What's the difference between cut vinyl and printed graphics?

Cut vinyl is solid-colour film cut by a plotter into letters and shapes, then weeded and applied, so it's crisp, durable and economical for text. Printed graphics are inks on white film, laminated, and used where a logo has gradients, photos or many colours. Many vans combine both: cut lettering with one printed logo panel.

Can you copy the lettering from my old van?

Yes, as long as there are clear photos. Send straight-on pictures of each side and the rear doors, with something of known size in shot such as the number plate. We redraw the layout to suit the new van's panels, which is also a good moment to tidy up the wording or update the phone number.

Who carries out the work on van sign-writing in Kilmarnock?

The work on site is done by installers working under our contract, and anything that needs making is produced by specialist fabricators. You deal with Smart Signs throughout: we take the enquiry, survey, prepare the design and quote, check consent and coordinate the fitting, so there is one point of contact from first message to handover.

How long does it take to get van sign-writing in Kilmarnock?

It typically takes a few weeks from first enquiry, with much of that time falling after you approve the proof, while the work is made and scheduled. Graphics and vehicle jobs are typically shorter than fabricated or illuminated signs. If advertisement consent is needed, the council's decision comes first and adds to the overall timescale.

How much should I budget for van sign-writing in Kilmarnock?

As a guide, £245–£895 per van + VAT. Where your job falls in that range depends on size, materials, access height, whether old signage has to come off and how much design work is involved. We confirm a fixed price after a survey or artwork check, before anything is ordered.

How long does van lettering last?

Manufacturers commonly rate quality cast vinyl for around 5–7 years on vertical surfaces such as van sides. Polymeric cut vinyl costs less and has a shorter rated life, which can suit a van you'll change in a few years. Sun exposure and washing habits matter, and lettering on a bonnet ages faster than lettering on the sides.

Van sign-writing in Ayrshire

Van sign-writing is lettering, a logo and contact details cut from coloured vinyl and applied straight onto a van's paint, usually on the sides and rear doors, without covering whole panels in printed film.

Why choose van sign-writing in Ayrshire?

Expanding beyond Kilmarnock into the rest of Ayrshire? Adding new areas or services to the lettering is a small change rather than a new wrap.
Your van probably spends more time on Kilmarnock roads than any leaflet spends on a doormat, so put the money into large, clear lettering.
Plumbers, electricians and gardeners working in Kilmarnock often need only a name, three services and a number, which is exactly what lettering does well.

Guide prices in Ayrshire

We publish guide prices so you can plan before you get in touch. For van sign-writing the range is £245–£895 per van, not including VAT, and the final price is confirmed after we survey the site or check the artwork.

Van sign-writing in Ayrshire: guide prices, supplied and fitted
Item	Guide, ex VAT	Inc. VAT (20%)
Basic lettering (sides and rear)	£245 – £450	£294 – £540
Lettering with printed logo panels	£395 – £895	£474 – £1,074

Guide prices for van sign-writing start from £245 + VAT for basic lettering on the sides and rear, typically up to £450 + VAT. Lettering with printed logo panels is typically between £395 and £895 + VAT.

Rules for vehicle graphics in Ayrshire

For vehicle graphics in Scotland, think DVLA and insurance rather than planning. A vehicle that is normally driven is outside advertisement control, though one parked up mainly as an advertisement is not. If the main colour changes, update the colour on your V5C and tell your insurer. We keep all graphics clear of the windscreen and front side windows, which need at least 75% and 70% light transmission under the 1986 Construction and Use Regulations. Before wrapping, we check the paintwork: chips, rust, poor resprays or failing lacquer can lift when the wrap is removed later.

Options worth considering

Rear-window graphics

Perforated one-way vision film on the rear glass of vans with two exterior mirrors.

Lettering only

Name, services and contact details cut in one or two vinyl colours.

Reflective lettering

Retroreflective vinyl for key details, bright in headlights at night.

Towns in Ayrshire

We take on van sign-writing in all of these towns across Ayrshire, and in the smaller places, estates and business parks between them. Select a town to open its own page.

Photos of the building, window or vehicle, plus approximate sizes, are enough for us to quote van sign-writing anywhere in Ayrshire. There is no charge for the quote and no commitment until you approve the proof.