Techniques and applications
Preparing vehicle lettering: a readable design for your business vehicle
Prepare the message, design and vehicle details before production. Understand contrast, surfaces, installation and care.
Make your business recognisable at a glance.
Good vehicle lettering quickly shows who you are, what you do and how to find you. Establish a clear hierarchy and sufficient contrast with the vehicle colour. Fit the design around doors, joints and handles. A business vehicle need not be covered completely to look professional and recognisable.
Decide what someone should remember
A passer-by usually has little time to look at a vehicle. Give the company name or logo a clear leading role. Add a short description if the name does not explain what you do, then choose an easy-to-remember contact route.
A complete service list, several telephone numbers and multiple social media addresses can compete for attention. Ask of each line: does this help someone recognise us or contact us? Information that needs explanation may be better placed on your website.
The sides and rear need not carry exactly the same message. A side can emphasise the business identity while the rear gives more attention to a website address. Keep the main approach consistent so the vehicle belongs to the same business from every direction.
Check contrast, spacing and reading distance
A design on a large screen may contain details that disappear on the street. View both a large overview and a reduced version. Are the name and core message recognisable even when each word cannot be read? Give important elements more space instead of adding further text.
The paint colour is part of the design. A dark company name may stand out on white paint but disappear on a dark grey van. Use brand colours as a starting point and discuss a suitable light or dark logo version if contrast is insufficient.
A short, memorable URL is often clearer than a long subpage address. Assess a QR code only for a situation where someone can safely stop, with adequate size and contrast. A scannable code should not be the only way to find your business.
Design for the actual vehicle
Specify make, model, year and relevant version, such as wheelbase or height. Photos of both sides and the rear are a useful start. Photograph each surface as straight-on as possible, including the whole vehicle. Detail photos help explain damage, existing film or unusual panels.
Doors, joints, handles, sliding rails and shaped panels affect placement. Avoid awkwardly splitting an important letter across a door gap. Check the appearance with a sliding door open or one rear door opened separately. The design must suit normal use.
A fleet should share a recognisable design approach, but layout may vary by model. Do not simply stretch a design onto another van. Identify differences in contact details, roles or locations for each vehicle.
A consistent identity can also extend to branded workwear and building signage. Using the same symbol and colours creates continuity without making every application identical.
Tell us about repaired paint, coatings and old lettering
Surface condition is part of preparation. Disclose damage, repainting, wax, coatings and existing film. A vehicle that looks clean is not necessarily ready for adhesion. New or repaired paint must cure sufficiently according to the relevant product instructions.
Cut letters, a printed panel and a full wrap are different specifications. They do not automatically need the same material or installation time. Flat and strongly shaped panels have different requirements too. Assess the choice against vehicle and design.
Mention removal of old lettering or a proposed full wrap separately. SDLG assesses these jobs before confirming the specification. Residue-free removal or undamaged paint cannot be promised for every existing surface.
Technical background: Avery Dennison on vehicle film and surface assessment.
Allow for vehicle availability in the schedule
SDLG supplies and installs vehicle lettering in Breda and the surrounding area. Agree location and preparation beforehand. Allow for time when the vehicle cannot be used for work and specify a firm use date, such as a project or event start.
Before production, finalise logo, wording, contact details and intended panels. Check every digit and character of telephone numbers and website addresses. An attractive design with an incorrect digit still sends people to the wrong place. Agree a sensible sequence for several vehicles.
Price depends on design work, film, area, number of parts and installation time. Removal or additional surface preparation must be discussed separately. Compare proposals for the same scope and work.
Keep the lettering clean and check its edges
Follow the care advice for the film and specification used. Leaving dirt and contaminants can affect appearance. Use suitable cleaning products and treat edges carefully. A general lifetime in years does not account for sunlight, storage, cleaning and use.
Have loose edges, damage or surface changes assessed before using aggressive chemicals or a hard brush yourself. Also agree when the vehicle can be washed after installation.
Care guidance: Avery Dennison on caring for vehicle lettering.
Provide a complete initial brief
Specify vehicle details, fleet size, intended sides, company name, core message, contact details and installation date. Share photographs and your best logo file after initial contact. Disclose existing film and paintwork immediately. This information helps SDLG prepare a suitable proposal for vehicle lettering .
Discuss your business vehicle ↗
Looking mainly for separate stickers for a product or flat surface? Read our guide to indoor and outdoor stickers.
Production and delivery
Lead time: 1–5 working days, subject to stock availability. For larger projects, we agree the lead time individually. The schedule is confirmed after checking stock and the proposed work. Shipping transit time is separate. Delivery and shipping guidance.