Application for Working Vehicles, Not Show Cars
Vehicle application is about getting your name, contact details and message onto a moving surface in a way that looks straight, stays put and can be read at a glance. We apply graphics to single-vehicle fleets and larger groups, whether you need a small door logo, side panel branding, rear window film or full wrap sections on a bakkie, panel van or trailer.
Every vehicle is checked for paint condition, rust, dents, scratches and older adhesive before anything goes on. That matters in Bloemfontein where dust, heat and long daily runs can expose poor prep quickly. We also look at the vehicle shape and the way doors, handles, fuel caps and seams break up the layout, because a good graphic has to work around those details not fight them.
- Cars, bakkies, panel vans and enclosed trailers
- Partial graphics, full side coverage and rear branding
- Cut vinyl lettering, printed panels and laminate protection
- Reflective options for visibility after dark
What We Include in the Application Process
Our process starts with artwork setup and sign-off. If you already have a logo, we check the file quality and make sure it is suitable for print or vinyl cutting. If the artwork needs work, we can redraw it, tidy the spacing and set the size so it fits the actual vehicle panels. That step saves time on site and avoids stretching, awkward joins or text that is too small to read.
Before application, surfaces are cleaned and degreased, then measured and marked. On some vehicles we use templates for common panels, but the final fit is always adjusted to the specific vehicle in front of us. For fleets, we keep the same layout so each unit matches, even when the vehicles are a mix of makes and body sizes.
- Artwork checks and size planning
- Panel measurements and alignment marks
- Surface cleaning and adhesion prep
- Application, trimming and edge finishing
Materials, Sizes and Finishes That Suit Local Conditions
We use sign vinyl and printed films selected for vehicle use, with matching laminate where the job calls for extra protection. On exposed commercial vehicles, a laminated print helps with scuff resistance, fuel splash and regular washing. For text and simple logos, cut vinyl can be a neat and cost-effective option, especially on smaller fleets or when you only need a clear contact number and business name.
Where visibility matters, we can add reflective material to key wording or safety markings. That is useful for early starts, late deliveries and trailers that sit on worksites or roadsides. We also make sure the finish suits the paint colour and the vehicle type, because a dark panel needs a different treatment to a white van or a silver hatchback. In summer the Free State sun is hard on adhesives, so correct film choice and proper curing time matter more than people think.
- Cut vinyl for logos, names and contact details
- Printed graphics for photos, gradients and detailed branding
- Laminate for longer life and easier cleaning
- Reflective details for better night-time visibility
Typical Turnaround and How We Schedule Jobs
Turnaround depends on the vehicle count, the amount of print work and whether the artwork is ready. A simple single-vehicle branding job may be completed within a few working days once everything is approved. Larger fleet work, trailer sets or jobs that need logo redraws and print production usually take longer, especially if we are fitting multiple units in sequence.
We plan installation around your operating hours so the vehicle is not tied up longer than needed. For businesses running deliveries or site work in and around Mangaung, that means we can often split the job into stages or fit after hours where practical. If there are weather delays, we would rather shift the schedule than rush the application in dust or wind.
- Simple graphics: often a few working days
- Fleet sets and printed panels: allow extra lead time
- After-hours or staged fitting can be arranged
- Weather and surface condition can affect the programme
Pricing Approach for Single Vehicles and Fleets
Our pricing is based on the actual size of the graphics, the type of material, the amount of labour and the condition of the vehicle. A small logo set on two doors will not cost the same as a full set of printed side panels with laminate and rear glass film. If we are working on several vehicles, we quote the set so you can see the difference between each unit and the overall fleet total.
We do not price from a guess. We measure the vehicle, confirm the scope and then quote for the work that will be done. If a vehicle needs extra prep, debranding first or a repair to an old sign, that gets discussed upfront. That way you know what is included and what is not. For businesses that plan ahead, we can also price maintenance visits and future replacements so the signage budget stays predictable.
Keeping the Graphics in Good Condition
Vehicle graphics need simple care, not fuss. For the first few days after fitting, avoid harsh washing and high-pressure spray right on the edges. After that, regular washing with mild soap is usually enough. On bakkies and trailers that work in dust or on gravel, dirt can build up along seams and door handles, so a wipe-down now and then helps the graphics keep their edge.
We recommend checking the graphics every few months for lifted corners, stone impact or worn edges, especially on vehicles that spend long hours in the sun or on the N1 and rural routes. If a section starts to lift, it is better to address it early than let moisture work under the film. Maintenance visits can include tightening loose sections, replacing damaged bits and checking older branded units before they start to look tired.
- Avoid strong washing in the first 48 to 72 hours
- Use mild soap and soft cloths for routine cleaning
- Inspect edges, seams and corners every 3 to 6 months
- Book maintenance if a section lifts or gets damaged
Key facts
| Vehicle types | Cars, vans, bakkies, trailers and fleet units |
|---|---|
| Graphics format | Cut vinyl, printed film, laminated panels, reflective details |
| Typical use | Business names, contact details, logos, safety text and branding |
| Prep requirements | Clean paint, sound surface, removal of loose old adhesive |
| Turnaround | From a few working days, depending on scope and approval |
| Service area | Bloemfontein, Mangaung, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Welkom, Kroonstad, Brandfort and Winburg |
