A partial wrap sits between a set of door decals and a full wrap. Printed vinyl covers selected panels, typically the doors, the load bin sides and the tailgate, and the original paint colour remains visible around them. Done well, the vehicle looks designed as a whole, and the cost and installation time are lower than for a full wrap.
For bakkies, partial wraps are the most popular option for small fleets and owner-operated businesses. They make a bold statement from the side, hide small differences in panel condition and let the vehicle's own colour act as part of the brand.
What we can brand
- Door panelslogo and sweep
- Bin sidesname and services
- Tailgatecontact line
- Lower bodycolour block
- Canopycontinuation panel
- Bonnetoptional brand strip
How a partial wrap is laid out
The usual approach is a block or sweep of colour that starts at the cab doors, passes the shut lines and runs along the bin to the tailgate. Because a bakkie is a series of separate panels, we treat each one as a unit and make the artwork carry across the gaps. The lower body is a common choice because it frames the vehicle visually and hides road grime better than pale upper panels.
Over the bin, the print can show a company name, a services list or a pattern in brand colours. Over the doors, a logo and contact strip anchor the design. The tailgate often repeats the contact line for following traffic.
Materials we use
Partial wraps use printed cast or calendered vinyl with a gloss or matte laminate. Cast vinyl conforms better over curves and mild recesses, which suits the shaped panels of modern bakkies. Calendered vinyl is more economical on flat or gently curved areas such as bin sides. We recommend one or the other at quotation depending on the panels involved, and material warranties depend on the film and the application.
Which panels to include
Choose panels by visibility. Doors and the bin side are seen by every passer-by. The tailgate is read by the driver behind you. The bonnet is seen by oncoming traffic and on the approach to a gate. The roof matters if the bakkie is often seen from above, such as in a multi-storey car park. We discuss priorities with you and propose a layout that fits the budget.
- Doors and cab sides
- Load bin sides and headboard
- Tailgate and rear bumper
- Canopy sides, if fitted
- Bonnet or roof as an upgrade
Condition of the paint
Vinyl needs a sound surface. Flaking clearcoat, rust bubbles and rough repaint will show through or cause the film to lift. We inspect the bakkie before quoting and, where necessary, recommend repairs before wrapping. Our vehicle preparation guide lists what to do before you bring the bakkie in.
Upgrading later
A partial wrap is an easy step to a full wrap. If you decide to cover more of the vehicle, we can match the colours and extend the design, though exact printed colour may vary slightly between batches. For the full version see bakkie full wraps, or read about partial vehicle wraps in general.
Suitable branding options
At a glance
Bakkie partial wraps sit between a set of door decals and a full wrap. Printed vinyl covers the panels that matter most, usually the doors, load bin sides and tailgate, while the original paint remains visible elsewhere. The result is a vehicle that reads as properly branded, with bold colour and imagery, without the cost and surface area of covering every panel. It also suits businesses that want to keep a factory white or silver bakkie as part of the design.
We plan each bakkie partial wrap around the vehicle: starting lines follow body creases, panel gaps and door edges so the graphic looks intentional from every angle. Typical layouts include colour blocks that sweep from the cab into the bin, a branded lower band, or panels that frame a logo on the door. Business owners across Gauteng, including Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Midrand and Centurion, can send photos of each side with the model and year, and we will advise what suits the shape and paint condition. Request a quote for a single partial wrap or a matched set for several bakkies. Studio visits in Rivonia are by appointment only.
Common questions
Is a partial wrap better than decals?
It covers more area and can carry full-colour imagery, so it has more impact. Decals suit simpler logos and smaller budgets.
Can I remove a partial wrap later?
Yes. Removal is possible on sound factory paint and is quoted on request.
How do you handle panel gaps?
The print is split at every shut line and aligned so the pattern reads as continuous.
Does a partial wrap protect the paint?
The covered panels are shielded from light abrasion and some sun fade, but a wrap is not a substitute for repair of damaged paint.