Van lettering is the commonly known name for van livery. It involves the process of applying vinyl substrates to a van for the primary purposes of advertising or brand awareness.
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Traditional sign writing
Although its popularity has dwindled as newer and more technologically advanced techniques have emerged, there is still a slight demand for traditional signwriting to be used to apply custom lettering to vans.
Traditional sign writing involves a hand painted skill using quality brushes and enamels.
Cut vinyl
Using cut vinyls is certainly the most popular and cost effective means of lettering a van. A vinyl plotter is used to cut cast vinyls into the letter shapes which are then applied to the van. This gives a professional and modern look to sign writing. The drawback to using cut vinyls, however, is that intricate artwork can't be replicated. This is due to the fact that vinyls can only be cut into shapes. If a client requires intricate artwork then printed media should be used.
Printed media
Printed media is a sector of this industry that is beginning to grow rapidly. It involves using large format full colour printers to print the design onto sheets of white or transparent vinyl that are then applied to the van in one piece. Sections of the van can be lettered with a single sheets or the entire van can be wrapped in vinyl in a process known as vehicle wrapping.
Prices and package deals
Sign Writers vary the price structure for van lettering depending upon many factors. Local and geographic supply and demand is the biggest factor in determining prices. Most sign writers structure the cost of van lettering on a price per linear meter (pplm) scale where the price depends upon the amount of vinyls used. Others offer fixed price package deals where the cost is based upon the size and style of vehicle to be lettered.