Fleet Wraps vs Vehicle Decals: What’s the Difference?
If you’re a business owner looking to get more visibility while out on the road, you’ve probably considered branding your vehicle. But with options like full fleet wraps, partial wraps, and basic vehicle decals, it can be hard to know what’s best for your business. While they all involve applying vinyl to your vehicle, the coverage, impact, and cost can vary quite a bit. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between a fleet wrap and a vehicle decal, and help you choose the right solution for your needs.
Photo from the Storage King Instagram
A fleet wrap refers to a full or partial vinyl wrap that covers a large area—or sometimes the entire surface—of a vehicle. It’s one of the most effective ways to build brand recognition and turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard. Fleet wraps are often used across multiple vehicles to create consistent, professional branding. Whether you’re wrapping a van, ute, or truck, a well-designed fleet wrap ensures your business is seen wherever your team goes.
There are different levels of wraps to suit different goals. A full wrap covers the entire vehicle, including doors, rear panels, bonnet, and sometimes even roof and bumpers. This is ideal for businesses wanting high-impact exposure with room for graphics, logos, contact info, and bold design elements. A partial wrap offers significant branding coverage but only on select areas of the vehicle—such as the side panels and rear—while leaving the factory paint visible elsewhere. It’s a great mid-range option that still grabs attention. Some businesses also opt for window graphics using perforated one-way film, allowing the design to extend across rear windows without compromising visibility from inside.
In contrast, a vehicle decal is a smaller, more minimal vinyl application. Rather than covering large areas, decals are spot graphics designed to display key information like your business name, logo, phone number, website, or social handles. They’re often placed on the driver and passenger doors or on the back of the vehicle. Vehicle decals are particularly useful for sole traders, service providers, or anyone looking for a quick and affordable way to brand their work vehicle.
So how do you decide between a fleet wrap and a vehicle decal? It depends on your goals, budget, and how much brand presence you want to create. A fleet wrap offers unmatched visibility. Because it covers more surface area, it naturally catches more attention on the road or job site. It also helps to create a cohesive look if you operate multiple vehicles. However, wraps require more investment upfront and take longer to install. That said, they last between five to seven years when installed properly using quality materials, making them a long-term marketing asset.
Vehicle decals, on the other hand, are quicker to apply and far more cost-effective in the short term. They work well for businesses that want a clean, minimal look or don’t need bold graphics. Decals are also a good choice for leased vehicles or situations where you may need to update details often—such as a phone number or service offering.
Regardless of which route you take, professional installation and high-quality vinyl are key to ensuring your wrap or decal lasts and looks sharp. At Bespoke Signs and Wraps, we only use trusted vinyl brands like 3M and Avery Dennison, and we custom design every project to suit your business, your vehicle, and your goals.
If you’re not sure which is the right fit—fleet wrap or vehicle decal—we’re happy to help you weigh the options and find the best solution. Whether you’re after bold, full-coverage branding or a clean and simple contact display, we’ve got the tools and experience to make it happen.
FAQ
How to remove car vinyl wrap
Car vinyl wraps can be safely removed using a combination of heat and careful peeling. A heat gun or even warm sunlight helps soften the adhesive, allowing the vinyl to lift without tearing or leaving excessive residue. It’s important to work slowly and at the right angle. For best results—especially on older wraps or larger vehicles—professional removal is recommended to avoid damaging the paint underneath.
Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car?
In most cases, wrapping is cheaper than a high-quality respray. While a full, professional paint job can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000+, a full vinyl wrap often ranges between $3,500 and $6,000, depending on the vehicle size and complexity. Wraps also give you more creative freedom—like textures, matte finishes, or colour shifts—without the long turnaround or permanent commitment of paint.
Do car wraps damage original paint?
No—vinyl wraps do not damage the original paint when applied and removed correctly. In fact, they can help protect your paint from UV rays, minor chips, and general wear. However, if the paint is already damaged, thin, or poorly repaired, there’s a risk that some of it could peel off during removal. This is why it’s important to install wraps over clean, healthy paintwork and to use quality materials and professional installers.
Can you polish car wrap?
Traditional polishing methods are not recommended for vinyl wraps, especially glossy or textured finishes. Polishing can wear down the protective laminate or damage the vinyl. Instead, use wrap-safe cleaning products and microfiber cloths to maintain the finish. There are also special sealants and spray coatings made for vinyl wraps that help protect against UV, grime, and water spots—without damaging the surface.