Tarpaulins and tautliner curtains are among the largest branding surfaces on any commercial vehicle, and also the hardest to brand properly. The material moves in the wind, folds when opened, stretches under tension and is washed with heavy equipment. Standard vehicle vinyl is rarely the right answer.
We treat tarpaulin work as its own discipline: choosing between direct printing, applied graphics and cut-and-weld lettering, based on the cloth, how the curtain is used and how long it must stay readable.
What we can brand
- Tautliner curtain sidemain message
- Tautliner rear curtaincontact panel
- Flatbed tarpaulinlogo and name
- Tipper covername and logo
- Curtain header stripcompany name
Coverage options
Tautliner curtains normally carry a large message panel along each side, a smaller logo near the front and a rear panel. Loose tarpaulins over flatbeds and tippers can carry a repeating logo, a single large mark or a name along the edge. Curtains are laced and rolled back for loading, so we plan artwork around the folds and the posts, because letters that fall across a pleat will crease.
Branded tarpaulins for stand-alone trailers are covered on the branded trailer tarpaulins page.
- Full-side curtain graphics
- Name and logo panels
- Rear curtain graphics
- Edge-to-edge repeat logo patterns on tarps
- Reflective strips on curtain edges
Design process
Artwork is set against measured curtain dimensions, with post positions, buckles, straps and roll-up sections marked on the template. Large simple shapes, bold colours and few fine details work best, since the cloth is rough and in constant movement. Where text is needed it should be well above the bottom hem and clear of strap lines.
Material choices
Most tarpaulins are coated PVC fabric, and the choice of process depends on how the cloth is finished. Direct digital printing on tarpaulin-grade material is flexible and long-lasting for new curtains. Printed or cut graphics can be applied to existing curtains if the surface suits adhesion and flexes with the cloth. Cut lettering can also be welded or stitched in specific cases. We recommend the method that fits your cloth.
Material warranties depend on the material and application and are confirmed on your quotation.
Preparation and installation
Existing curtains must be clean, dry and free of silicone, dressing and heavy dirt. Aged, chalky or heavily patched PVC may not take applied graphics reliably, and we would tell you so after reviewing photos. Application is done flat, with the curtain laid out or hung, rather than on the standing trailer.
For depot work, see on-site installation, subject to site conditions.
Care
Avoid folding branded areas sharply along the same line each time. Wash with soft brushes and mild detergent, and do not use harsh solvents. See the wrap care guide.
What we need to quote
Send the curtain or tarpaulin dimensions, a photo of the cloth, whether you want new printed curtains or graphics on existing ones, and the logo files. Tell us how many trailers are involved and whether the trailers are used by one tractor unit or many.
Suitable branding options
At a glance
Truck tarpaulin branding covers the large curtains and sheets on tautliners, flatbeds and trailers, which are among the largest branding surfaces on any commercial vehicle. They are also among the hardest to brand properly, because the material moves in the wind, folds when opened, stretches under tension and is washed with heavy equipment. Standard vehicle film is rarely suitable, so tarpaulin and tautliner curtain branding relies on materials and methods made for flexible, load-bearing fabric.
Good tarpaulin artwork is planned around seams, eyelets, straps and the way the curtain folds, so logos stay readable when the trailer is closed. Options include printed panels, welded or stitched artwork, and large cut graphics, chosen to suit the fabric and how often the curtain is opened. Transport companies, logistics operators and distributors across South Africa, from Johannesburg and Durban to Cape Town, use branded curtains to turn long-haul trailers into moving advertising. We can brand new curtains or refresh existing ones as part of a fleet programme. Ask for a truck tarpaulin branding quote with your curtain sizes and artwork.
Common questions
Can you print directly on my existing tarpaulin?
Usually not. Printing is done on new tarpaulin-grade material. For existing curtains we apply graphics suited to PVC, depending on the cloth condition.
Will graphics crack when the curtain is folded?
Material selection and layout reduce the risk. We position graphics away from fold lines where possible.
Can I change the branding later?
Applied graphics can be replaced. Directly printed curtains usually mean replacing the cloth.
Do you handle tarpaulin supply?
We can quote new branded curtains or branding on those you own. Confirm which you want when you request a quote.
Can curtains be branded at our depot?
Often yes, depending on space and site conditions. This is confirmed at quotation.