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Product Specs

What is fleet lettering?

Fleet lettering is made from 2 mil (.002”) cast vinyl with a solid color on front and an adhesive backing for application to a wide variety of surfaces including any type of commercial fleet or personal vehicle.

With fleet lettering, will all of my individual letters/design elements be placed on the same sheet of transfer tape?

In most cases, the individual letters contained within your fleet lettering will be appropriately spaced and placed on a single sheet of transfer tape, making installation quick and simple. However, if your fleet lettering exceeds 48″ (for colors black and white) or 24″ (for all other colors) in both width and height, your lettering will be split and placed onto two sheets of transfer tape. You will also receive your fleet lettering in multiple sheets if you are using three or more different colors. In this case, each separate color will be grouped together on its own sheet.

Why can’t fleet lettering have any printed elements such as gradients?

Fleet lettering can not have printed elements such as photos or gradients since it is cut from a solid colored vinyl rather than printed like custom fleet graphics and wraps. If your design has any of these effects then you will need to select fleet graphics or contact us about our vinyl fleet wraps.

Does fleet lettering consist of individual letters or one continuous piece of material?

While fleet lettering is pre-masked for easy all-at-once installation your design will consist of individual letters and not one continuous piece of material. Fleet graphics and wraps, even when lettering is included, will have lettering printed onto a bigger piece of material to be applied to your vehicles.

How thick is it?

Fleet lettering is 2 mil or .002” thick. The material itself is an excellent combination of durability and aesthetics.

What is the smallest and biggest fleet lettering I can order?

The smallest size fleet lettering that can be done is technically 1”x1”. The more important consideration is stroke width. Stroke width is the width of any given portion of your fleet lettering. Extremely narrow fonts or portions of letters can be problematic both in production and installation. No stroke width can be less than .25”. If there is doubt as to whether your desired font will work please send it to us to review before completing your order.

 

The biggest fleet lettering we can do is 24” x 600”. In other words, so long as one of the dimension is under two feet we can accommodate just about any project’s needs.

How does fleet lettering differ from fleet graphics?

There are two primary differences between custom fleet lettering and graphics. Fleet lettering is cut from solid colored cast vinyl and can’t have any printed elements such as photos and gradients while fleet graphics are printed onto adhesive vinyl and has no printing restrictions.

 

The other primary difference is that fleet lettering will come as individual letters (applied all at once) while fleet graphics come on one continuous piece of material but can be cut to shape if desired.

Do you offer colors beyond what is advertised on the site?

This depends on the color you need. Please contact us if you are need a color that is not shown on our site and we will verify whether it is possible. Please note that fleet lettering colors that aren’t shown on the site and are possible both take longer to produce and may have a different price.

Do you offer font options beyond those listed on the website? Can I send you a font to use?

This just depends on the font. Please contact us before ordering to verify if your font will be a good fit for fleet lettering

How is my pricing for fleet lettering determined?

The primary factor that determines the cost of your fleet lettering will be the size of the lettering. Beyond size, the quantity of your lettering will be the biggest factor that impacts your pricing. The other element that will slightly affect pricing is the number of colors in your lettering. Having multiple colors will have a small impact on pricing for fleet lettering. Custom colors not offered on the website that we can accommodate will also impact pricing.

How can I be sure the colors on your website will match my brand colors?

For any printed signage it is always a challenge to match monitor color to actual printed color. This is a challenge for all printers across the signage industry. This can typically be overcome through color matching using Pantone colors that are standard across the industry and then calibrating the printer to the exact color needed.

 

For fleet lettering, this is not possible due to the fact that your lettering is cut from the vinyl and not printed. Thus, we can’t guarantee that the colors will match exactly as you need them to but are happy to provide you with the names of the colors we have in stock. The other solution is to print your lettering portions as fleet graphics so that we can color match. Custom color matching does incur an additional charge per color per unique sign in your order.

Is the fleet lettering pre-masked?

Yes. Your custom fleet lettering will come pre-masked for an easy all-at-once installation regardless of the type of fleet vehicle you may have.

What is pre-mask? What is transfer paper or tape?

All of these terms are interchangeable and describe the temporary overlay on top of your fleet lettering (the one on the back is called the “back liner” and protects the adhesive/sticky side of the lettering until you are ready to install it). This overlay allows you to peel away the back liner and squeegee the lettering into place with the transfer paper helping to transfer all the individual pieces to your surface at one time. Once your lettering is applied to the surface, the transfer paper is removed and your lettering is in place. Please see the installation question and answer for full installation instructions and details.

Does the fleet lettering have a laminate over top?

No. There are UV protectants in the vinyl material that makes your fleet lettering durable enough to last 8-10 years (depending on climate, use, etc.) without the need of an overlay laminate.

Are there any restrictions on what I can do design with fleet lettering?

As noted, printed elements such as photos and gradients can not be done with fleet lettering. Fleet lettering also should be applied on flat surfaces for the optimal adhesion and durability. Otherwise, fleet lettering is an incredibly versatile and durable product.

Usage

Is fleet lettering reusable? Repositionable?

Fleet lettering is not reusable nor repositionable. Once installed, it is a semi-permanent application that can not be moved around or re-used if completely removed from the surface of your vehicle.

Any restrictions on what surfaces I can apply it to?

The general rule of thumb is that the surface needs to be smooth and non-porous for fleet lettering to work properly. Thus, basically any type of fleet vehicle should be a suitable surface for your custom fleet lettering. This includes both the painted sides of vehicles as well as the glass surfaces or windows. The only caution is to avoid un-smooth surfaces such as cracks, ridges, rivets, corrugated, etc. on vehicle surfaces.

Can I apply it to different vehicles?

Yes. Fleet lettering, on smooth non-porous surfaces, should work on any type of vehicle including cars, trucks, box trucks, vans, delivery trucks, buses, semi-trailers and any other kind of vehicle that may make up your fleet.

What is the impact or considerations when using fleet lettering on windows and tinted windows?

If you intend on using your fleet lettering on windows you should be aware that the lettering is opaque in nature. Thus, large lettering can obscure visibility while driving. We recommend our perforated car decals if you’re looking for large messaging without obstruction or hindering a driver’s ability to see while operating a vehicle.

 

For tinted windows, we recommend a light and contrasting color to ensure others can read your messaging. Dark colored fleet lettering on tinted windows will make your company name, contact information or other messaging difficult to read.

Will the lettering ruin the paint on my vehicle?

No. Your lettering should not ruin the paint of your vehicle if applied and removed correctly. Please ensure that the paint is fully cured before installing your fleet lettering. For removal of lettering that has been in place for an extended period we recommend the use of a heat gun or similar tool to help slowly and gently remove your lettering without damaging the paint. In some cases where the lettering has been in place for years there is potential for the removal of the lettering to damage or remove the paint of the vehicle.

How do I remove the lettering? What if it has been in place for a very long time?

Your lettering can be gently and slowly peeled away from the surface of your vehicle without damaging the paint. A sharp edge may be needed to get it started. If you’re using a sharp edge, take care not to damage the surface paint while using it during removal.

 

For lettering that has been in place for an extended period, we recommend the use of a heat gun or other heat source to help remove the lettering. Gently and slowly peel away the lettering from the surface of your vehicle. Residual adhesive, if any, can be removed with a very mild cleaner and water and light scrubbing or a paint-safe adhesive remover. In some cases where the lettering has been in place for years there is potential for the removal of the lettering to damage or remove the paint of the vehicle.

Do you offer removal services?

Yes. Our in-house team and network of certified installers are also trained to properly remove fleet lettering. If you need removal and installation or even just removal fill out this form to contact us today.

What are the most common uses of fleet lettering?

Fleet lettering is most commonly used to display company details such as a logo, tagline, website address, and contact information. It is also often used to display registration numbers such as VIN and USDOT numbers for commercial trucks and fleets.

Can I use it on the inside of the windows of my fleet vehicles and have it be visible from outside?

Yes. This just means the adhesive will be on the front side of your lettering rather than the backside. This will allow for it to be placed on the inside of windows yet viewable from the outside. Please be aware that tinted windows will need lettering with light colors and contrast to ensure proper visibility. Even when light and contrasting colors are used for an inside glass placement on tinted windows the visibility of your fleet lettering will be hindered. For this reason we recommend placing fleet lettering on the exterior of any tinted glass.

Can I store the finished fleet lettering and use it later?

Yes. Your lettering can technically be stored 1-2 months before using it and still correctly adhere to the surface of your vehicles.

Installation & Care

How do I install it?

Fleet lettering can either be installed by yourself or via our professional installation services, regardless of your location in the contiguous United States! If you’re planning on installing it yourself please read through all of the instructions below before beginning the process. We do recommend installing larger fleet lettering with more than one person for the easiest installation.

● Clean the surface of the vehicle where the lettering will be installed with a non-abrasive rag and very mild cleaner or slightly soapy water.

● Allow the vehicle’s surface to completely air dry before beginning installation.

● If necessary, measure and mark the area in a non-permanent fashion where the lettering will be installed. Ensure it is level and will be correctly placed after installation.

● Without removing the back liner of the lettering or the transfer tape (on top of the lettering) use masking or painter’s tape (or other suitable tape safe for a vehicle’s paint surface) to affix the top your lettering to your previously marked location. This horizontal “hinge” is made with the tape of choice halfway on the top of your lettering and halfway on the vehicle’s surface.

● Hliding your lettering away from the intended surface, carefully start to peel away the back liner of the lettering that is affixed to the vehicle. Do not let the lettering or transfer paper (both of which now have the adhesive side exposed) touch the the surface of the vehicle. It is recommended that you peel away a small horizontal strip before removing the entire back liner though removing it all at once is a perfectly fine, albeit more difficult, way of applying your lettering.

● While still hliding your lettering and transfer tape away from the surface of the vehicle, use a flat surface (like a credit card or the optional squeegee) to evenly and firmly press the adhesive backing of the letters and transfer paper to the surface. Move from top to bottom across the lettering.

● If you’re peeling away the back liner little by little continue to peel away the backing while evenly and firmly press the lettering (with the transfer paper on top of it) onto the surface.

● Once your fleet lettering is fully adhered to the vehicle, carefully remove the masking tape and transfer tape.

● Your fleet lettering is now installed on the surface where you want it.

● Remove any bubbles that remain. Remove any non-permanent markings that may remain.

Do you provide any of the tools needed to install it myself?

While designing your fleet lettering on our online design tool you’ll have the option to include a squeegee for a very small price. We highly recommend including this if you do not already have a squeegee.

How do I remove bubbles during installation?

By slowly squeegeeing from top to bottom most bubbles should be avoided. For those that do occur, you can typically gently lift up the decal and re-apply it before it is semi-permanently in place. Large bubbles are best removed by puncturing the bubble with a pin prick and then carefully using a flat surface to remove the air through the small puncture. Extreme caution should be used when removing large bubbles as the risk of permanently damaging or wrinkling the lettering is highest with large bubbles.

What if I prefer professional installation?

We offer professional signage and decal installation for almost all of our products, including fleet lettering. Simply fill out this form to get an installation quote.

Do I need to do anything to maintain my fleet lettering?

Assuming proper installation, the only ongoing maintenance or care is a light scrubbing or washing of your fleet lettering to remove built up dirt and grime. Please be aware that strong power washers (greater than 1500-2000 psi), electric or automated car washes (can wash off lettering if edges have curled or lifted; also can dull the design over time), harsh chemicals, and vigorous scrubbing can all irreversibly damage your fleet lettering. If using a power washer ensure the following:.

How do I remove bubbles during installation?

By slowly squeegeeing from top to bottom most bubbles should be avoided. For those that do occur, you can typically gently lift up the decal and re-apply it before it is semi-permanently in place. Large bubbles are best removed by puncturing the bubble with a pin prick and then carefully using a flat surface to remove the air through the small puncture. Extreme caution should be used when removing large bubbles as the risk of permanently damaging or wrinkling the lettering is highest with large bubbles.

● Use a spray nozzle with at least a 40 degree spray pattern

● Ensure the power washer includes a nozzle protector

● Limit the water to no more than 180 F

● Spray from at least 12” away and perpendicular to your graphic

● Do not spray at a sharp angle as this can cause the edges to curl or lift

Spot Graphics & Wraps

Our custom graphics and fleet wraps (partial and full wraps) for fleet vehicles both use the same material. The major difference is in the size and complexity of design and installation. As they use the same material the FAQ below applies to both products unless otherwise noted

Product Specs

What material are your fleet graphics and wraps?

The material used for our custom fleet graphics and wraps is made from a durable cast vinyl with an adhesive backing.

Is it printed or cut from the vinyl?

Both spot graphics and wraps are printed onto our vinyl material rather than cut from a solid colored vinyl like fleet lettering. This means that spot graphics and wraps can include any and all text and graphic effects that fleet lettering cannot.

How thick is it?

Both spot graphics and wraps are 2 mil, or .002” thick. Despite the very thin material, assuming proper installation these graphics will last for 5+ years even in difficult conditions.

What is the default color? Is it a transparent material?

The material by default is white and is not transparent. Unprinted areas will appear white.

Does it have a laminate?

Yes. Our vinyl fleet graphics and wraps have a durable but thin laminate that helps extend the lifespan of the product and maintain the vibrant printing.

Is it safe for outdoor use?

Yes! Without a doubt both graphics and wraps are intended for outdoor use! These custom graphics will last for years to come despite the wear and tear of daily use on fleet vehicles. Unless you are driving in temperatures less than -65F or above 225F you should be safe.

Can my fleet graphics be cut to shape?

Yes. We offer multiple shape options for our fleet graphics including: square/rectangle, rounded corners (1/4″ or 1″ radius), circle/oval, custom, or custom with border. You can have your custom fleet graphics cut to the exact shape you want with custom cut (previously known as or sometimes referred to as contour cut) or have a small border around the entire design (custom with boarder — previously known as halo cut). Your preferred shape can be selected on our design tool.

Partial and full fleet wraps by nature are custom. Thus, you will not select a specific type of cut but work directly with our graphic designers to make sure your wrap matches the exact dimensions and uniqueness of your fleet vehicles.

Do my fleet vehicles need to be flat to have a wraps installed?

No. One of the main advantages of vinyl fleet graphics and wraps is that the intended application surface does not need to be flat like is the case for many of our other vehicle and window decals. These graphics will work on both flat and non-flat surfaces including rivets, corrugations, and simple and compound curves.

Any restrictions on what I can print?

Nope! We print everything in full color and there are no restrictions on what you can print for your custom fleet graphics or wraps. The only exception is that they need to fall within our terms of service.

Are the graphics and wraps temporary or permanent?

Both graphics and wraps are intended to be semi-permanent in nature. This means that once applied or installed you will not be able to reposition nor remove and reuse them. But they can be removed when you are ready to dispose of them or update your fleet’s look or branding.

How is my pricing determined?

Pricing is determined by the size of your graphic or wrap, quantity and any other options you may select. Of course, taxes, shipping, and installation services if needed will add to your final price.

How small/big can my fleet graphics and wraps be?

For spot graphics for your fleet the smallest size our industrial printers can print is 6”x6”. On the opposite end of the spectrum the largest is 52”x400”. Graphics that have both dimensions over 52” will need to be paneled. If you need help designing these don’t hesitate to contact us for free design services. Our professional installation services also make installation of large graphics pain free.

Fleet wraps have the same size restrictions and, of course, are extremely custom in nature. Thus, in working with one of our professional graphic designers we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need despite the size restrictions of the material.

How long will my fleet graphic / fleet wrap last for?

With proper installation they will last for at least 5 years of continual use. In many cases, they will last much longer than this.

Will fewer colors in my design mean lower pricing?

We print everything in full color so no matter how many colors your design has it will not impact the pricing.

Do you offer other types of car or vehicle decals?

Yes. We offer a wide range of custom vehicle decals for whatever your need might be.

Usage

What surfaces can it be used on? Any fleet vehicles it won’t work on?

Both fleet graphics and wraps can be used on basically any type of vehicle surface. Aluminum and chrome are both compatible surfaces while even surfaces with rivets, corrugations and curves will also work.

Can I place them on the inside of my windows and have my fleet graphics visible from the outside?

No. Both spot graphics and wraps are intended to be placed on the exterior of your fleet. Further, due to the opacity of the material they will completely obstruct vision when placed on glass or windows. Thus, they can be used on vehicle windows but the need of the driver to see through said window should be considered. If you are in need of vehicle decals that offer visibility for drivers please see our custom vehicle decals page and/or perforated car decals.

What are the most common uses for fleet graphics and wraps?

The most common uses for spot graphics are those for which the logo or branding is more complicated than what can be accomplished with fleet lettering. Text effects, a variety of printed colors and larger graphics all work great for branded spot graphics for your fleet.

 

Partial and full wraps are often used branding purposes for a wide variety of vehicles and industries including: commercial and corporate fleets and trucks, franchise vehicles, catering, construction, city vehicles, garbage trucks, trailers, rental or moving trucks, transportation or trucking fleets and many other industries and types of businesses.

Can I use fleet graphics or wraps on windows? Will they obscure my vision?

Both of these types of custom graphics are not intended to be used on windows that require visibility as they will obscure the vision of the driver. Windows that do not require visibility are perfectly fine to be used by fleet graphics and wraps. Please see our perforated car decals for decals intended for vehicle window use that requires visibility.

Installation & Care

Can I install the graphics myself? What about a wrap?

Technically you can install spot graphics on your own. Though, given the very strong adhesive used by these graphics and the complex applications, we recommend professional installation even for smaller graphics.

Custom wraps, due to complexity and the tools needed, are definitely something that should be done by experienced installers. You can fill out a form here to start the process.

What are the details of your professional installation services for fleet graphics and wraps?

For both of these products we offer nationwide installation (and removal) services. In both cases, no matter where you’re located we can arrange for our installers to come to your location within a few days of your graphics arriving to install them for you. Simply fill out this form to get an installation quote. Once you’ve purchased your graphics we’ll charge you separately for installation services and work with you to arrange a quick and painless install.

What if I have a very large fleet and vehicles in many locations?

No problem at all! For the graphics, you can ship them to each location when checking out on our website. For installation, we’ll work with you and our network of installers to set up times to have them all speedily installed at your location shortly after the graphics arrive at their respective destinations.

Do you offer account or project management for my fleet branding project?

Yes. We understand that branding your fleet, no matter the size, is a big and critical undertaking. When you contact us with details of your project you will get a dedicated project manager to guide you through the process from concept to design to ordering and shipping your graphics and finally to getting them installed. This same point of contact will help you coordinate with our team of professional graphic designers during the design phase to help you get your graphics designed for free! We are a full-service large format printer with years of experience in making fleets stand out.

Do you offer removal services for previous vinyl graphics and wraps?

Yes. Our in-house team and network of certified installers are also trained to properly remove your existing fleet graphics and/or wraps. If you need removal and installation or even just removal fill out this form to get started today.

Will fleet graphics or fleet wraps damage the paint surface of my vehicle(s)?

Both fleet graphics and wraps should not damage the surface of your vehicles. This assumes proper installation and removal which in almost all cases will be done by professionals with years of experience.

Is there any on-going maintenance needed? Can I use a power washer or take it through a car wash?

Your graphics and wraps should be washed regularly to keep them free from any dirt or grime buildup. The safest way to clean them is by hand with a non-abrasive rag and a mixture of mild soap and water. Do not use any cleaners that contains harsh chemicals. For larger graphics, wraps, and bigger fleets we understand handwashing is probably not feasible. Thus, follow these guidelines when using power washers.

● Use a spray nozzle with at least a 40 degree spray pattern

● Ensure the power washer includes a nozzle protector

● Limit the water to no more than 180 F

● Spray from at least 12” away and perpendicular to your graphic

● Do not spray at a sharp angle as this can cause the edges to curl or lift

If you’re using automatic car washes be aware that brushes can catch loose edges and cause the graphics or wrap to peel away. The other danger of automatic washes is that the brushes can dull the graphic over time.

How do I remove the graphics or wraps on my fleet?

Despite their permanent nature and incredible durability your spot graphics and wraps can be removed with heat and/or the proper chemicals so long as it is within the 5 year lifespan and above 50 F. Due to a wide variety of removal factors and the complexity of these graphics we recommend using a professional installer to help remove large spot graphics and/or wraps from your vehicle or fleet.