Vehicle branding
We produce and apply vehicle graphics for cars, bakkies, vans, delivery vehicles and fleet units. The work is planned for everyday use, clear visibility and practical maintenance in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
What is included in vehicle branding
Vehicle branding covers printed graphics and cut vinyl applied to business vehicles for identification, advertising and wayfinding. We handle single vehicles as well as fleet batches, from a simple set of doors and tailgate markings to fuller coverage on panel vans and mobile service units. Jobs are planned around the shape of the vehicle, the panel condition and how long the branding needs to last outdoors.
Typical work includes branding for company cars, courier vans, installation vehicles, trade bakkies, event support vehicles and delivery fleets. Where needed we also match the vehicle branding to other printed items such as pull up banners, gazebos, cartons and point of sale material so the brand stays consistent across day to day operations.
- Door logos, contact details and statutory markings where required
- Partial wraps for side panels, rear doors and bonnets
- Fleet numbering, unit identification and route markings
- Window graphics using suitable vision material where appropriate
- Reflective elements for visibility on selected vehicles
- Removal and replacement of older graphics before rebranding
How the process works
We start with the vehicle type, quantity and the coverage you want. For one vehicle this may be a straightforward branding layout. For a fleet, we work from a master visual and then adjust sizes for each body style so that cars, vans and bakkies still look like the same fleet when parked together.
Once the artwork is approved, graphics are printed or cut, laminated where needed, trimmed and checked before fitting. Application is booked for a suitable time because clean surfaces, stable temperature and a dry vehicle matter. In coastal conditions around Durban, this preparation step helps the film bond properly and reduces edge lifting later on.
- Enquiry with vehicle details, quantity and required coverage
- Artwork check or layout preparation from supplied branding files
- Visual approval showing panel placement and approximate sizing
- Production of printed graphics, vinyl lettering and protective finishes
- Vehicle cleaning and surface inspection before application
- Fitting, final check and handover with care guidance
What you should prepare before fitting
Good preparation saves time and avoids problems on the day of fitting. The vehicle should arrive clean, dry and free from polish, silicone dressing and fresh paint that has not cured fully. Existing decals need to be noted early because older adhesive can leave residue or reveal paint fade underneath, which affects both labour and final appearance.
Please send clear photos of all sides of the vehicle and mention any dents, scratches, resprayed panels, trims or accessories such as canopies, ladder racks and tow bars. If you have multiple units, list the registration or fleet number for each one so the right graphics go to the right vehicle. This sounds basic but it helps a lot on bigger jobs.
- Vector artwork is preferred, with logos, colours and any font files converted to outlines
- High resolution images only if photos are part of the design
- Brand guide if you need colours and layout to match existing print work
- Vehicle list showing make, model, wheelbase and body style
- Permission for any site access rules if fitting is done at your premises
Materials, sizing and practical specs
Vehicle graphics are not one size fits all. Flat doors take graphics differently from ribbed panels, curved corners or textured plastic trims. We choose suitable media according to the surface and the purpose of the job, whether that is short term campaign branding or longer term fleet identification. Printed graphics usually receive a protective laminate for colour stability, easier cleaning and better resistance to daily handling.
Panel measurements are taken from the actual vehicle or from confirmed templates, then adjusted during artwork set-up so handles, seams and hinges are considered. For side panels, visibility from pavement distance and traffic distance is important. Small text may read well on screen but become useless on the road, so we keep messaging simple and legible.
- Coverage options: spot graphics, partial wraps, rear door branding and selected full panel coverage
- Common applications: painted metal, glass and selected smooth composite surfaces
- Finishes: gloss or matte laminate depending on the look and service conditions
- Lettering sizes are set for reading distance, not just panel space
- Window sections are planned to suit visibility and legal use
- Installation timing depends on vehicle size, quantity and panel condition
How pricing is worked out
Vehicle branding is usually quoted by the scope of coverage rather than by a single standard rate. A small pair of door logos is priced differently from a full fleet with rear panels, reflective strips and window graphics. Material choice, printing, laminating, contour cutting, fitting time and any old vinyl removal all play a part.
Access can also affect the quote. For example, on site fitting at a depot may need extra planning, while a mixed fleet with several body sizes takes more artwork adaptation than a row of identical vans. If you want an accurate figure, send your vehicle list, photos and the branding layout through the enquiry form on our contact page and we will quote on the actual requirement.
We do not guess figures because that usually causes trouble later. A proper quote is based on size, quantity, finish, installation conditions and whether the vehicles are branded one by one or in a batch.
Aftercare and service life
Once fitted, vehicle graphics should be left to settle before washing. This is especially important in humid coastal weather. Gentle cleaning with mild soap and a soft cloth is best. Avoid harsh solvents, aggressive polishing compounds and high pressure spray directed straight at edges. If a vehicle goes through frequent wash bays, let us know beforehand so we can advise on the best finish for that duty.
Service life depends on parking conditions, sun exposure, cleaning habits and the type of surface the film is attached to. A vehicle that stands outside every day in strong sun will age differently from one parked under cover. If a panel is damaged in an accident, we can usually reprint and replace the affected section rather than redoing the whole vehicle, provided the original artwork is on file.
For fleets, keeping one approved master set of artwork helps with future additions and replacements. It makes repeat work faster and keeps the branding consistent from vehicle to vehicle.
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Questions we get asked
Can you brand one vehicle or only a fleet?
We do both. A single vehicle can be branded with simple logos and contact details, while larger fleets are handled from a master layout so the full set stays consistent.
How long must the vehicle stay off the road after fitting?
That depends on the scope of the job and the conditions on the day, but newly applied graphics should be given time to settle before washing or heavy handling.
Can old branding be removed before new graphics are fitted?
Yes. Removal can be included, but the time required depends on the age of the existing vinyl, adhesive residue and the condition of the paint underneath.
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Ask for a quote
Send the print, packaging or branding details, sizes, quantities and delivery town through the contact form, and MGP Services will reply with a quote for the work.
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