Hudson Hydraulic Engineers, based near Durham, had us design and produce all the graphics for their new van. A long-wheelbase Renault Master, the vehicle also required reflective/fluorescent chevron stripes on the back to comply with new 'chapter 8' highway contractors regulations for vehicle markings and conspicuity.

Once fully washed, the vehicle was driven inside our new fitting unit for a final wipe down.

The graphics were all produced in-house. The lettering was cut on 3M Scotchcal high quality marking film. Many cheaper vinyls are available but on a vehicle they tend to shrink and crack, this stuff is guaranteed for 7 years! The full colour graphics were solvent printed at high quality (no banding, mottling or striping!) onto premium vinyl printing film and overlaminated with a protective matching clear film, before being contour cut. Overlaminating vinyl prints for vehicle work is paramount. We see far too many examples of poorly printed unlaminated vinyl prints on vehicles that are just fading and cracking away - not good!

The conspicuity chevrons on the back were made from 3M cast fluorescent yellow and 3M Diamond Grade reflective red. Again, cheaper alternatives can be used but as ever, we prefer to specify the best. 3M fluorescent yellow is the only suitable film that has a long lifespan, other cheaper products will only last 6-12 months. Plus, 3M Diamond Grade red is up to 9 times more reflective than any other reflective red film and when safety is an issue, we prefer not to compromise.

All expertly fitted in under a day!

Chevrons on and taping up the lettering

Mess? - What mess?

Out into the open and ready to go back on the road.