Some people do wraps on their vehicles just to get a custom look for whatever their personal taste may be. Now days a person can get a vinyl that is manufactured with the look you want, such as a carbon fiber or a matte finish. The possibilities are endless when it comes custom designing & printing of the graphics for the wrap.
The most common use for a wrap is to use it for advertising a business or product. Why should you wrap a vehicle instead of using some cut vinyl lettering? Studies show that mobile advertising is the most cost effective form of advertising out there. If you have a vehicle driving around, why not do something to get peoples attention?
Think about the last time you were in a grocery store looking at cereal. In one hand you have a plain black & white box of generic cereal with no photos of what is inside. In the other hand you have a name brand box with great photos & descriptions etc.. it's making you hungry, and you know it must be good because of the great looking box! If you compare that to a vehicle, or maybe a fleet of trailers, the vehicle wrap is more like the name brand box. A wrap increases the space available for photos or other attention getting graphics. It gives the designer more freedom to arrange things in a more attractive and memorable layout.
A vehicle doesn't have to be completely wrapped. It can be designed to fit a portion of the vehicle or a companies budget. Not to rule out cut vinyl lettering & spot graphics, because it too can be made to look nice, and is definitely better advertising than a blank vehicle, but a wrap is an advertising tool that takes it to another level.
www.transport-graphics.com
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanks!
Thanks to all!
At Transport Graphics we are very thankful for our great customers! Some are new, and some have been with us for the majority of our 20 years in business. We are also thankful for our friends and family, who all understand the passion we have for what we do. We couldn't do it without the support of all of you!
Have a safe & happy Thanksgiving!
At Transport Graphics we are very thankful for our great customers! Some are new, and some have been with us for the majority of our 20 years in business. We are also thankful for our friends and family, who all understand the passion we have for what we do. We couldn't do it without the support of all of you!
Have a safe & happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Wraps Work!!!
I drove through town the other day to visit a customer. I pulled into the entrance and realized that nobody was there yet, so I backed out and saw a car pull up next to me with the window down. I rolled down my window and the man asked me some questions regarding the wrap on my car advertising Transport Graphics. Of course he asked if we do the wraps etc... and if I had time to swing by his office. I followed him to his office, and he then told me that he was on his way to another graphics company when he saw my car and turned around to follow me for a few blocks.
The meeting resulted in the purchase of some vinyl, and us doing some artwork & bidding a couple of van wraps.
Would I have met this person if I didn't have my car wrapped? Unlikely!
He would have been down the road purchasing from a competitor. Wraps Work!
Weather your a wholesaler, a manufacturer, or a retailer, you never know who may be driving next to you. I like to think that it could be a future customer!
http://www.transport-graphics.com/
The meeting resulted in the purchase of some vinyl, and us doing some artwork & bidding a couple of van wraps.
Would I have met this person if I didn't have my car wrapped? Unlikely!
He would have been down the road purchasing from a competitor. Wraps Work!
Weather your a wholesaler, a manufacturer, or a retailer, you never know who may be driving next to you. I like to think that it could be a future customer!
http://www.transport-graphics.com/
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Daily Wrap: When to look elswhere for graphics
The Daily Wrap: When to look elswhere for graphics: When is a good time to look into a new graphics provider? So many companies purchase some type of lettering or graphics on a somewhat regu...
When to look elswhere for graphics
When is a good time to look into a new graphics provider?
So many companies purchase some type of lettering or graphics on a somewhat regular basis for their company vehicles. They often seem to work with the same graphics provider for years. Maybe they use a friend or relative that has a vinyl cutter, and think they are getting a good deal, or don't want to hurt their friend's feelings by using another company. Maybe they have never simply gone to a graphics company & asked for some design ideas. The truth is you could be missing out on a lot of great advertising because of poor design, or lack of care and quality that could be put into the graphics. A nice vehicle graphic or wrap has been proven to more than pay for itself!
So how else do you know when to at least check into other companies, or why would you want to?
1) Take a look at your design, or lack of.
So many companies purchase some type of lettering or graphics on a somewhat regular basis for their company vehicles. They often seem to work with the same graphics provider for years. Maybe they use a friend or relative that has a vinyl cutter, and think they are getting a good deal, or don't want to hurt their friend's feelings by using another company. Maybe they have never simply gone to a graphics company & asked for some design ideas. The truth is you could be missing out on a lot of great advertising because of poor design, or lack of care and quality that could be put into the graphics. A nice vehicle graphic or wrap has been proven to more than pay for itself!
So how else do you know when to at least check into other companies, or why would you want to?
1) Take a look at your design, or lack of.
Is it basic block lettering using 1 or 2
colors? That could be because that is all your provider is capable of.
Is it easy to read? Using the wrong fonts,
colors, and layout combinations can lead to something that is hard to read and
not that pleasing to look at.
Is
a design done for each vehicle that it will be applied to, or just a generic design
that hopefully fits? Often there are
different types of vehicles, or trailers in a company’s fleet. You’ll want a company that can adjust the
layout accordingly.
2) Can the
graphics company do everything in house?
If everything from
design, production, and installations can be done by the same company, then it may
save time and money.
3) Does the vinyl you’ve been getting from
your provider crack, peel, or fade after just a few years?
They are not using a
good quality vinyl, or are not laminating when it comes to prints. In this case it doesn’t look very
professional if this starts to happen, and it may cost you more in the long
run.
4) Do you
have a warranty?
Does your graphics
company provide any kind of warranty on the install, or the film itself? You should have some kind of coverage either
from the provider, the film manufacturer, or both.
5) My
final thought on why you NEED to look for a new vehicle graphics company is
that the one you have used is now out of business due to some of the issues mentioned above!
www.transport-graphics.com
www.transport-graphics.com
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
New Latex Printer
http://youtu.be/qofxEUOiwNc
Again we are taking a step to stay in front of the wave of technology that the printing industry has seen over the last decade or so, and have invested in a HP Latex Printer.
Why? Well, here are a few reasons.
The new HP Latex Designjet printer is more environmental friendly! The components, such as the ink & used cartridges can be shipped back to HP to be recycled. The ink is water based and made from completely recyclable materials. The ink's main ingredients are latex polymer and pigment particles. Its composition is 70% water and 30% additives. It is also odorless. No chemicals & dangerous fumes for employees, or the environment.
Wider range of media & faster! It will also give us the ability to provide outstanding print quality on a wider variety of substrates for both indoor and outdoor applications. The combined faster print speeds, and not needing to let the print sit & out-gas before laminating like you do with solvent based inks, means faster turn-around for our customers.
How about the quality? It is a 6 color printer, like our Roland we also have, so the prints from the latex printer will be sharp and vivid. The latex prints are smudge, scratch, and water resistant. The colors of the latex print are less likely to fade when being stretched to wrap a vehicle. It is said that a latex print will last up to 3 years outdoors with no over laminate. This will be an improvement for items like banners. For other prints we will always use an over laminate, which should double the life expectancy of the latex print.
Again we are taking a step to stay in front of the wave of technology that the printing industry has seen over the last decade or so, and have invested in a HP Latex Printer.
Why? Well, here are a few reasons.
The new HP Latex Designjet printer is more environmental friendly! The components, such as the ink & used cartridges can be shipped back to HP to be recycled. The ink is water based and made from completely recyclable materials. The ink's main ingredients are latex polymer and pigment particles. Its composition is 70% water and 30% additives. It is also odorless. No chemicals & dangerous fumes for employees, or the environment.
Wider range of media & faster! It will also give us the ability to provide outstanding print quality on a wider variety of substrates for both indoor and outdoor applications. The combined faster print speeds, and not needing to let the print sit & out-gas before laminating like you do with solvent based inks, means faster turn-around for our customers.
How about the quality? It is a 6 color printer, like our Roland we also have, so the prints from the latex printer will be sharp and vivid. The latex prints are smudge, scratch, and water resistant. The colors of the latex print are less likely to fade when being stretched to wrap a vehicle. It is said that a latex print will last up to 3 years outdoors with no over laminate. This will be an improvement for items like banners. For other prints we will always use an over laminate, which should double the life expectancy of the latex print.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Prep for a Wrap
Before You Apply tips from signindustry.com
The first step to applying any graphic is to clean your substrate. To ensure that the graphics adhere properly, without the risk of failure, we must thoroughly clean the vehicle. Proper cleaning of the surfaces of a vehicle for graphics application is a critical step in the application process. Please note that most material manufacturers have technical bulletins available on their web site or through their technical support department that provide detailed information on how to prepare a variety of substrates for graphics application. While these instructions will serve as a good guide on how to clean your vehicle before applying graphics, it is always a good idea to check with the material manufacturer to make sure you are following their recommendations.
The first step to cleaning is to remove all of the dirt and grime with a commercial detergent and water. To ensure that I got the vehicle clean, I took it to the car wash to get as much of the dirt, salt and road grime off of the car. Note: If you take the vehicle to the car wash, it is important to make sure the vehicle is completely dry before applying the graphics. This may mean allowing the vehicle to dry indoors overnight before applying.
If grease, oil, wax or other contaminants are present, wipe the substrate with a solvent such as Prep-Sol or Xylol. I then like to do a final cleaning with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to make sure that no oily residue from the other solvents is left behind. CAUTION: Before using any solvent on a vehicle, be sure to test in an inconspicuous area to ensure the solvent won't damage the vehicle's paint.
When cleaning the vehicle with IPA, I recommend using two lint free towels. One towel should be soaked with IPA which is used to loosen and clean off the contaminants (dust, dirt, wax, etc.). The second towel should be dry and used to wipe away the excess IPA before it has a chance to evaporate. It is also important to pay special attention to cleaning the cracks and crevices of the vehicle where contaminants generally build up.
The first step to applying any graphic is to clean your substrate. To ensure that the graphics adhere properly, without the risk of failure, we must thoroughly clean the vehicle. Proper cleaning of the surfaces of a vehicle for graphics application is a critical step in the application process. Please note that most material manufacturers have technical bulletins available on their web site or through their technical support department that provide detailed information on how to prepare a variety of substrates for graphics application. While these instructions will serve as a good guide on how to clean your vehicle before applying graphics, it is always a good idea to check with the material manufacturer to make sure you are following their recommendations.
The first step to cleaning is to remove all of the dirt and grime with a commercial detergent and water. To ensure that I got the vehicle clean, I took it to the car wash to get as much of the dirt, salt and road grime off of the car. Note: If you take the vehicle to the car wash, it is important to make sure the vehicle is completely dry before applying the graphics. This may mean allowing the vehicle to dry indoors overnight before applying.
If grease, oil, wax or other contaminants are present, wipe the substrate with a solvent such as Prep-Sol or Xylol. I then like to do a final cleaning with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to make sure that no oily residue from the other solvents is left behind. CAUTION: Before using any solvent on a vehicle, be sure to test in an inconspicuous area to ensure the solvent won't damage the vehicle's paint.
When cleaning the vehicle with IPA, I recommend using two lint free towels. One towel should be soaked with IPA which is used to loosen and clean off the contaminants (dust, dirt, wax, etc.). The second towel should be dry and used to wipe away the excess IPA before it has a chance to evaporate. It is also important to pay special attention to cleaning the cracks and crevices of the vehicle where contaminants generally build up.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Doing a wrap? Laminate!
So you've decided that a wrap is a good idea for your business! Now you have to get down to the details about what is included with your wrap. One question to ask is, "does it include an over laminate?" A vinyl over laminate is a clear film which will help protect your wrap from UV rays, help prevent scratches, and keep the print looking good for a longer period of time.
We laminate all of our prints! The only reason that I can see for not using an over laminate is if something is being done for short term use, such as a temporary promotion (maybe a year). To get the longest life possible out of your vehicle, trailer, wall, or floor wrap don't skip the over laminate! Spend a little extra to make sure you have a premium quality over laminate combined with a premium quality vinyl. If you try to "cut corners" on one or both, then you may end up with problems.
Call us if you have questions, or need recommendations!
We laminate all of our prints! The only reason that I can see for not using an over laminate is if something is being done for short term use, such as a temporary promotion (maybe a year). To get the longest life possible out of your vehicle, trailer, wall, or floor wrap don't skip the over laminate! Spend a little extra to make sure you have a premium quality over laminate combined with a premium quality vinyl. If you try to "cut corners" on one or both, then you may end up with problems.
Call us if you have questions, or need recommendations!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Free BBQ sandwich for a follow!
FREE SANDWICH @ Dickey's Barbeque Pit St. Cloud! Just follow me on Twitter @TransportGraphix , or my blog http://transport-graphics.blogspot.com/
Then email me chad@transport-graphics.com to let me know where you want your "free sandwich card" sent to.
Then email me chad@transport-graphics.com to let me know where you want your "free sandwich card" sent to.
Friday, September 30, 2011
To WRAP, or not to WRAP?
If you are wondering about vehicle wraps for your company, be it just yourself or thousands of employees strong, here are some things to consider.
1) Cost per impression - Studies show that mobile advertising (wraps) is less expensive per impresion than newspaper, radio, billboards, and others. Depending on how much the vehicle is driven, and where it is parked, a vehicle wrap can generate tens of thousands of impressions a year.
2) Memorable - Studies also show that 97 percent of survey respondents recalled the ad on the truck, 98 percent thought the ads created a positive image of the advertiser, and 96 percent thought fleet graphics had more impact than billboards.
3) Endless Possibilities - There is no limit the design possibilities and the vehicles that the designs can be customized to. Thanks to technology, a design can be customized for each vehicle using a template on the computer.
4) You own the space - If you own the vehicle, then you own the advertising space and don't have to share it. The public's eyes will be focused on your add.
5) Warranties - When you use a professional graphics installer, you will typically have a guarantee on the install & warranty from the vinyl manufacturer. A shop with a good record will take care of you and will be using vinyl that is rated at 5 years or better.
6) Protects vehicle finish - A vinyl wrap can protect the vehicles finish. A professional installer can cleanly remove the wrap & leave the vehicles finish in the condition it was when the wrap was installed, therefore preserving the resale value. This also helps in the case of a leased vehicle which needs to be returned in good shape.
Call us to talk about the possibilities or a quote for your company!
Thanks for checking us out!
Chad Houg
Sales Rep. @ Transport Graphics
If you are wondering about vehicle wraps for your company, be it just yourself or thousands of employees strong, here are some things to consider.
1) Cost per impression - Studies show that mobile advertising (wraps) is less expensive per impresion than newspaper, radio, billboards, and others. Depending on how much the vehicle is driven, and where it is parked, a vehicle wrap can generate tens of thousands of impressions a year.
2) Memorable - Studies also show that 97 percent of survey respondents recalled the ad on the truck, 98 percent thought the ads created a positive image of the advertiser, and 96 percent thought fleet graphics had more impact than billboards.
3) Endless Possibilities - There is no limit the design possibilities and the vehicles that the designs can be customized to. Thanks to technology, a design can be customized for each vehicle using a template on the computer.
4) You own the space - If you own the vehicle, then you own the advertising space and don't have to share it. The public's eyes will be focused on your add.
5) Warranties - When you use a professional graphics installer, you will typically have a guarantee on the install & warranty from the vinyl manufacturer. A shop with a good record will take care of you and will be using vinyl that is rated at 5 years or better.
6) Protects vehicle finish - A vinyl wrap can protect the vehicles finish. A professional installer can cleanly remove the wrap & leave the vehicles finish in the condition it was when the wrap was installed, therefore preserving the resale value. This also helps in the case of a leased vehicle which needs to be returned in good shape.
Call us to talk about the possibilities or a quote for your company!
Thanks for checking us out!
Chad Houg
Sales Rep. @ Transport Graphics
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Here are some great tips to a successful wrap install! Or should I say, here are some reasons why some fail? Makes you wonder if you really want to find the "cheapest" graphics company, or the company with the experience & knowledge of products and installs.
http://www.signindustry.com/installation/articles/2011-04-01-RI-Why-Vehicle-Installations-Fail.php3
Chad Houg
Sales Representative
http://www.signindustry.com/installation/articles/2011-04-01-RI-Why-Vehicle-Installations-Fail.php3
Chad Houg
Sales Representative
Friday, September 23, 2011
Wasted Space!
I have to wonder why companies with a large truck or trailer, sometimes even a fleet of them, have so much wasted space. Have you ever passed by a big white box truck & saw that there was just some paper taped to the door with a hand written company name? Do they not know that they are driving around mobile billboards? I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that all companies can benefit from advertising.
Vehicle wraps are a very cost effective way to advertise. For example, I contacted a local newspaper to get pricing for a 1/4 page color add in the Sunday paper (1 day only). I chose Sunday of course because it is the most read. At my house we get only the weekend paper, possibly look at it if we get time, then it is tossed into the recycling within a couple days. The price for this add was around $1,700. For that amount of money you could wrap a car, or get a great amount of coverage on a box truck etc... and it will last for 5 years or so, and not be tossed in the recycling after a couple days.
Check out a couple case studies from 3M
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/Scotchprint/Solutions/Case-Studies/#
Thanks for reading!
Chad Houg
I have to wonder why companies with a large truck or trailer, sometimes even a fleet of them, have so much wasted space. Have you ever passed by a big white box truck & saw that there was just some paper taped to the door with a hand written company name? Do they not know that they are driving around mobile billboards? I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that all companies can benefit from advertising.
Vehicle wraps are a very cost effective way to advertise. For example, I contacted a local newspaper to get pricing for a 1/4 page color add in the Sunday paper (1 day only). I chose Sunday of course because it is the most read. At my house we get only the weekend paper, possibly look at it if we get time, then it is tossed into the recycling within a couple days. The price for this add was around $1,700. For that amount of money you could wrap a car, or get a great amount of coverage on a box truck etc... and it will last for 5 years or so, and not be tossed in the recycling after a couple days.
Check out a couple case studies from 3M
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/Scotchprint/Solutions/Case-Studies/#
Thanks for reading!
Chad Houg
Monday, September 19, 2011
What's in the shop @ Transport Graphics?
Wow, where do I start? Today we finished up a couple charter bus wraps & sent them down the road. Also, today alone, there are 2 box trucks being worked on, 2 or 3 semi tractors with lettering/decals done, a Coke semi trailer install, a Camaro getting custom stripes, a pick-up wrap.....and some other things being produced.
The rest of the week is starting to look similar!
It's great to have our designers and installers so busy, but it makes it more challenging to do the projects that need quick turn-around. We pride ourselves on great service & quality, so it's hard to tell a customer that it will be a week before we can get to there art or installs. Thankfully we have great customers & they typically understand!
Chad Houg
Transport Graphics
Wow, where do I start? Today we finished up a couple charter bus wraps & sent them down the road. Also, today alone, there are 2 box trucks being worked on, 2 or 3 semi tractors with lettering/decals done, a Coke semi trailer install, a Camaro getting custom stripes, a pick-up wrap.....and some other things being produced.
The rest of the week is starting to look similar!
It's great to have our designers and installers so busy, but it makes it more challenging to do the projects that need quick turn-around. We pride ourselves on great service & quality, so it's hard to tell a customer that it will be a week before we can get to there art or installs. Thankfully we have great customers & they typically understand!
Chad Houg
Transport Graphics
Monday, September 12, 2011
I have a challenge for you!
The next time you drive across town or down the highway, try to get a mile or at least go a minute without seeing some kind of advertising on a vehicle. Chances are you will see dozen or so. Some are boring and forgettable. Some are cool looking, but it's hard to tell what they are advertising.
Transport Graphics will design a look that catches attention, and gets the key points across. People will know your business by seeing your vehicle, or fleet of vehicles.
Try this challenge & let me know your results.
Drive careful!
Thanks,
Chad Houg
The next time you drive across town or down the highway, try to get a mile or at least go a minute without seeing some kind of advertising on a vehicle. Chances are you will see dozen or so. Some are boring and forgettable. Some are cool looking, but it's hard to tell what they are advertising.
Transport Graphics will design a look that catches attention, and gets the key points across. People will know your business by seeing your vehicle, or fleet of vehicles.
Try this challenge & let me know your results.
Drive careful!
Thanks,
Chad Houg
Friday, September 9, 2011
In honor of the 10th Anniversary of 9-11
I thought I should post some photos of an SUV and camper that we wrapped for a Veteran (also my in-law) and a link to YouTube. I would love to see more of this patriotism throughout the United States!
Thanks to all who have served, died while serving, or continue to serve our country and keep the rest of us safe!
We at Transport Graphics hope that you enjoy time with your family and remember those who lost their lives on 9-11, and those who were greatly affected by the tragedies that day.
I thought I should post some photos of an SUV and camper that we wrapped for a Veteran (also my in-law) and a link to YouTube. I would love to see more of this patriotism throughout the United States!
Thanks to all who have served, died while serving, or continue to serve our country and keep the rest of us safe!
We at Transport Graphics hope that you enjoy time with your family and remember those who lost their lives on 9-11, and those who were greatly affected by the tragedies that day.
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