The Dos and Don’ts for Vehicle Branding
A practical guide based on real-world experience from Azuri Promo Shop, Nairobi
I have recently had to re-do a vehicle branding project three times. It’s not like we’ve not delivered on branding projects before. Simple things like the dos and don’ts for vehicle branding can really be a ‘pisser in the air’.
My team and I learnt some invaluable lessons that it would only be right for me to share. After years of delivering vehicle branding and outdoor advertisement services across Kenya through Azuri Promo Shop, I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what can turn a simple branding job into a costly nightmare.
This particular project taught me more about the importance of getting things right the first time than any textbook ever could.
Here’s what every business owner and branding professional needs to know before putting their brand on wheels.
The Critical DOs of Vehicle Branding
DO: Start with Proper Planning and Measurement
Before any design work begins, invest time in thorough vehicle measurement and documentation. This isn’t just about length and width – document every curve, handle, window, and trim piece that could affect your design.
Why this matters: That triple-redo project I mentioned? It started with inadequate measurements. What looked perfect on paper became a puzzle of misaligned graphics when we tried to apply them to the actual vehicle.
DO: Design for Movement and Distance
Vehicle branding isn’t poster design. Your message needs to be readable while the vehicle is moving and from various distances. This means:
- Bold, simple fonts that remain legible at speed
- High contrast colors that stand out in different lighting conditions
- Minimal text – if you can’t read it in 3 seconds, it’s too much
- Strategic placement of key information where it won’t be obscured by door handles, mirrors, or trim
DO: Consider the Vehicle’s Natural Lines
The best vehicle graphics work with the car’s existing design language, not against it. Follow the natural curves and lines of the vehicle. This creates a cohesive look that appears intentional rather than slapped on.
DO: Use Quality Materials and Professional Installation
In Kenya’s climate, your graphics will face intense sun, occasional flooding, and constant dust. Invest in:
- Premium vinyl designed for vehicle applications
- UV-resistant inks that won’t fade quickly
- Professional installation by experienced technicians
- Proper surface preparation – this step cannot be skipped
DO: Plan for Maintenance and Longevity
Think beyond the installation day. How will the graphics age? What happens when parts need replacement? Design with maintenance in mind and educate your client on proper care.
The Costly DON’Ts of Vehicle Branding
DON’T: Rush the Design Phase
The pressure to deliver quickly can be intense, especially with commercial clients who need their vehicles back on the road. However, rushing the design phase almost always leads to problems later.
Take time to:
- Create accurate digital mockups
- Review designs in different lighting conditions
- Get client approval on detailed specifications, not just concepts
- Plan the installation sequence
DON’T: Ignore Local Regulations and Standards
Different counties in Kenya may have specific requirements for commercial vehicle signage. Some areas require certain information to be displayed prominently, while others have restrictions on reflective materials or light-emitting elements.
Research requirements early to avoid having to redo compliant graphics after installation.
DON’T: Underestimate Surface Preparation
This is where many projects go wrong. Proper surface preparation isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial:
- Clean thoroughly with appropriate solvents
- Allow complete drying time
- Address any rust, dents, or paint issues first
- Prime surfaces when necessary
Skipping these steps leads to poor adhesion, bubbling, and premature failure.
DON’T: Design in Isolation
Vehicle branding should integrate with your client’s broader marketing strategy. A vehicle wrap that looks nothing like their other marketing materials creates brand confusion rather than recognition.
DON’T: Forget About the Driver’s Perspective
Beautiful graphics mean nothing if they obstruct the driver’s view or create safety hazards. Always consider:
- Sight lines and mirror visibility
- Reflection issues that could impair vision
- Placement of emergency equipment access points
- Local requirements for windshield and window coverage
Lessons from the Field: Why We Had to Start Over
That project I mentioned earlier involved a delivery truck for a local business. Here’s what went wrong and what we learned:
Round 1: We relied on measurements provided by the client rather than doing our own. The graphics didn’t align with the vehicle’s panel lines, creating an unprofessional appearance.
Round 2: We corrected the measurements but didn’t account for the vehicle’s compound curves properly. The vinyl stretched and distorted during installation, making text illegible.
Round 3: Finally, we took proper measurements, created a physical template for complex areas, and planned the installation sequence carefully. The result was exactly what the client envisioned.
The cost: What should have been a two-day project stretched over two weeks, with material costs tripling and our reputation taking a hit with an important client.
Best Practices for Kenyan Conditions
Working in Kenya presents unique challenges that international guidelines don’t always address:
Climate Considerations
- Choose materials rated for tropical conditions
- Plan for expansion and contraction in temperature variations
- Use anti-bacterial laminates in humid areas
- Consider how dust accumulation will affect visibility
Infrastructure Realities
- Design for vehicles that may travel on rough roads
- Reinforce edges and corners that experience more stress
- Plan for frequent washing and maintenance
- Consider security features for high-value vehicles
Cultural and Market Factors
- Understand color meanings and cultural preferences
- Consider literacy levels when designing text-heavy graphics
- Account for multi-language requirements
- Respect religious and cultural sensitivities
The Bottom Line
Vehicle branding is an investment in mobile marketing that can provide excellent ROI when done correctly. However, cutting corners in planning, materials, or installation almost always leads to higher long-term costs.
At Azuri Promo Shop, that challenging project became one of our most valuable learning experiences. It reinforced the importance of thorough preparation, quality materials, and skilled installation. Most importantly, it reminded us that our reputation travels with every vehicle we brand.
Whether you’re a business owner considering vehicle branding or a fellow professional in the industry, remember that the cheapest option upfront is rarely the most economical in the long run. Invest in doing it right the first time – your brand deserves nothing less.
About the Author: This article is based on practical experience from Azuri Promo Shop, a Nairobi-based branding agency specializing in vehicle branding and outdoor advertisement services across Kenya. Our hands-on experience with diverse projects has taught us the importance of combining creative design with practical execution.
