If you're considering branding a van or vehicle for your business, one of the first questions you'll run into is what are the different types of vehicle signwriting?
The good news is that it is our design team who have the knowledge & expertise and they will take a combination of the different types of signwriting that are possible and will blend them to make the perfect design for your business needs and your budget which will often determine which option makes sense when comparing van wrap pricing.
This guide however gives you a breakdown of the most common types of vehicle signwriting, explains how they work, and will help you better understand the options that will be presented to you by our sales & design team.
Why Understanding the Types of Vehicle Signwriting Matters
Your vehicle will be seen for just a few seconds while moving, longer when parked on a street, or sitting in traffic depending on how the other person is moving… walking or driving by.
The type of vehicle signwriting you choose affects:
- How noticeable your vehicle is
- How clearly people understand what you do
- How professional your business appears
- How memorable your brand becomes
Different businesses need different levels of impact.
A sole trader electrician doesn't necessarily need the same solution as a growing fleet or a high-value service business.
That's why choosing between the types of vehicle signwriting is about what fits your need, not fashion.
The Most Common Types of Vehicle Signwriting
Let's start with a high-level overview before going into more detail.
The main types of vehicle signwriting include:
- Cut vinyl lettering
- Decals and printed graphics
- Magnetic signs
- Partial wraps
- Full vehicle wraps
- Window graphics
- Reflective vinyl graphics
Each serves a different purpose and many vehicles use a combination of these rather than just one.
1. Cut Vinyl Lettering (The Foundation of Vehicle Signwriting)
Cut vinyl lettering is the traditional starting point for most vehicle signwriting projects.
This type of vehicle signwriting uses solid-colour vinyl supplied on rolls. Logos, text, and shapes are computer-cut and applied directly to the vehicle using a self-adhesive backing.
What Cut Vinyl Lettering Is Best For
- Business name and logo
- Strapline or short service descriptions
- Contact details
- Clean, professional branding
Because the vinyl is cut from solid colour (rather than printed), it offers a sharp, painted-on appearance that lasts for years.
Key Benefits
- Clean and professional look
- Long-lasting and cost-effective
- Ideal for trades and service businesses
- Excellent readability at distance
Cut vinyl lettering is perfect if you want a no-nonsense design that builds trust and recognition locally without unnecessary complexity.
For many businesses, this type of vehicle signwriting delivers everything they need for the amount of money they want to spend.
2. Decals and Printed Vehicle Graphics
Decals (sometimes called stickers) are printed vinyl graphics rather than cut from solid colour.
They allow for:
- Full-colour designs
- Gradients and imagery
- More visual detail
This type of vehicle signwriting is often used when a logo or brand relies heavily on colour variation or imagery that can't be achieved with cut vinyl alone.
Printed graphics are usually laminated with a UV-stable gloss or matte over-laminate to protect them from fading and weathering.
Best Use Cases
- Logos with complex colours
- Branded graphics or illustrations
- Supporting visual elements
Decals are often combined with cut vinyl lettering to balance clarity with visual interest.
3. Magnetic Signs (Temporary Vehicle Signwriting)
Magnetic signs are removable panels that attach to steel vehicle doors.
They're often chosen by:
- Sole traders using a personal vehicle
- Businesses with mixed-use vehicles
- Short-term branding needs
Pros
- Easy to remove and refit
- No permanent application
- Lower initial cost
Cons
- Less durable long-term
- Can look temporary if poorly designed
- Limited coverage and impact
As a type of vehicle signwriting, magnetic signs are useful but they're not ideal if you want strong brand presence or long-term recognition.
4. Partial Wraps (The Step Up in Impact)
Partial wraps take vehicle signwriting to the next level.
Instead of applying graphics directly to the vehicle paintwork alone, a partial wrap covers larger areas of the vehicle using either:
- Coloured vinyl from stock, or
- Digitally printed vinyl with custom designs
Coverage typically starts at around 30% of the vehicle and focuses on high-impact areas such as:
- Rear doors
- Rear quarters
- Side panels
Why Partial Wraps Work So Well
This type of vehicle signwriting allows you to:
- Change the visual base colour of parts of the vehicle
- Use strong brand colours consistently
- Create contrast that grabs attention
Logos and contact details are then applied on top using cut vinyl or printed graphics.
Key Benefits
- Strong local visibility
- More dynamic and energetic design
- Excellent balance of impact and budget
- Highly effective for growing businesses
Partial wraps are often the sweet spot for businesses that want to stand out without committing to full coverage.
5. Full Vehicle Wraps (Maximum Impact)
A full vehicle wrap delivers 100% coverage of the vehicle exterior using either stock coloured vinyl or high-quality printed vinyl.
This is the most visually impactful of all the types of vehicle signwriting.
When a Full Wrap Makes Sense
Full wraps are ideal for businesses that want maximum brand impact, fleet consistency, or a complete visual transformation of their vehicle.
6. Window Graphics
Window graphics are often overlooked, but they're a powerful addition to vehicle signwriting.
Options include:
- Perforated "one-way vision" vinyl (see-through from inside)
- Solid vinyl graphics for rear windows
They're commonly used on:
- Rear windows
- Van back doors
- Side windows (where legal)
Window graphics add usable branding space without affecting driver visibility and are often combined with partial or full wraps.
7. Reflective Vinyl (Visibility & Safety)
Reflective vinyl is a specialist type of vehicle signwriting material that reflects light when illuminated.
It's commonly used for:
- Night-time visibility
- Emergency or roadside services
- Added safety and compliance
Reflective elements can be subtle or bold, depending on design, and provide 24/7 brand visibility, especially during darker hours.
How to Choose the Right Type of Vehicle Signwriting
When choosing between the types of vehicle signwriting, consider these four factors:
- Budget - In simple terms: Cut vinyl lettering < Partial wraps < Full wraps
- Coverage - Do you need simple text, or full visual transformation?
- Longevity - Temporary use (magnets) vs long-term branding (wraps)
- Impact - How much visibility do you need?
The best solution is often a combination, not a single option and our design team will utilise their skill & knowledge to combine applications that will deliver the best result for your business needs and budget.
Final Thoughts: The Best Vehicle Signwriting Is Clear, Not Crowded
No matter which of the types of vehicle signwriting you choose with the help & support of our designers, the goal is the same:
- Grab attention quickly
- Communicate clearly
- Be memorable
- Make it easy to get in touch
Remember - your vehicle is often seen for three seconds or less, good vehicle signwriting design is what makes it work in the real world.
Clean, concise, well-planned signwriting will always outperform cluttered designs packed with information.
If you're unsure which option suits your business best, reviewing real-world examples (like our gallery of van signwriting projects) is a great way to decide what style of signwriting you are looking for, our designers can then make your brand work with it and often combine types to achieve the best outcome.