosophy and brand.


Stage 1: Design

TattLight's van was a 2008 VW Crafter long-wheel-base. Following a recent photo and video shoot the client had some superb imagery for us to work with - so we got to work on coming up with a design.





The client loved the design, so the process began of producing the high-resolution vinyl-wrap graphics.

Stage 2: Artwork Pre-Press

Final measurement of the vehicle, test prints and final adjustment of the graphic files.

Stage 3: Graphics Production
High quality printing at 1440dpi on premium cast wrap vinyl, left to 'outgas' for 48 hours, then laminated with matching premium clear cast for UV, scratch and chemical protection.

Stage 4: Vehicle Cleaning
Deep clean of all vehicle bodywork using jetwash and Traffic Film Remover - to remove all dirt, grime, wax, oils, silicone and general age-related build-up.

Treatment and cleaning of all exposed surfaces with methylated spirits, including wheel arches, door rims, gaps, fuel cap - in fact anywhere that the wrap will need to adhere to.

Final deep clean using isopropanol alcohol of all surfaces.

Being 6 years old, preparation of the van took some time - but everything had to be perfect prior to the application of the wrap and separate vinyl cut graphics.

Stage 5: De-trimming
Removal of relevant trims, badges and fittings.



Stage 6: Tea Break
Kettle on, brews prepared to exacting standards, feet up for 5 minutes.

Stage 7: Graphics Installation
This is where the hard work begins. Application of vinyl graphics and wrap system section by section, using heat guns, squeegees, elbow grease and years of experience.


Stage 8: Trim Re-fitting
Re-fitting of all vehicle trim and parts


Blackpool Signs & Graphics Ltd.
Unit 5 Brookside Centre
Red Marsh Industrial Estate
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4HD
Tel: 01253 851 106