What our vinyl installation covers
Vinyl installation is the hands-on fitment stage where the film is placed, stretched, cut and finished so it sits right on the panel. We install full colour change wraps, printed branding, partial graphics, roof wraps, bonnet wraps, stripes, mirrors, trims and fleet livery on cars, bakkies, SUVs, panel vans and light commercials.
Every job starts with the vehicle in proper condition. Panels are cleaned, decontaminated and checked for loose paint, chips, previous repair issues and moulding gaps. On older vehicles or high-mileage fleet units we look closely at edges, handles, badges and fuel flaps so the film is applied where it will hold and still look tidy. The aim is not just a quick cover-up, it is a proper fit that lasts in Johannesburg sun, coastal humidity and daily use.
- Full and partial vinyl fitment
- Printed branding and colour change films
- Fleet graphics with repeatable panel placement
- Edge wrapping around doors, mirrors and trims where suitable
- Removal of loose fittings and refit after installation
Our fitting process from prep to handover
We follow a clear sequence so the final result is consistent from one vehicle to the next. First comes inspection and surface preparation. The vehicle is washed, dried and wiped down with the correct panel cleaners so the adhesive bonds properly. If needed, we remove number plates, badges, simple trims and lighting surrounds to improve coverage. We then measure the panels and check the film layout against the vehicle shape before any cutting starts.
During fitment, the film is positioned and worked from the centre outwards to push out air and control stretch. Curved panels, wheel arches and deep recesses need controlled heat and careful tacking, not force. Final trimming is done with sharp blades and edge checks so there are no loose tails. Before handover we inspect the panel alighnment, seams, door openings and corners, then clean the vehicle and talk through the aftercare steps.
- Wash, decontamination and surface wipe-down
- Panel mapping and film layout check
- Placement, squeegee work and controlled heat setting
- Edge trimming, detail finishing and reassembly
- Final quality check and care briefing
Film types, finishes and installation specs
We install a range of vinyl films depending on the job and the vehicle surface. Printed wrap films are used for branding, imagery and fleet identification, while colour change films are used for full resprays without paint work. We also handle cast and calendared films where the panel shape and duty cycle allow it. For commercial fleets, the choice is often based on mileage, parking conditions and how often the vehicle is washed.
Typical installation specs depend on the film and the panel, but our standard fitment is aimed at good edge hold, neat seam placement and low visual distortion. We keep cuts away from high-wear points where possible and we avoid unnecessary joins on large flat surfaces. Where the vehicle design needs seams, they are placed to suit panel lines and door breaks.
- Film widths commonly used: 1.37 m, 1.52 m and wider printed sections where required
- Finish options: gloss, satin, matte and selected textured looks
- Heat setting used on curves, recesses and edge returns
- Suitable for vehicles stored outdoors in high UV areas
- Installation planned around panel lines, badges and access points
Turnaround times for single vehicles and fleets
Turnaround depends on the size of the vehicle, the film type and the amount of preparation needed. A simple partial wrap or branding install can often be completed within 1 to 2 days, while a full colour change or detailed fleet set may take 2 to 5 working days per unit. If the vehicle needs extra trim removal, paint correction around damaged panels or coordinated fleet scheduling, we plan the work in stages so downtime stays manageable.
For fleet clients we can stagger installs across the week or handle units in batches. That helps with deliveries, route planning and driver allocation. If a business runs in areas with limited parking or load-shedding disruptions, we can work around collection and drop-off windows. Durban humidity, Gauteng dust and winter morning condensation all affect timing slightly, so we schedule carefully rather than rushing a fit.
- Partial branding: usually 1 to 2 days
- Full vinyl installation: usually 2 to 5 working days
- Fleet batches: scheduled by unit count and access
- Special trims and badge work may add extra time
- Urgent jobs handled subject to bay availability
Pricing approach and what affects the quote
Our pricing is based on the vehicle size, film selection, print coverage, panel complexity and how much preparation is required. A small hatchback with simple door branding is priced very differently from a long-wheelbase panel van or a mixed fleet with repeated signage on multiple units. We also factor in old adhesive removal, surface repairs, deep recesses, trim access and whether the job is a one-off or part of a standard fleet rollout.
We quote clearly so you know what is included before work begins. That can cover film supply, layout prep, installation labour, basic trimming and handover. If the vehicle needs extra prep such as scratch correction, rust attention or replacement of damaged trims, we explain that upfront. For businesses managing monthly vehicle changes, we can also cost repeat installs more efficiently when the spec stays consistent.
- Vehicle size and body style
- Printed coverage or solid colour change scope
- Panel complexity, recesses and trim removal
- Preparation work and old film removal
- Fleet volumes and repeat spec consistency
Care after installation and service intervals
After installation, the film needs time to settle before hard washing or heavy use. We normally recommend keeping the vehicle dry for 24 hours where possible, and avoiding high-pressure washing close to edges for the first week. Hand washing with mild shampoo is best for longer film life. Petrol station brushes, strong solvents and rough cloths can mark the surface and lift corners over time.
For vehicles that work daily in sun, dust or coastal conditions, it helps to check edges and seams every 3 to 6 months. Fleet units used on long routes may need quicker touch-up checks, especially around door handles, load areas and mirror caps. We can also remove damaged vinyl sections, refresh worn panels and rework specific areas when required. Regular checks are far cheaper than waiting until film failure spreads across a whole panel.
- Allow 24 hours before washing where practical
- Avoid high-pressure washing at edges in the first week
- Use mild shampoo and soft cloths
- Inspect corners and seams every 3 to 6 months
- Book touch-ups early if lifting, scratches or scuffing appear
Key facts
| Service area | Kya Sand, Sandton, Midrand, East Rand, Pretoria, Durban and nationwide wrap bays |
|---|---|
| Film types | Printed wrap film, colour change vinyl, partial graphics and fleet livery |
| Common vehicle types | Cars, bakkies, SUVs, panel vans and light commercial vehicles |
| Typical turnaround | 1 to 5 working days depending on size and complexity |
| Finish options | Gloss, satin, matte and selected textured finishes |
| Care interval | Visual edge checks every 3 to 6 months with gentle hand washing |
