How to Increase The Durability of Car Signs?

Those of us who own cars will admit the fact that we often find ourselves hunting for ways to extend the durability of our vehicle signage and prevent their new-like appearance from fading away. However, not many of us are aware of the proper signage maintenance methods except the one most obvious – washing. If you want to enhance the life and performance of your car signs, you will have to do more than rinsing them with water.

Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do for increasing the durability of car signs:

Perform Cleaning On A Regular Basis

If you verily want to extend the life of your side decals or Rear Window Signage, start with this. Wash the exterior surface of your car using mild and non-abrasive detergents. Make sure that the cloth or sponge you are going to use for wiping is not rough.

Brush? Don’t Even Think About It

Making use of a brush for eliminating dirt on car graphics is strongly discouraged by wrap manufacturers. The reason is that it can chip the design on the signs and also cause its edges to come off. Use automatic washes instead as they are entirely safe.

Quit Applying Excessive Pressure

When you are cleaning your car with pressure wash, do not allow the pressure to go beyond 138 bar. Be careful about the temperature too, and make sure that it does not exceed 82 degrees Celsius. Spray the water on the surface of the vehicle from at least a foot away, holding the nozzle at right angle to the signage. That way, you would not have to worry about peeling edges.

Utilise Suitable Products For Spot Cleaning

Prior to using any solution, try softening the most tricky spots with the help of a hot mixture of water and soap. If this method fails, use a spot cleaning product to get the job done and rinse off any residue immediately after that. But test the product on an inconspicuous area before using it on the whole signage, to make sure it is safe for use.

Eliminate Fuel Spills As Soon As Possible

Accidental fuel spills on the signage of your car must be gotten rid of immediately if you do not want to break a sweat later on trying to clean up obstinate dirts. Eliminate them as soon as possible using soap and water solution.

Process Of Wrapping A Car With Vinyl Graphic

Earlier people often used to face a common problem with vinyl graphic installation on the car. They often had to deal with the burden of trapped air bubbles, which used to mean an uneven finished appearance of the car. If you ever tried applying numbers to your club racing car, you might have faced this situation.

However, in today’s world a lot of new and advanced technologies are being used to get rid of this problem. The top-adhesive vinyl technology is quite advanced and allows professionals as well as DIY to come up with a great look. The modern vinyls have been manufactured keeping in mind about the trapped air bubble problem and so nowadays the trapped air bubble problem has been solved.

Car vinyl wrapping generally started for displaying advertisements on cars but the trend is using solid colours as a replacement for painting the entire car. However, if you are planning to install vinyl graphics on your car, remember a few things. It might take around ten hours to install and that it’s better to consult with an expert who could install the vehicle graphics professionally rather than trying to do it all by yourself. There are a lot of companies that deals with car wraps in Brisbane.

Process Of Car Vinyl Wrapping For Do-It-Yourselfers

The process are discussed below:

1. Clear the surface: The surface must be non permeable in order to get the best result. The surface where the vinyls are to be installed must be clean, clear and free from dust. Low grade and non-ammonia detergent must be used for the cleaning purpose.
2. Measure the surface area where the vinyl graphics are to be applied: During the measurement process take care of the bends, moldings and other curve areas so that perfect impression is created on the vehicle.
3. Take a grease pencil and mark the area that has been measured: This will guide you during the process of vinyl graphics installation. But make sure to keep the markings away from the application area and make use of the marks as only your guide.
4. Create an attachment with a masking tape: This is done for a smooth effect of the vinyl graphics. Cut a piece of masking tape and apply the tape over the top of the graphic which is to be installed. It will help to fix the graphic in its original position when it is lifted up for further proceedings.
5. Pull up the graphics and apply some wetting solutions where the graphics are to be installed. Slowly peel off and remove the back from the graphic.
6. Make sure that the graphics are adhered properly. Clean the excess solution. Peel off the mask from the graphics.

What Are One Way Vision Films?

One way vision films, also known as window perf or see-through vinyl, are calendered PVC vinyls that have uniformly spaced round perforations and adhesive on their back for adhering to surfaces made of glass. The major advantages of using them is that they can provide a clear vision of outside to viewers sitting on the inside without enabling onlookers on the adhesive-backed side to see through. This means that people looking from outside would see nothing except the printed graphics.

In general, the real size of the perforations remains uniform all throughout. Actually, it is the spacing among the holes that determines the visibility and the coverage area of graphics. For example, a 50 percent see through vinyl would imply that about half of the material can be printed whereas the other half is reserved for perforation. One way vision vinyls are available in varied hole configurations, such as 50/50, 60/40 or 70/30. The first figure signifies volume of printable area, while the second one symbolises the see through part.

A typical one way vision signage or film consists of many different layers – the topmost layer is made of white vinyl and used for printing the graphics, the second layer comprises black vinyl, next to which comes the adhesive layer and finally the release liner. The black vinyl provides the optical illusion and enables an almost clear view of the outside, working most efficiently when there is about seventy percent or even more light on the printed side.

These see through films are usually used as one way vision rear window signage in vehicles, displays of retail store windows, exterior edifice glass, etc. The most common application of all is rear window signage on vehicles. Some vehicle owners even get their see-through signage laminated. However, lamination is not usually done for the other applications of one way vision films.

There are some experts who propose that one way vision or see through films can be used to virtually divide two rooms that are separated by glass, such as a conference room partitioned equally using glass wall. However, the achieved privacy might fail to satisfy expectations because the light is almost the same on both sides of the glass wall. If, somehow, the quantity of light present inside the room can be increased, then it would make the one way vision film appear invisible.

The Different Uses of Vehicle Wraps & Graphics

Vehicle wrapping is the process of covering the outer surface of a vehicle – either partially or fully – with a film of pre-printed vinyl. It acts more like a second skin for the vehicle, protecting the original one. Vehicle graphics is the process of designing and applying graphics, images or lettering to the windows or sides of your vehicle, without covering the surface with a vinyl film.

Vehicle wraps and graphics are one of the most inexpensive ways of advertising your business to a large potential audience. They turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard and promote your trade on the go. The eye-catching signs and messages do a great job in drawing the attention of pedestrians.

Though initially starting out as a simple message along with the brand name of the company printed on a horse-drawn carriage, vehicle wraps and graphics are now used in various ways for different types of vehicles and auto mobiles. Most companies manufacturing wraps and vehicle graphics in Brisbane provide a wide range of products, catering to the specific needs of every customer. Some of the items are:

• Fleet Vehicle Graphics – They are specially designed for delivery vans and trucks belonging to independent business owners and organisations, carrying the brand name and contact details or other information of the company. On an average, a graphics imprinted delivery van generates around 16 million visual impressions every year.
• Boat Graphics – Boat graphics are an innovative and creative way of tagging the boat with a personal name and also for displaying important information to fleet and emergency vehicles. They are treated with various chemicals to withstand the harsh elements of sun, wind and salt water.
• Car Decals – Car decals can be used to get the owner’s name and personal message on the surface of the car, in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They can be placed on the bumper or used to cover an entire panel of the car. Business owners also use customized car decals to raise awareness about their trade.
• Vehicle Vinyl Wraps – They are the traditional wrapping sheets for vehicles that not only help in imparting a new appearance to the car, but also protects its outer surface from scratches and abrasion.
• Police and Emergency Vehicle Graphics – Police car graphics play a significant role in helping citizens recognize officers on patrol. Also door panel decals, ambulance graphics, fire truck decals, etc. carry forward the important messages of emergency fleets on the move.
• Vehicle Lettering and Car Magnets – Vehicle lettering is useful for vehicles that serve for delivery purposes, personal service, etc. Car magnets are an effective way of adding graphics to a vehicle temporarily.
• Vehicle Lettering and Car Magnets – Vehicle lettering is useful for vehicles that serve for delivery purposes, personal service, etc. Car magnets are an effective way of adding graphics to a vehicle temporarily.

Want to Wrap Your Car for Another Company? Things You Should Do

Do you want your car to turn into a moving advertising and earn some money? Okay..if you have your own business, you can get it done for your own business then. If you don’t have a business of your own, you can wrap your car for another company and earn money by doing this.

But before you start getting involved in this kind of activity, you should first know whether you are eligible for it. The companies usually choose cars that drive long distances (1000 miles per month) through popular areas at the time of busy traffic hours, ensuring optimal exposure. The cars also need to be in good condition and must have a lot of space for the ads like vans, SUVs and VW beetles. So, if you want to wrap your car for another company, you must first take this into account.

Negotiate the car wrap deal. The competition for the big-name car wrappers is actually getting stiff day by day. So, if you find that your route or car isn’t up to their levels, consider the local businesses; they might find your commute appealing. For instance, if you drive around a school campus, for instance, a store that sells and buys textbooks can be your preference. If you want, you can also put an advertisement in paper or online describing your car, monthly mileage and commute to see if there is anyone to step forward with any kind of offer.

You need to find a car wrapping company. You can ask them what partnerships they have with the businesses. Carefully read the contract and make sure that it is not a scam. Actually car wrapping scams are on rise nowadays.

Decide on the level of wrapping that you will be comfortable with. If you want to go all over then it is a full wrap. If you want to retain some autonomy, then a half-wrap would be appropriate. If you wish to dip your toe in water, get a wind shield decal. One way vision rear window signage has even become very popular nowadays. Just remember one thing-the more space you give, the more you will be paid.

Car Wrap Designing Tips – – Car Signs Brisbane

Designing a car wrap is quite different from a typical graphic design project. In order to make sure that everything goes perfectly with the design, here are some tips from Car Signs Brisbane, an expert who is into designing, manufacturing and installing car wraps in Brisbane for years. Have a look at them. Car Signs Brisbane always follow them when designing car wraps:

They never start to design before getting the template and photos of the car that is to be wrapped. They make sure that all the obstructions along with the additions are in the right spot as well as accounted for on the template. The main purpose of the dynamic wrap is to get the info of the company out there. So, they always make it sure that the information isn’t being distorted or blocked.

The experts never assume that the full car can be wrapped. Their designing team always works together with their installation team to ensure that what they design is feasible. Since a car wrap is basically a moving billboard, people usually view the car as a whole. With regards to this, Car Signs Brisbane remembers one of the most important things while designing-that the car is a three dimensional object, which can be viewed from all the sides. So, what they do even when the designing is done one side at a time is that they think about how the side of the wrap design will connect to back side and so on.

The designing professionals never place smaller texts over the grooves or creases on the car. They place the smaller text in flat, smooth areas. This means when they use smaller text in their design, they ensure it is in a spot on the car, which keep the text from being distorted. Generally, the flat area on the door is a great place for a small text. If small texts are placed in a bump, crease or groove, they actually become unreadable and distorted.

There is also another important thing that the car wrap designing experts keep in their mind. They never use fonts just because they look cool. They make use of fonts that can be read clearly even from a distance. They know that audiences usually pass by the car at a quick speed and so if the font is unreadable, the vehicle graphics designed and installed will become useless. Display fonts actually involve a lot of fun.

How to Maintain and Store Magnetic Car Signs?

There are many companies in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and other cities of Australia that uses supreme quality magnetic materials for bringing the best in mobile magnetic advertising. Correct preparation of the surfaces and installation of these signs on vehicles is the responsibility that is taken by these professional companies. They put their best in preparing the surface area for installing magnetic car signs in the best possible manner. They also give special emphasis on the installation part being updated about the tips and techniques for magnetic car signs installation. But most of these companies make sure not to take the responsibility of the maintenance and storage of these car signs after they have been installed. If you are having plans of installing magnetic car signs in your vehicle, here are these two most important things that you need to take care of-its maintenance and its storage.

How to Maintain Magnetic Car Signs?

A magnetic car sign should be removed weekly by lifting it from center of two opposite sides. One must never start at corners because that may stretch the material. If it’s a cold weather, the sign should be preheated with warm water before removal if needed. After the signs are removed, the sign surfaces as well as the vehicle must be washed and dried. This keeps the moisture from collecting between signs and vehicle surface, which has the ability to damage the finish of the vehicle. For cleaning the signs, sponge and mild soapy water solution needs to be used. But the signs should never be immersed in water, steam cleaned or taken through car wash. After a snowfall or rain, the car magnetic car signs always need to be removed or wiped dry.

How to Store Magnetic Car Signs?

Magnetic signs must be stored either on an even, flat surface or rolled up around the cylinder with a diameter of about three inches. They should never be stored in a hot vehicle because they can warp permanently. The signs should not be folded as that may damage the material. Creasing may be formed. Any heavy object on top of the signs should never be placed. This kind of treatment prevents the signs from retaining their full magnetic function. If a sign gets bent out of the shape, all you need to do is straighten it by placing it on a flat metal surface like a refrigerator or a file cabinet. If the sign cannot be straightened, you should replace it.

Vehicle Wrap Design: Dos and Don’ts

Vehicle Wrap Design: Dos and Don’ts from Car Signs Brisbane

Want to Wrap Your Car? Things You Should Know Before Getting It Done?

What do you mean by a car wrap?

A car wrap is basically a decal or a vinyl graphic on a car. It is put directly over the original paint of the car. The application of car wrap enables one to change the appearance of a car in a very short time. However, if need arises, the car can be returned back to its original condition by removing the wrap.

What is involved in a car wrap?

Car wraps in Brisbane basically comprises of three phases. First phase is the design phase. This includes getting the exact measurements of the car and the application of actual design of graphics. The second phase is the production phase. Here the graphic gets printed and then laminated for protecting the vinyl from UV rays and abrasions, which if not done may cause the graphics to fade with passage of time. The third phase is the installation stage. In this stage, vinyl is basically applied to the car. However, in a few cases, there is even the fourth stage which involves removal of graphics if needed.

What is difference between a full and partial wrap?

Anything that’s less than a full wrap is actually a partial wrap. A half partial wrap includes the full rear part of the car and halfway up the car and includes hood logo. Three-quarters partial wrap includes the full rear part of the car and most of the way up the car. It includes a hood logo as well. A full wrap on the other hand is basically the wrapping up of the entire surface of the car.

How long does a car wrap stay?

Generally it depends upon the quality of the vinyl graphic that is used on the car. But normally, it can be there on the car for a maximum of five years.

Does a car wrap damage the paint of a car?

No. Mostly, a car wrap doesn’t damage the paintings of a car. Actually, the wraps do not stick to the rust. If the car has a chipping paint, the wrap has the probability of pulling the chipping paint while being removed.

Is a car wash essential before installation?

Yes. The car has to be free of mud, dust, oil, wax or any other kind of product or agents, which can prevent the vinyl from adhering to the surface of the car during the process of installation.