Since 1983
The Complete Vehicle Signage Guide
By Michael Short — Signwriter with 40+ years' experience
Everything you need to know about vehicle lettering, wraps, materials, design, pricing, durability and getting the most advertising value from your vehicle.
Vehicle Signage Guide....What are you looking for
The cost of vehicle signage depends on the type of vehicle, how much of it you want to cover, the type of vinyl or graphics used, the complexity of the design and the installation required.
As a general guide, basic vehicle lettering and decals can start from a few hundred dollars, while larger partial wraps can cost several thousand dollars and a full vehicle wrap can cost considerably more.
Type of vehicle signageTypical cost*
Basic business lettering / decals From around $300–$600 +
Larger printed vehicle graphics around $600–$1,500+ gst
More comprehensive vehicle graphics around $1,000–$2,500+
Partial vehicle wrap around $1,500–$3,500+
Full vehicle wrap around $3,000–$7,000+
Large vans, trucks or complex wraps Can be higher
*These are indicative price ranges only. The actual cost of your signage will depend on your vehicle, the amount of coverage, materials, artwork and installation. Australian market pricing varies considerably between vehicle types and suppliers.
Send me your image and vehicle photos for a free quote
It depends on your business, your budget and how much of your vehicle you want to use for advertising.
Vinyl lettering is a great option when you want to display your business name, logo, phone number, website and services clearly without covering the entire vehicle. It is particularly effective for tradespeople and small businesses wanting professional branding without the cost of a full wrap.
A vehicle wrap covers a much larger area and gives you far more space for branding, colours, images and promotional graphics. A wrap can be full, three-quarter or partial, depending on the look and budget you're after.
The lifespan of a sign depends on the materials used, where the sign is installed, exposure to sun and weather, and how well it is maintained.
A quality outdoor sign made from suitable materials can last for many years, while signs exposed to harsh sunlight, coastal conditions or constant weather may require replacement sooner.
At Michael Short Signs, we select materials based on the application and expected conditions, helping you get the best possible lifespan from your signage.
Not sure which material is right for your sign? Talk to us and we'll recommend an option suited to your location, budget and requirements.
Your van is a mobile advertisement for your business, so keep the message simple and easy to read.
We recommend including:
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Business name and logo
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What you do
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Phone number
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Website
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Key service area, if relevant
Avoid overcrowding the design with too much information. Your branding should be clear enough for someone to understand your business in just a few seconds.
At Michael Short Signs, we can help design your van signage so it looks professional, stands out and gets your business noticed wherever you go.
For most tradies, clear, bold and easy-to-read vehicle signage is the most effective option.
Vinyl lettering is a simple and cost-effective choice, while printed graphics or a partial wrap can give your vehicle greater impact.
We recommend making your business name, service, phone number and website easy to see without overcrowding the design.
At Michael Short Signs, we can help you choose the right vehicle signage for your trade, vehicle and budget.
How should I design a business sign?
Keep it simple, clear and easy to read. Your business name, what you do and contact details should be immediately noticeable. Good signage should attract attention without being overcrowded.
How much information should I put on it?
Less is usually more. Include the information your customers need most, such as your business name, service, phone number and website. Avoid filling the sign with too much text.
What colours work best?
The best colours are those that reflect your brand while providing strong contrast and visibility. We consider your existing branding, the sign's location and the viewing distance when selecting colours.
What fonts work best?
Choose fonts that are clear and easy to read, particularly from a distance. Decorative fonts can look great but aren't always suitable for business signage.
How far away should it be readable?
That depends on the size and location of the sign. Roadside and vehicle signage needs to be readable from further away, so larger lettering, simple wording and strong contrast become more important.
Can you design my signage?
Yes. You don't need to arrive with a finished design. We can work with your logo, ideas, colours or existing artwork and develop a design suited to your signage.
What artwork files do you need?
We prefer high-quality, scalable artwork, such as AI, EPS, PDF or SVG files. If you're unsure whether your artwork is suitable, send it to us and we'll check it for you.
Can you design my vehicle signage?
Absolutely. Vehicle signage needs to be designed around the shape of the vehicle while keeping your business information easy to see. We can design everything from simple lettering to custom graphics and full wraps.
Can you design signage for a new business?
Yes. We can help you develop signage that works with your branding across your shopfront, vehicles, windows, A-frames and other signage. Starting with a consistent design makes it easier to build a strong visual identity for your business.
