Your van is already out there working for you – heading to jobs, making deliveries or parked up outside customer sites. But if it doesn’t have your branding on it, you’re missing out on one of the simplest and most effective ways to advertise your business.
Van stickers and vehicle graphics turn every mile into marketing. They get your name and message seen around Leeds and beyond, without any ongoing cost once they’re applied. Whether you want something subtle or bold and eye-catching, there are options to suit every budget and style. Here’s what you need to know.
What are vehicle graphics?
There are a few different ways to brand up your company van. You’ve probably seen full vehicle wraps, where the entire van gets covered in printed vinyl. They look great, but they’re a big job and a significant investment.
Van graphics (also called van stickers, vinyl decals or contour cut graphics) are a more flexible option. Instead of covering the whole vehicle, you choose specific areas – like the side panels, rear doors or windows – and apply your branding there. You still get the impact but with more control over the cost and design.
In our 30 years of working with Leeds businesses, we find a lot come to us asking about full van wraps and ultimately end up choosing vehicle graphics instead. They’re quicker to produce, easier to update and often give you everything you’re looking for without the commitment of a full wrap.
Choosing the right vehicle graphics for your business
The right choice depends on your budget, how often you update your branding and what you’re trying to achieve.
We work with all sorts of Leeds businesses – from plumbers and electricians who need clear contact details on their vans, to catering companies and mobile services who want vehicles that get noticed. Whether you're a one-van operation or managing a fleet, vehicle graphics give you consistent, professional branding wherever you go.
Here’s how the options compare
Full vehicle wraps cover the entire van in printed vinyl. They create a bold, cohesive look and can completely transform the appearance of your vehicle. The trade-off? They can be a significant investment, both in terms of cost and installation time. A quality wrap needs professional fitting and high-grade vinyl, and your van will be off the road for a few days while the work’s carried out.
Vehicle graphics (vinyl stickers or decals) cover specific areas, like the side panels, rear doors or windows. You get targeted branding where it counts, with more flexibility on budget and design. They’re quicker to produce and install, easier to update if your branding changes and you can add to them over time.
When vehicle graphics make sense:
- You want cost-effective advertising without a big upfront spend
- Your branding might change or evolve (new services, phone number, etc.)
- You need a quick turnaround
- You’re branding a fleet and want consistency without the full wrap cost per vehicle
When a full van wrap might be worth it:
- You want a complete vehicle transformation or complex design that wraps around the whole van
- Your branding is well established and unlikely to change
- You’ve got the budget for professional installation and high-quality materials
- Your brand identity relies on a specific colour that needs to cover the whole vehicle
A few practical considerations
Beyond the way they look and the cost, there are some day-to-day factors worth thinking about when you’re deciding on van wraps vs van stickers.
Durability and maintenance
- Yorkshire weather – with rain and temperature swings – affects vinyl over time
- Full wraps can fade, crack or peel if they’re not maintained or if lower-quality materials are used
- Vehicle graphics cover less surface area, so they’re less exposed to wear and easier (and cheaper) to replace if needed
Admin and legalities
- If a wrap changes your vehicle's colour, you’ll need to notify your insurance company and update the vehicle’s DVLA records
- With graphics, you’re keeping the original paint colour visible, so no paperwork is needed
Installation time
- Vehicle wraps can take 2-3 days, meaning your van could be off the road for a few days
- Vehicle graphics can often be fitted in a few hours
Not sure which option is right for you? We work with businesses across Leeds in all sectors. Get in touch and we’ll talk through what makes sense based on your budget, branding and how you use your vehicles.
Van sticker ideas
Van graphics might cover less space than a full wrap, but they can be just as effective when the design is done right.
If you’ve already got artwork from your designer or agency, we’ll make sure it works for the vehicle – checking proportions, making any adjustments needed and getting it print-ready. If you don't have artwork ready, our design team can work with you to create something that fits your vehicle and gets your message across. We'll talk through your branding, produce mock-ups and once you're happy with the design, we'll print and fit it.
Design tips for effective van graphics
Whether you're looking for simple vinyl lettering with your company name and number, or full-colour graphics with logos and imagery, the same principles apply. Here's what we've learned works best after 30 years of designing and installing vehicle graphics:
- Keep text minimal. People see your van for a few seconds on the road. Your company name, a short tagline or key service and contact details are usually enough. If they can't read it quickly, they won't remember it.
- Choose readable fonts. Decorative or script fonts might look nice up close, but they're hard to read from a distance or at speed. Clear, bold fonts work best for vehicle graphics.
- Use bold, contrasting colours. Your graphics need to stand out against your vehicle's paint colour. High contrast makes your branding visible and memorable – just stick to one or two main colours to keep it clean and cohesive.
- Stay consistent with your branding. Your van should match the look and feel of your website, social media and other marketing. Consistency builds recognition and trust.
Check out our vehicle graphics page for more inspiration.
Van graphics FAQs
How long do van stickers last?
Quality vinyl graphics typically last 5–7 years with proper care. The lifespan depends on the materials used, how often the van is cleaned and where it's stored. We use professional vinyl that's designed to handle UK weather – including everything a Yorkshire winter can throw at it.
Can van graphics be removed without damaging the paint?
Yes. Professional-grade vinyl is designed to be removed cleanly when it's time for an update. As long as the graphics are removed properly and the paintwork underneath was in good condition to start with, you won't see any damage. If your branding changes or you want to refresh your design, we can remove the old graphics and fit new ones.
How much do van stickers cost?
It varies depending on the size of your vehicle, how much coverage you want and whether you need design work. Basic vinyl lettering with your company name and contact details is the most cost-effective option, while full-colour graphics with logos and imagery will cost more. We'll always give you a clear quote upfront based on what you're looking for, so there are no surprises.
Ready to get your business noticed on the road? Talk to our Leeds team about van graphics that work for your budget and brand. Call us on 0113 248 3500, email leeds@fastsigns.com, or get a free quote online.