Van wrap update by Iconography Studios. We are proud to have designed, produced and installed this new graphic van wrap for a Ford Econoline for Loma Linda University, located in Loma Linda, CA.
This van came to us with an existing graphic wrap that was several years old, so not only was the material needing replacement but the graphic design needed an update as well. Our in-house art department went to work creating an updated graphic design. As always, we use a consultative approach to all vehicle wrap designs, and help our clients avoid the common pitfalls of vehicle wrap designs. The general rule of thumb is to keep it simple. There are three basic areas of vehicle wrap design that you want to keep simple in order to have an effective wrap for branding and advertising purposes.
Van Wrap Update Design Considerations
1. Text. The amount of text on your vehicle wrap should be as limited as possible. As most of your audience will only have a few seconds to absorb the messaging on your wrap, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to comprehend. This is important because vehicle wraps have an excellent recall rate! Limit your text on your vehicle wrap to the most important information such as company name, web address and tag line or product name. Save the detail for your website.
2. Colors. It is critical to use complementary colors on your vehicle wrap. This allows for an overall pleasing aesthetic that doesn’t draw too much attention away from the other elements on your wrap. If the colors clash or are too loud, then sometimes it is difficult for your audience to get past the loud colors and hear your message.
3. Complexity. This is the trickiest part of all vehicle wrap design. The overall design should be interesting and tie in with your overall messaging, but not be too complex so as to distract from your intended message. We’ve all seen those crazy wraps that we remember because the graphic was big and loud, but we just can’t remember what it was advertising…
Removing An Existing Van Wrap
Removing an existing wrap is a process in an of itself. Removing a vehicle wrap is a process of patience and temperature control. If the wrap is less than 5 years old, it usually peels off in large sheets; older, sun-baked wraps may crack and require more intensive scraping.
Essential Tools – there are several tools of the trade required to successfully remove an existing wrap:
- Heat Source: A heat gun (preferred), steamer, or even a hair dryer.
- Scrapers: Plastic razor blades or plastic squeegees to avoid scratching paint.
- Adhesive Remover: Rapid Remover, 3M Citrus Base, or Isopropyl Alcohol (70%+).
- Microfiber towels: For wiping away residue.
Step-by-Step Removal Process
- Warm the Surface: Park the car in a garage at 70°F–80°F. Use your heat gun to warm a section of the vinyl until it feels soft and stretchy (aim for ~65°F+).
- Start at the Edges: Use a plastic razor to lift a corner or edge.
- Peel at a 45-Degree Angle: Slowly pull the vinyl back on itself at a 45-degree angle. Pulling straight up (90 degrees) or yanking can cause the vinyl to snap or pull up the clear coat.
- Maintain Consistent Heat: Keep the heat gun 6–12 inches away, moving it constantly to avoid burning the vinyl or paint.
- Remove Residue: Spray adhesive remover onto any glue left behind. Let it sit for a minute, then scrape it with a plastic blade and wipe clean.
- Final Wash: Wash the car with soap and water to remove all chemical solvents.
Pro Tips For Van Wrap Removal
- Avoid the Sun: Don’t remove the wrap in direct sunlight; the heat can be uneven, leaving more adhesive on the car.
- The “Eraser” Wheel: For stubborn, small fragments of old vinyl, a rubber eraser wheel attached to a drill can “erase” the material without damaging paint.
- Steam vs. Heat Gun: Steam is often safer for beginners because it provides moisture and heat simultaneously, reducing the risk of scorching the pain
Interested in a custom designed vehicle wrap for your business? Give the award-winning design team at Iconography a call today at 562-424-4353 to get started.
