Good results on a vehicle depend on decisions made before the vinyl is printed: the quality of the artwork, the condition of the surface and the way the finished graphics are looked after. The guides collected here cover each of those stages in plain language.
They are written for people who run vehicles rather than people who work in print, so there is no jargon you need to decode. If something is not covered, ask us when you request a quotation.
Artwork Requirements
Before design begins, it helps to know what we need from you. The artwork requirements guide explains which file formats work best, why a logo that looks fine on a letterhead may not suit a six-metre truck side, how colours are matched, and what we check before sending artwork for approval.
It also explains your part in the approval step, which is checking spelling, numbers and registration details.
Vehicle Preparation Guide
Vinyl only adheres as well as the surface beneath it. The vehicle preparation guide covers cleaning, paint condition, old graphics, dents and rust, and what to arrange before a vehicle arrives at the studio or an installation team arrives at your depot.
If a vehicle has been resprayed or the paint is flaking, read this guide first, because it affects what is possible.
Vehicle Wrap Care Guide
After installation, a little care extends the life of the graphics. The wrap care guide sets out washing methods, what to avoid, how to treat fuel and chemical spills, and when to bring a vehicle back for repair of damaged panels.
It also explains why material warranties are tied to the manufacturer's terms and what is typically excluded.
FAQs
Our frequently asked questions answer the questions that come up most often on quotes, artwork, materials, installation, timelines, removal and fleets.
How We Work
If you want to understand the whole journey, the How We Work page walks through the six steps from enquiry to handover, including artwork approval and site installation.
Supplies for loads
We also supply cargo nets, load straps and ropes for trucks, bakkies and trailers on request. See the cargo nets and ropes page for what is available and how to request a quote.
Where to start
If you are planning a project and are unsure where to begin, this order works well for most customers.
- Read the artwork requirements and gather your logo files
- Check the preparation guide against your vehicles
- Request a quotation with photos of each vehicle type
- Approve the design, then book installation
- Keep the care guide with the vehicle after handover
At a glance
These vehicle branding guides bring together practical advice for fleet managers, owner-operators and marketing teams planning commercial vehicle branding. Good results on a truck, bus, bakkie or van depend on decisions made well before any vinyl is printed: the quality of the artwork supplied, the condition of the surface and the habits used when the vehicle is washed and parked afterwards. Each guide covers one of those stages in plain language.
The resources section includes artwork requirements, a vehicle preparation guide, a vehicle wrap care guide, answers to frequently asked questions and an overview of how we work. There is also information on cargo nets, load straps and ropes for operators who want to secure loads neatly on branded trucks, bakkies and trailers. The guides are written for businesses across South Africa, including Gauteng, Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Midrand, Centurion, Durban and Cape Town, where sun, dust and long routes affect how graphics perform. If a question is not covered, include it when you request a quote and we will answer it directly. Use the guides together for the best result.