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.

Do you need the van for a whole day?

Usually not. Lettering on the sides and rear is typically fitted in 2–4 hours, once the van has been washed and dried. Vinyl needs dry conditions and reasonable temperatures to stick properly, so outdoor fitting depends on the weather; if it's wet or very cold, we'll suggest a covered space or another date.

Will someone visit my premises in Edinburgh before quoting?

If the job needs it, yes. For signs fixed to a building, anything illuminated or work at height, we arrange a survey to measure, check the wall and plan access. For window graphics, lettering and many vehicle jobs, clear photos with measurements are often enough, and we only visit if something needs a closer look.

When could work on van sign-writing go ahead in Edinburgh?

Fitting is typically scheduled once three things are in place: you have approved the proof, the materials are made or delivered, and any consent the job needs has been granted. For many jobs that is typically a few weeks from approval; illuminated or larger fabricated signs typically take longer, and consent decisions run to their own timetable.

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

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.

Can you match my logo colours exactly?

Cut vinyl comes in a fixed range of colours, so we pick the closest match to your brand colours and show it on the proof. Where an exact match matters, the logo can be printed instead, because print can be tuned more finely. Screens show colours differently, so a printed sample is worth asking for.

Van sign-writing in Edinburgh and the Lothians

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 Edinburgh and the Lothians?

Sole traders who win most work by word of mouth around Edinburgh make referrals easier with a phone number neighbours can note down.
Pulled up at a supplier or trade counter in or around Edinburgh, a clearly lettered van can bring in subcontract work from other trades.
Your van probably spends more time on Edinburgh roads than any leaflet spends on a doormat, so put the money into large, clear lettering.

Guide prices in Edinburgh and the Lothians

Budgeting for van sign-writing? The guide below runs from £245 to £895 per van. VAT is extra. Size, materials and access decide where your job lands, and we confirm it in writing after surveying or checking the artwork.

Van sign-writing in Edinburgh and the Lothians: 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 Edinburgh and the Lothians

Three practical rules shape vehicle graphics in Scotland. One: change the main colour and the V5C needs updating with DVLA, with your insurer told too. Two: the windscreen must pass at least 75% of light and the front side windows at least 70%, so graphics are kept off them; rear-window one-way vision is used on vans and cars with two exterior mirrors. Three: on a leased vehicle, check the lease allows graphics and how they must be removed. Advertisement consent does not usually come into it, because vehicles normally used as moving vehicles are outside advertisement control, unlike one parked as a billboard.

Options worth considering

Metallic or outlined lettering

Metallic-effect vinyl or a contrasting outline to lift text on darker paint.

Lettering with printed logo panels

Cut lettering plus a printed, laminated logo where colours or gradients need it.

Rear-window graphics

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

Towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians

Main towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians where we design, make and fit signage, including van sign-writing. Select yours, or simply get in touch if your town or village is missing from the list.

A free, written quote for van sign-writing is one message away. Send the details from anywhere in Edinburgh and the Lothians and we will reply with a price, then a proof you approve before work begins.