5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped

Van wrapping is one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways to market your business 24/7. But if it’s not done right, it can lead to disappointment, unnecessary expenses, or worse, damage to your vehicle and your brand. At The Sussex Sign Company, we’ve wrapped thousands of vans across Sussex, and we’ve seen first-hand how easy it is to fall into common traps, lets look at the top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped.

No.1 “Choosing Price Over Quality” : 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped

It’s tempting to go with the cheapest quote. We get it. But van wrapping isn’t a commodity, it’s a skilled craft that combines design, materials, and installation expertise. A low-cost wrap might seem like a bargain, but it can cost you more in the long run:

• Cheap materials fade, crack, or peel within months.
• Poor installation leads to bubbles, lifting at the edges, or even damage to the paintwork.
• Inexperienced designers may not understand how to lay out branding for 3D surfaces, leading to logos that are distorted or unreadable.

Top Tip: Always ask about the materials being used (we use industry-leading 3M and Avery Dennison Metamark and Oracle films), check examples of past work, and work with an experienced van wrap specialist, not just a printer.

No.2 “Not Prepping Your Van Properly” : 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped

One of the biggest causes of failed wraps is poor surface preparation. Dirt, grease, wax, and even invisible residue can prevent vinyl from bonding properly.

At The Sussex Sign Company we follow a strict prep routine in our dedicated vehicle wrapping centre at Goddards Green, including:

• Full vehicle wash (no wax)
• Panel wipe with alcohol-based cleaner
• Final inspection under proper lighting

If your provider is wrapping your van in a dusty car park or driveway…walk away!

Top Tip: For best results, drop your van off clean and free from any polishes or waxes. Let the professionals handle the final prep in a controlled environment.

No.3 “Ignoring Design for the Sake of Looks” : 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped

Your van wrap is a moving billboard. It needs to be instantly readable and clearly branded. One of the biggest mistakes we see? Overcomplicated designs that look flashy on screen but fail in the real world.

Common issues include:

• Fonts that are too small or overly decorative
• Colours that lack contrast or disappear in daylight
• Busy layouts with too much information
• Essential contact info hidden or omitted

Top Tip: Prioritise clarity over complexity. A professional designer who specialises in vehicle branding (like our in-house team) knows how to balance impact with legibility, even at 30mph.

No.4 “Not Considering the Type of Wrap You Really Need” : 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped

Do you really need a full wrap? Or would a partial wrap or high-quality cut vinyl lettering do the job just as effectively?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Full wraps: Total transformation, best for changing van colour or going bold with imagery.
• Partial wraps: Focus on key areas like rear and sides, more budget-friendly but still eye-catching.
• Cut vinyl graphics: Great for logos, contact details, and clean, professional branding.

Top Tip: Talk to a trusted signage partner who can guide you on the best return for your budget. At The Sussex Sign Company we offer transparent advice with no pressure-selling, we want what’s best for your business.

No.5 “Forgetting About Legal Requirements and Maintenance” : 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped

It’s easy to overlook the legal and care side of van wrapping:

• Reflective vinyl or Chapter 8 regulations for livery is required for some commercial and emergency vehicles.
• Insurance: You should inform your insurer about the wrap, it’s considered a modification, even though it shouldn’t affect your premiums.
• Cleaning: Avoid jet washing and abrasive products, use soft cloths and gentle soap instead.

Top Tip: Ask your wrap provider for aftercare instructions and check they understand legal requirements. We include full briefing with every wrap we install.

Final Thoughts

Getting your van wrapped should be a seamless and exciting experience, but only if you get it done right. At The Sussex Sign Company we’ve spent over 30 years helping local businesses stand out on the roads with van wraps that look amazing and last for years.

We don’t chase the cheapest jobs. We focus on craftsmanship, clarity, and customer care, because your brand deserves more than a quick sticker job.

Want Expert Advice on Your Van Wrap?

Contact our award-winning team today for a no obligation chat. Visit sussexsigns.com to explore real projects, pricing guides, and FAQs.

Summary, 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Van Wrapped.