What’s it cost to produce this partial vehicle wrap?

For the past 20 years, our shop vehicles have always been our main form of advertising and a showcase for the type of work we produce. From the early airbrushed and hand-lettered vans of the ’90s to today’s latest reflective vehicle wraps, these rolling sign shops have successfully branded our image. They have brought us many jobs due to their presence at installations and by traveling the roads of the Midwest.

For our newest vehicle, our mission was to produce a design that would be tasteful yet assertive, simple yet detailed and powerful enough to be read by anyone who happens to glance in our direction. With a combination of crisp design and a mixture of different materials and finishes, the end result proved to be what we were striving for as we move forward to the next chapter of Vital Signs.

Mark Kramer is a designer/artist at Vital Signs in Verona, Wisconsin.

This appeared in the May/June 2014 issue of SignCraft. While the prices have been adjusted for inflation as of 2025, they may not accurately reflect current pricing for such signage.

Computer – design and prep files: 10 hours  Using FlexiDesigner, I created some new textures and updates to our existing logo. Files are then arranged over a digital image of the truck, and overall design starts to take shape. I initially came up with four variations for us to narrow down. Once the layout is agreed upon, the design is ready for finishing touches before production.

Print graphics and lettering, and laminate: 10 hours  All graphics and lettering are digitally printed on our Roland VersaCAMM VS-540. Logo and lettering are printed on Oralite Reflective vinyl, and the background panels are printed on 3M IJ180Cv-10. Vinyl is laminated on a Seal 54 Base laminator with both luster and matte overlaminate, then both machine and hand cut.

Vehicle preparation: 2.5 hours  The vehicle is brought in from the frigid Wisconsin winter temperatures, allowed to thaw and washed thoroughly with soap and water. Then it was wiped down carefully with wax and grease remover. Isopropyl alcohol is sprayed on the surface and wiped dry, then repeated to make sure the vehicle is ready for vinyl application.

Install vinyl graphics: 12 hours  Panels are first taped in place to assure proper fit. The matte vinyl background is applied in sequence using registration points, then the reflective vinyl is overlaid.

Trim graphics and edge seal vinyl: 2 hours  After heat setting the vinyl one final time, the printed panels are carefully trimmed back to any molding, trim and seams, then sealed with 3M Edge Sealer in areas that may be prone to lifting.

Reflective film really increases the effectiveness of the graphics at night, and this makes a great example to help clients see the extra value.

Mark Kramer