What is the difference between vehicle lettering and car wrapping?

When it comes to vehicle livery, you have two basic choices: lettering or a full-body wrap. Both of these options have arguments in their favour, and it will really depend on what your business priorities are. This blog will explain the key differences between them.

What is meant by lettering and wraps?

Vehicle lettering involves adding text to a car or van, which is cut out of vinyl. It is used by companies as a way of promoting themselves. Car wraps are also cut from vinyl, but they cover the majority of the vehicle. They combine text with graphics such as photographs or custom artwork. They can be for business or personal use.

Coverage of the vehicle

The main difference between the two is how much coverage they offer. Lettering is added to a few highly visible areas – e.g. the doors and the front. By contrast, a car wrap will cover almost all of the vehicle body, effecting a complete visual transformation.

Design differences

Vehicle lettering usually involves a minimalist design that centres on simple text alongside a logo. This will include the company name and contact details. The design will aim for attractiveness combined with readability.

Car wraps are more ambitious from a design perspective, mixing text with imagery. The designs can be complex and there is a large degree of customisation available.

Applications

With vehicle lettering, each decal is added to the body separately. With a wrap, the entire design is created from a single piece of vinyl which is then applied to the vehicle. Lettering is the quicker option and is also cheaper, because less work and materials are involved in the creation. This could make it the better choice if your company has a limited budget.

Impact

Both styles can have a real impact, while remaining different. Lettering is effective if you want to emphasise key business information – like the name and phone number. A wrap will be the preferred choice if you want to get noticed, even from a distance. It will also turn the entire vehicle into an advertisement.

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