A Simple Guide to Van Wrapping: Where to Start

If you have a LCV (light commercial vehicle), or you’re considering getting one, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about van wrapping. But, as with any business decision, you might still be figuring out whether getting a van wrap is the right move for you.

The van wrapping industry is growing. There’s no definitive statistic showing how many wrapped vans there are in the UK. However, with over 5 million LCVs on UK roads (a number that continues to grow), that sure presents a lot of opportunities to get more eyes on your business.

The big question is: does it make sense for your setup?

To help you decide, we’ve pulled together a simple guide to help small businesses and tradespeople decide whether van wrapping is worth it for them. We’ll be going through:

• Its benefits and suitable use cases
• How much it costs
• The van wrapping process itself
• Its durability and maintenance needs

What is van wrapping?

A van wrap is a specialist film, often vinyl, that is applied to the outside of a van. Van wrapping is the process of doing this. Sometimes you’ll hear van wrapping referred to as livery or, when applied to a smaller surface area, decals.

What are the benefits of van wrapping?

There are two major benefits of van wraps. 

Promoting your business

First, they’re an easy way to promote your brand. Once the livery has been applied, your van is basically a four-wheel advertisement for your business. Potential customers will see your brand and its logo, which can improve your brand recognition and recall. 

Reports suggest that it can deliver a better ROI than other forms of advertising, which, when you’re a small business, is big news. There are no online or radio ads to organise or re-run. Just one upfront cost, and you’re good to go.

It’s all so easy - it’s just there on your van - and can act as a consistent advertisement for years.

Protecting your van

The second major benefit of van wrapping is that it protects the underlying paintwork from wear and tear, including UV damage and scratches. It’s a bit like a protective screen which, if you’re leasing or on a van subscription service, may add peace of mind.

What types of vans would benefit from van wrapping?

Any commercial vehicle for any business can benefit from van wrapping, as it's a super simple way to advertise your services. Businesses that often get excellent results from wrapped vans include:

• Independent tradespeople
• Construction businesses
• HVAC engineers
• Couriers
• Caterers
• Pest control companies
• Electrians
• Plumbers
• Painters and decorators
• Mechanics
• IT services
• Cleaning companies

How do you wrap a van?

As tempting as it may be to do a DIY van wrap, this is a job best left to the professionals. An experienced wrap installer will deliver a quality finish. They’ll also ensure the van is prepared correctly to protect the paint job, and that the vinyl is applied so it lasts.

If you want to move forward with wrapping your van, an internet search for van graphic designers and wrap installers is a good place to start. Be sure to check out reviews and don't rush into anything. It’s a good idea to get a couple of quotes to compare.

How do you design a van wrap?

Depending on your experience with graphic design, this might be another area to get the professionals working on. 

First of all, you’ll want to decide if you want:

• A full wrap: This covers pretty much all of the exterior panels
• A partial wrap: This covers areas like the bonnet, doors, rear panels and/or sides
• Vinyl graphics: These tend to be simpler in design, and might just include logos, the business name, and contact information.

Which option is right depends on business needs and budget. A design professional will help you figure out which is the best wrap for your particular use case. 

This can all be discussed during a consultation, where they’ll also ask if you already have any graphics for your business, brand colours or must-include details -  or if you’re starting with a blank slate. They’ll then usually create a mock-up, which you can give feedback on, before delivering the final artwork.

How much is it to wrap a van?

As you can imagine, the prices to wrap a work van can vary. Here’s what you can expect to pay, on average, for specific wrap types on some of the UK’s most popular vans.

Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a van?

It’s cheaper, and probably better in the long run, to wrap your van rather than paint it. A van wrap protects the paintwork. On the other hand, a full-van paint job is much easier to scratch, is more prone to wear and tear, and offers no additional protection. 

Although a professional repaint can last a long time, doing things on a budget can dramatically reduce its durability. Opting for a van wrap is far less risky. Plus, if you are leasing or on a van subscription, there’s a very high chance you can’t paint your van anyway.

Is a partial van wrap worth the cost for a small business?

Often, the answer to this is absolutely! A partial van wrap can be a cost-effective option that still gets plenty of eyes on your business. The return on investment can be pretty significant, as it gives you the brand impact of wrapping, but at lower upfront costs than a full wrap.

How long does it take to wrap a van?

Different van wrap types have different lead times. Here’s what you can expect on average:

How do you maintain a van wrap?

The good news is that maintaining your van wrap is very simple, and doesn’t require any fiddly steps. The best way to keep it in good condition is to stay on top of its cleanliness - removing any splatters, droppings, salt, and grime as quickly as possible. 

We recommend factoring in regular checks on your wrapping. This helps you spot peeling, blistering, and fading early. Getting these fixed asap will mean it won’t become a bigger problem, which could become more expensive to fix.

How do I wash a wrapped van?

When washing your wrapped van, stay away from harsh chemicals as these can damage the vinyl. Regular, mild car soap will work just fine; just make sure you rinse off any residue and keep away from the wrap edges to avoid peeling. You’ll also want to use microfibre cloths and soft sponges.

How long does a van wrap last?

On average, a professional van or car wrap can last between five and seven years - sometimes extending to 10 years or more. If you invest in high-quality, superior-finish vinyl and a professional installation service (and keep it clean), it’ll last you a long time. It really is a case of you get what you pay for.

How do you remove vinyl wrap from a van?

You might have concerns about how to remove a vinyl wrap without damaging the van or its paint. If you want to fully remove the wrap because your van has come to the end of its lease or subscription, or you would like to replace it, we highly recommend getting a professional to do this for you.

Can I take a van wrap off myself?

We recommend that you don’t take off a van wrap yourself. There’s a much greater risk that you’ll end up damaging the paintwork underneath. The process requires heat tools and adhesive removal. If you’re not practised in using these, they can damage the vehicle.

Final Question: Should I wrap my van?

Van wrapping is a great, cost-effective option to promote your business and protect the vehicle’s paintwork. If you’re wondering whether you should wrap your van but you’re not sure about it, we recommend researching local businesses - not only for inspiration, but to see if their case studies fit with your business goals.