Your van sits in traffic, parks outside clients’ premises, and drives through your target area every single day. Whether you cover it in a full wrap, add graphics to key panels, or keep it simple with decals makes a real difference to what you spend — and what you get back. Here’s how to choose the right option for your business.
What is a full wrap?
A full wrap covers the entire exterior surface of your vehicle — roof, sides, bonnet, rear, and bumpers. It delivers maximum brand impact, turns your van into a moving billboard, and is the best option for businesses where visibility is central to how you win work. Full wraps are printed in high resolution, typically last 5–7 years with proper care, and protect your original paintwork at the same time. At 3V Signs, full wraps start from £1,680.
What is a partial wrap?
A partial wrap covers specific panels or sections — usually the rear doors, lower sides, or tailgate. It gives you a strong, professional finish without the full commitment of a complete wrap. Partial wraps work well for businesses that want bold graphics in high-visibility areas while keeping costs manageable, or for vans that already have a clean base colour you want to keep. At 3V Signs, partial wraps start from £870.
What are decals?
Decals are individual cut or printed vinyl graphics applied directly to the vehicle surface. A logo on the door, contact number on the side, website URL on the rear — decals are the most cost-effective way to put your brand on a vehicle and look professional from day one. They’re also easy to update when your details change. At 3V Signs, decals start from £330.
How do I choose the right option?
Four questions help narrow it down: What’s your budget? How large is the vehicle? How long do you plan to keep it? And how important is brand visibility to your business model? If you’re a sole trader who wants a professional look for a low upfront cost, decals are a smart starting point. If you run a fleet or operate in a competitive market where being recognised matters, a full or partial wrap pays for itself quickly. There’s no wrong answer — it comes down to matching the investment to where you are right now.
Which option gives the best return on investment?
Vehicle graphics generate thousands of impressions per day — a van driving through a town or parked on a high street is seen by a large number of people at a cost that traditional advertising can’t match. A full wrap at £1,680 spread over five years works out at under £28 per month for a walking billboard that works every hour the van is on the road. Even decals at £330 put your business name in front of people who would never have found you online. The durability of modern vinyl means the cost per impression drops further the longer you keep the vehicle branded.
Get a quote from 3V Signs
Based in Bracknell and covering Berkshire and the surrounding area, 3V Signs designs and installs vehicle graphics for sole traders, SMEs, and fleet operators. Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re still weighing up the options, we’re happy to talk it through. Get in touch for a free quote.
