How long do vehicle graphics last?
Getting graphics added to your business vehicles is an efficient way to promote your company.
It means that every time the vehicles are on the road, they will also be providing you with mobile advertising. This offers tremendous promotional reach at an affordable price, and is why the vehicle livery services that we provide are so popular.
One query that we often encounter though is how long they can be expected to last. This is what we will answer in this blog.
What are vehicle graphics?
Vehicle graphics are text and imagery that is printed onto a suitable material – usually vinyl – and then cut to fit the vehicle. They can be added to a single part of it or as a full body wrap covering most of the surface.
How long will they last?
The typical lifespan of professionally created and applied vehicle graphics is anything from five to seven years. There are factors that can affect how long they last though.
Types of vinyl
The first of them is the type of vinyl used for the graphics. The options range from standard to 3M cast vinyl and choosing the right one is important. Standard vinyl is a lot thinner and can begin to show signs of wear and tear within 2 years of its application. By contrast, 3M cast vinyl is thicker and more durable, making it almost guaranteed to last for at least five.
Which you choose should depend on whether the graphics will be temporary or permanent.
Installation quality
The second factor is the quality of the installation, as even top-grade vinyl will degrade more quickly when badly applied. This can lead to edges coming unstuck, creases and air bubbles – all of which will also undermine the visual impact. Your graphics should always be applied by professionals.
Environmental exposure
Another factor that can influence how long vehicle graphics last is their exposure to natural environmental elements. This means extreme weather, but also pollution, grit and UV sun rays. These will cause the colours to fade, although that is a slow and gradual process. Depending on the standard of the adhesive, they can also cause the vinyl to come unstuck. It is for that reason that we coat our vehicle graphics in laminates and UV-resistant ink.
Maintenance and care
Taking care of the graphics will ensure a longer life for them. What this means is cleaning them regularly, but carefully. They should be wiped with a soft sponge or cloth, but make sure to avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Stick with pH-neutral ones. Never put the vehicles through automatic car washes, because the hard brushes will damage the graphics. Pressure washing is a no-no for the same reason. Gentle wiping to eliminate grit, dust and dirt is all that is needed. Other maintenance issues like peeling or unstuck edges should be addressed before they worsen.
Driving conditions
The last big factor that can affect how long vehicle graphics last is the driving conditions. If you regularly drive the vehicles over rough roads and other terrains, this will put the graphics at risk of being damaged. This is less likely to be an issue for most people though, as they will be driving on normal roads.
Tips for extending the life of your vehicle graphics
Park in shaded areas
Parking your vehicles in shaded areas will reduce the damage that can be done by UV sun rays. It is a simple step, but one that will make a real difference.
Hand wash regularly
Washing down the graphics by hand on a regular basis will keep them in tip top condition. All you need is a sponge and warm water with a gentle brand of cleaning fluid.
Use a sealant
Adding a sealant to the graphics can help to prevent common issues like lifting edges or peeling.
Address damage quickly
If you notice signs of damage to the graphics like peeling, cracking or fading, you should get them fixed as soon as you can. This will stop them getting worse.
Seek professional installation
Getting the graphics installed by professionals will ensure the job is done to the highest possible standard.
For high quality professional vehicle livery in Manchester you can depend on, contact Ainsley Signs today.