What Vehicle Wrap is Best? Choosing Between a Full Vehicle Wrap, Partial Wrap, or Simple Spot Graphic

By / March 25, 2020 / Branding & Design Blog Archives

Vinyl car wraps create a mobile option that is functional and also advertises a brand while on the move.

Depending on the population density and the areas the vehicle is driven through, the messaging could reach a variety of audiences with a wide range of potential messages.

This unique form of advertising acts as a mobile billboard, and with greater audience and demographic potential.

But when it comes to applying vehicle graphics to a company van, truck, or car, there are several options to be considered. While deciding between a full vehicle wrap, partial wrap, or simple spot graphics, consider these questions to evaluate the purpose of the graphics (and your business goals):

  1. What do you want the graphics to achieve for your business?
  2. What is the vehicle used for?
  3. How long will the vehicle be in service?
  4. What is your company budget?

Full Vehicle Wraps

A full vehicle wrap is just what it sounds like — the entire vehicle is wrapped in vinyl.

Think of it as a vinyl paint job. 😊

Businesses can choose from options like a single color, branded artwork and business logo, or a colorful design that catches everyone’s attention.

Generally speaking, this type of vehicle graphic packs the biggest visual punch. But, it can also be the most expensive to produce and install.

These are essentially moving billboards that establish your brand identity with every car it passes.

And car washes will never be the same (since you can’t wash it in an automatic car wash).

Reasons to Consider a Full Vehicle Wrap

  • The vehicle is driven through high-traffic areas and might compete against other full wraps taking the same travel route.
  • Or, full wraps are not common along that same travel route, making the company vehicle stand out.
  • The vehicle is small and would benefit from larger artwork or branded lettering.
  • The vehicle is scheduled to be in service long-term.
  • Full wraps allow for consistency if other vehicles in the company fleet are wrapped or branded with graphics.

Partial Wraps

Partial wraps can cover anything from one-quarter up to three-quarters of the vehicle.

Elevation Ten Thousand has the ability to design a partial wrap that flawlessly incorporates the vehicle’s base color and gives the illusion of a full wrap.

Determine if a Partial Wrap is Right for Your Company

  • The company has a modest budget, but still wants to make an impression.
  • The vehicle is older or will be in service for a shorter period of time.
  • There is a need for a faster turnaround time.
  • The vehicle is larger (like a tractor trailer).
  • The vehicle fleet contains mostly partial wraps and this will maintain consistency.

Spot Graphics

Spot graphics typically offer the quickest turnaround time and can be the most cost-effective option for businesses.

This option may consist of simple artwork, or even lettering applied to sections of the vehicle, such as the doors, rear, or hood.

white crossover SUV with dark blue vinyl graphics displaying percentage savings for the vehicle

Determining if Spot Graphics Are the Best Choice for Your Business

  • The vehicle will be in service for only a short period of time.
  • The vehicle is old, damaged, or does not have a surface that’s wrap-friendly.
  • The vehicle will be used for construction or where it is likely to be damaged.
  • The goal is only to cover minor imperfections in paint or surface areas.
  • The business needs a quick turnaround time.
  • The vehicle is not driven on a regular basis or is only driven through low-traffic areas.
  • The vehicle will be used as a rental, courtesy vehicle, or only needs temporary graphics applied (i.e. a showroom vehicle with pricing listed on it).

Any Wrap is Likely Better Than No Wrap

If cheap, convenient advertising on a fixed budget is something a brand needs, vehicle wraps are a good starting point.

All three of the above-mentioned options will increase brand recognition and total reach for messaging while it acts as a moving billboard.

Traditional billboards certainly help with branding, but the power of a vehicle wrap is insurmountable. Throughout the course of a day, or even a week, the impressions can be in the thousands.  

If you’re considering adding vehicle graphics to your vehicles, contact Elevation Ten Thousand to discuss how this can elevate your brand.

Our in-house team of designers and vehicle wrap installers work together to create a design that flows seamlessly to flow with the style and body of the vehicle.

The end result will be a powerful way to advertise your brand and reach a greater amount of audiences.