Archive for October, 2021

7 Surprising Vehicles You Didn’t Know Could Be Vinyl Wrapped

October 12th, 2021

We’ve all seen a beautifully vinyl-wrapped sports car before. Work vans and food trucks with branded graphics are also a pretty commonplace sight on our nation’s highways. But did you know there’s really no limit to what types of vehicles can be covered?

At Brand Ink, we’ve worked on a wide range of exotic rides, from semis and tanker trucks to stock cars and hot rods. Even so, there are still times when we’re completely floored by what pulls up to our St. Paul shop.

With that said, here are the top seven most surprising vehicles you didn’t know could be vinyl wrapped.

1. GOLF CARTS

It was only a matter of time before someone got bored with the traditional all-white golf cart. Whether you’re branding an entire fleet for a private event or just want your personal cart to stand out at the cabin, a custom vinyl wrap is a perfect way to go. In fact, with all eyes on you, you’ll never have to yell, “Fore!” ever again.

2. LIMOUSINES

Sure, covering one may take a couple of extra rolls of vinyl wrap, but a limousine is a great choice for custom graphics. And since most limousine drivers are also small-business owners, this is a great way to get your brand out there and promote yourself as you drive around the city in style.

3. TRAMS

You’ve probably seen a bus or train with ads plastered around the sides, but have you ever witnessed a fully-wrapped tram before? We didn’t think so! Next time you do though, hop on—because public transit has never been this fun.

4. UTILITY VEHICLES

Whether you call them utility vehicles, ATVs, or side-by-sides, one thing is for sure: they look great with custom vinyl graphics. Add a little personal flair or deck them out in full camo for your next fall hunting trip—the choice is yours.

5. FIRETRUCKS

Firetrucks and other emergency vehicles are known for their high-visibility chevron decals, but did you know they also look good with a custom-designed vinyl wrap? It’s true! Whether you’re supporting a good cause or adding a little visual interest for a local parade, professionally installed graphics are definitely the way to go.

6. JET SKIS

Just because it doesn’t have wheels doesn’t mean it can’t be vinyl wrapped! Boats, pontoons, and—of course—jet skis are the perfect examples of that. Make sure you hire a reputable business to apply the wrap though because you want to be sure it’ll hold up to the biggest waves and the harshest elements.

7. FISH HOUSES

Okay, so this one’s technically more of a dwelling than a vehicle, but we simply had to include it on our list. Whether you want to represent your favorite sports team or honor a legendary fish the locals can never seem to catch, we can definitely help make that happen. And the best part is, you’ll never second guess which fish house is yours when walking back late at night, thanks to the retro-reflective wrap that shines long after the sun goes down.

WHAT KIND OF VEHICLE CAN BRAND INK WRAP FOR YOU?

At Brand Ink, we’re always on the lookout for an exciting new challenge!

Do you have a moped you want customized? Done.
How about a car-crushing monster truck? Yeah, we can do that too.
Do you work for Oscar Meyer and have a certain hot dog-shaped vehicle you want to work on? Let’s talk!

Whatever your vehicle, we have the talented designers and certified installation team necessary to turn your dreams into reality. Check out our vehicle wrap portfolio for more inspiration and contact us today to get started.

The Importance of Applying Quality Emergency Vehicle Chevrons

October 1st, 2021

Even with the light bars flashing and sirens blaring, emergency vehicles—by the very nature of their occupation—put themselves at a high risk of being struck by ongoing traffic. It is for this very reason that chevron decals have become a standard on the rear panels of all fire trucks, ambulances, and other first response vehicles.

Unfortunately, like with many things, not all chevron decals are created equal. When lives are at risk, do you really want to take a chance on lesser quality materials or an inferior installation? We didn’t think so.

Here are three key reasons why you should install only the highest quality chevrons on your emergency vehicle fleet.

QUALITY CHEVRONS HELP KEEP YOUR CREWS SAFE

In 2009, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standardized the red and yellow chevrons you see today. These colors were selected for their ability to provide the greatest—and most balanced—day and night visibility. In addition, the direction, angle, and thickness of the stripes were specifically chosen for their ability to direct other motorists away from the emergency area.

By investing in a high-quality chevron material that is laminated for UV protection, you’re ensuring those colors don’t fade over time and lose that all-important visibility. At Brand Ink, we only use micro-prismatic lens reflective sheeting that meets ASTM D4956 Type III and IV standards and is rated for maximum emergency zone safety.

QUALITY CHEVRONS HOLD UP TO THE RIGORS OF THE JOB

Needless to say, emergency vehicles get put through the wringer. From the scuffs and scratches of daily use to the intense heat of a nearby fire, every part of the vehicle needs to hold up to heavy abuse—and the chevrons are certainly no exception.

What you may not know, however, is that most of the damage done to chevrons takes place while waiting for the call. Since fire trucks and other emergency vehicles get hand-washed multiple times a week at the fire hall, poorly installed chevrons have been known to dry rot from the inside out.

Unless you want the hassle of replacing damaged decals every few years, your best option is to have a trusted vehicle wrap company install the highest quality materials. At Brand Ink, we use the most durable topcoat aids on every emergency vehicle installation that are proven to be as tough as the men and women who drive them.

QUALITY CHEVRONS SAVE YOUR DEPARTMENT MONEY

When it comes to saving lives, we know the cost of your equipment is at most a tertiary consideration. But at the end of the day, you have to do the best you can with the budget you have. So, why wouldn’t you want to invest in a product that will last longer and save your department money in the long run?

While many chevron decals on the market only last around 5–7 years, Brand Ink’s high-quality 3M materials and professional installation are backed by an up to 10-year performance warranty. We certainly wouldn’t offer that unless we truly believed in the product we’re using.

INSTALL THE HIGHEST QUALITY CHEVRONS WITH BRAND INK

If you’re buying a new emergency vehicle, there’s a good chance it already has Brand Ink chevrons applied. That’s because OEM manufacturers know the difference in quality and trust us with their reputation.

Brand Ink offers fully standardized and compliant chevrons to meet any law enforcement, EMS, and fire apparatus needs. Our prismatic, diamond-engineered chevrons can be applied on nearly any vehicle and surface type (flat, curved, tread plate, etc.).