The vehicle wrap specialists at Iconography Studios are proud to have printed and wrapped this custom graphic bus wrap for Kidz Bop just before it left for a cross-country national tour.
Its hard to believe that this bus started out as a plain purple bus. Our first step was to prep and clean the bus thoroughly so that the wrap material would adhere properly. Next the bus was covered in the gloss black vinyl that you see here. The material used was 3M’s 1080 gloss black film. This is a cast vinyl that is solid black all the way through. It is a dual cast car wrap film that features a removable, pressure-activated adhesive with non-visible air release channels. The 60-inch width allows you to wrap almost any section of a vehicle without seams. this cast black material is preferable to printing black material when such a large area will be covered and when such a large portion of the design is solid black.
After the black wrap was installed, the graphics were applied as overlays on top of the black. The graphics were printed on 3M’s IJ180 film and then laminated with 3M’s 8518 gloss overlaminate. The laminate film protects the prints from fading and also aides in the installation process – laminated film is much easier for our installers to work with and the laminate also protects the print against minor scratching from our installation tools.
How Are Custom Bus Wraps and Graphics Made?
Custom bus graphics, or wraps, are made by designing a large-scale graphic that is then printed onto specialized vinyl, which is later applied to the bus’s exterior using heat tools to ensure a smooth, durable fit. The process begins with precise vehicle measurements, followed by graphic design and high-quality printing onto weather-resistant vinyl, and concludes with professional installation, often involving perforated vinyl for windows to maintain visibility.
Design and Preparation
- Measure the bus: Have a professional designer create a template based on precise measurements of the specific bus model to ensure a perfect fit for the graphics.
- Create the custom design: High-resolution images and large text are essential for a design that will be seen from a distance.
- Use quality software: Design is often done using programs like Adobe Illustrator to ensure the final graphic can be scaled and printed without distortion.
Printing the Vinyl
- Professional printing: The design is printed onto large rolls of high-quality, weather-resistant vinyl using advanced digital printing technology.
- Perforated vinyl for windows: Windows are often covered with perforated vinyl, which allows passengers to see out while the graphic is visible from the exterior.
- Lamination: The printed vinyl is laminated for added protection against UV rays, scratches, and other elements, which increases its longevity. Different laminates are required for different types of vinyl.
Installation
- Vehicle preparation: The bus’s surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepared to ensure proper adhesion of the vinyl.
- Panel application: The large vinyl panels are carefully applied to the bus, starting from one area and moving across the surface.
- Heat application: Skilled installers use heat tools to conform the vinyl to the complex curves of the bus, eliminating air bubbles and ensuring a smooth finish.
- Final inspection: A final inspection is conducted to ensure a flawless installation and that the wrap meets all quality standards.
Do you need graphics applied to your tour bus? Let the vehicle wrap experts at Iconography Studios help. We are experts at the entire process from design through printing, production and installation, and we operate on a nationwide basis. Give us a call today to discuss your tour bus graphics project at 562-424-4353.
