Van sign-writing in Newport, Isle of Wight

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.

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.

More than you'd think, but less than you might want. A small van has room for a clear business name, a short services line and a large phone number on each side, plus the name and number on the rear doors. Squeezing in a long list of services makes everything smaller, so we'll suggest which words to keep.

Yes, though it varies with the job. The lead time typically runs from the day you approve the proof, not from the first enquiry, and is typically a few weeks. Survey visits, artwork changes and any consent application sit before that point, so getting photos, sizes and logo files to us early typically shortens the overall timescale.

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.

Yes. We start from the guide range, £245 to £895 per van excluding VAT, then measure up or look at your photos and artwork. That gives a fixed written price reflecting the real size, materials, access and any design or consent work. You only commit once you accept that price and approve the proof.