If you’ve ever thought about turning your company vehicle into a mobile advert, you’ve probably come across the terms vehicle wrap and vehicle livery. They’re often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing.
Both are fantastic ways to boost brand visibility and create a professional image for your business - but which is the right choice for you?
Let’s break down the difference between vehicle wraps and liveries, their costs, and when each option makes the most sense.
What Is Vehicle Livery?
Vehicle livery refers to any form of branding or design applied to a vehicle, from simple vinyl lettering to full printed wraps. It’s essentially your vehicle’s visual identity, helping you promote your business and project a polished, professional image wherever you go.
A livery design typically includes your logo, company colours, contact details, and key messaging, allowing your brand to stay consistent across every vehicle in your fleet. Whether it’s one van or fifty, well-designed livery turns your vehicles into moving advertisements that build brand recognition day after day.
There are several ways to create vehicle livery, depending on your budget and the level of coverage you want:
Cut vinyl graphics: Simple logos or lettering applied directly to the vehicle’s surface.
Partial graphics: Vinyl graphics covering select areas, such as side panels or the rear doors.
Full wraps: A continuous piece of printed vinyl that covers the entire vehicle for maximum impact. This look and feel can also be achieved by designing partial graphics for each surface of the vehicle.
Painted livery: A more traditional method, though most modern businesses prefer vinyl for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Livery is often the go-to choice for businesses looking to maintain a professional, consistent appearance across multiple vehicles, such as delivery fleets, tradespeople, and corporate transport. It’s an effective, budget-conscious way to keep your brand visible and recognisable on the move.
What Is a Vehicle Wrap?
A vehicle wrap is a type of livery that involves covering part or all of a vehicle with a printed or coloured vinyl film. This technique allows for complete creative freedom as you can include high-resolution images, vibrant patterns, brand graphics, and colour gradients.
Wraps can be applied in two main styles:
Full wrap: Covers the entire vehicle surface, following every contour and curve.
Partial wrap: Focuses on key sections like the bonnet, sides, or rear for a more targeted approach.
The beauty of using full coverage vehicle graphics lies in its versatility. Not only can it completely transform the look of your vehicle, but it also protects the paintwork underneath from UV damage, scratches, and chips. It’s a reversible process which can be ideal for businesses that update their branding frequently or lease their vehicles.
With a wide choice of finishes, wraps or full coverage vehicle graphics are perfect for brands that want to make a lasting impression on the road. They combine visual impact with practicality, offering a durable and removable way to showcase your business in style.
Vehicle Wrap vs Livery: What’s the Difference?
In simple terms: |
Livery = a general term for your vehicle’s branding, typically applied to a fleet of branded vehicles.
Wrap = a specific method used to apply that branding.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Business
Ask yourself these questions before deciding:
What’s my goal?
If you’re aiming for simple branding or fleet consistency, livery is ideal. If you want to make a visual impact and stand out on the road, a full wrap is worth it.
What’s my budget?
Livery is more cost-effective, but wraps provide more creative freedom and durability.
How often do I update my branding?
If you refresh your logo or campaign regularly, wraps and full coverage vehicle graphics make it easy to replace designs without a full repaint.
Do I need paint protection?
Wraps not only advertise but also shield your paintwork from chips and fading.
Business Vehicle Branding That Works Hard for You
Whether you choose vehicle livery, partial graphics, or full wrap, the goal is the same: to keep your brand visible wherever you go.
We help businesses of all sizes create professional, eye-catching vehicle graphics that reflect their brand and attract attention on the move.
From a single company car to a full commercial fleet, our team will help you design, print, and install vehicle graphics that deliver real impact.