The Differences Between Vehicle Wraps and Decals

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023| DillonShane

In today’s saturated markets, consumers are constantly inundated by a sea of newly emerging advertisements, digital messages, and, yes – lots and lots of signage.

In fact, it’s estimated that the average U.S. consumer comes into contact with between 6,000 and 10,000 ads in a single day, which is difficult to imagine. Chances are you can’t even remember fifty of the ads you’ve seen this week, let alone the thousands you’ve come across today.

So, how do you ensure that your message isn’t lost in a crowd of mediocre advertisements? How do you prevent your most valuable prospects from simply forgetting your company – or worse yet, never knowing of it in the first place?

One powerful solution for businesses of any size is vehicle graphics. With the ability to generate up to 70,000 impressions per day – bolstered by an astounding 97% brand recall rate – vehicle graphics are one of the most effective ways you can promote your business.

Whether you’re a small business owner or manage an entire fleet of vehicles, understanding the differences between vehicle wraps and vehicle decals can help you make an informed decision about which option will best serve your organization’s marketing goals.

Let’s take a quick look at those key differences, below:

1. Coverage

Vehicle Wraps: A vehicle wrap is a large printed vinyl layer that is applied directly over the original paint of the vehicle. It covers a significant portion, if not all, of a vehicle, transforming its appearance completely.

Decals: Decals, on the other hand, are smaller graphics that are often also made of vinyl. They might represent a logo, slogan, or any other promotional message.

2. Purpose

Vehicle Wraps: Wraps are ideal for businesses looking to completely transform their vehicles to match brand colors, themes, and messages. They offer a larger canvas, allowing for more detailed designs, repeat branding/frequency bias, and 360-degree coverage.

Decals: Decals are perfect for businesses that want to display specific information like contact details, logos, or promotional offers without encompassing the entire vehicle. They’re typically more subtle than wraps but can be quite effective when placed strategically.

3. Cost

Vehicle Wraps: Vehicle wraps can vary on price depending on square footage and material costs. We suggest requesting a personalized quote to understand the costs for your specific vehicle.

Decals: Since they are smaller and use less material, decals are usually the more affordable option, making them a more cost-effective way to brand certain portions of a vehicle without the expense of a full wrap. However, it’s important to note that decals may not always achieve the same results as a fully wrapped vehicle due to their limited coverage.

4. Installation & Removal

Vehicle Wraps: Installing a vehicle wrap requires significant expertise, as it’s essential to ensure that no bubbles or wrinkles appear with the final application – along with a host of other technical considerations. The removal of a vehicle wrap can be accomplished without affecting the vehicle’s paint, but it’s recommended to have professionals handle both installation and removal to avoid damage.

Decals: Decals are easier to apply and remove compared to wraps. However, like vehicle wraps, it’s still advisable to have decals professionally installed to ensure longevity and avoid harm to the vehicle.

5. Durability

Vehicle Wraps: High-quality vehicle wraps can last many years depending on the weather conditions they’re exposed to and how well they are maintained. They also offer an added layer of protection to the vehicle’s original paint.

Decals: While decals are very durable, their lifespan is often shorter than wraps due to their thinner material and lack of protected tethering to the vehicle, especially when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

Conclusion

Both vehicle wraps and decals offer unique advantages for businesses looking to promote their brand on the go. While vehicle wraps offer a more powerful branding solution with complete coverage that will last many years, decals provide uniquely flexible and cost-effective applications.

Depending on your business needs, budget, and branding strategy, you can now choose the solution for your vehicle graphics that best aligns with your marketing objectives. Just be sure to contact your local SpeedPro today to get the best vehicle branding services available.