Reflective Vehicle Graphics for Night-Time Visibility

• Trucks and trailers that travel on highways at night.
• Service, maintenance and roadworks vehicles that stop on or near roads.
• Security and emergency-support vehicles that need to be seen quickly.
• Site vehicles, utility bakkies and plant transport in poorly lit areas.
• Any brand wanting a distinctive night-time look from a single reflective logo or stripe.

Reflective graphics add visibility to a vehicle but do not replace the lights, indicators and markings required for its class.

• Reflective logo or name: cut from reflective film and applied alone or over standard graphics.
• Outline and contour marking: strips that trace the shape of the body or trailer.
• Stripes and chevrons: bold bands across the rear or sides.
• Hybrid layouts: printed colour graphics with reflective elements on key parts.
• Reflective numbers and unit codes: for fleets and plant.

Colour choice is wider in standard vinyl than in reflective film, so we show the real options when the design is proposed.

Reflective vinyl is produced with microscopic glass beads or micro-prisms that return light to its source. It is available in a range of colours, usually with a more limited palette than standard vinyl. Most reflective films are cut into shapes. Some can be printed or overlaid with transparent colour, depending on the product. We advise on suitable film for flat panels, rivets and corrugations during the survey.

Surfaces need to be flat and sound for the best result. Highly textured or curved areas may need a different approach or narrower elements.

Reflective graphics do not produce light. They need an external source such as headlights or road lighting. Seen from the driver's position, they appear bright. Seen from the side in daylight, they look like normal vinyl, and some films are lighter in tone. We therefore design reflective elements to look right in both conditions.

Where you need a sign that glows by itself, see custom LED illuminated signs for building signage instead.

• Choose reflective graphics when night-time recognition and visibility matter, such as long-haul trucks or road-side service vehicles.
• Choose standard lettering and decals when colour accuracy and economy matter more than night effect.
• Choose full wraps for maximum colour and image impact, usually with reflective accents added.
• Choose a fleet programme when many vehicles must carry the same reflective markings.

• Regulated markings: some vehicle classes have rules on conspicuity markings. Check the requirements for your vehicle and keep decorative graphics from clashing with them.
• Contrast: reflective films are brightest when directly lit, so placement near the rear and sides matters.
• Surface: clean, dry and sound panels are essential for adhesion.
• Dirt: mud and road film reduce reflectivity, so surfaces should be kept clean.
• Size: as a rough guide, many designers allow around 25 mm of letter height per 10 m of viewing distance.

• Total length or area of reflective film.
• Number of colours and the complexity of cut shapes.
• Whether graphics are reflective only or combined with printed vinyl.
• Surface preparation and removal of old markings.
• Number of vehicles and where fitting takes place.

Wash reflective graphics with water and a mild vehicle shampoo, using a soft cloth or brush. Do not scrub hard, use abrasive pads or strong solvents, and avoid pressure jets at edges. Keep graphics clean, because dirt cuts reflectivity. Inspect periodically, and replace damaged sections. Old reflective markings can be taken off carefully. See vehicle branding removal.

Reflective fitting is arranged by appointment at our premises or at your depot where space allows. Areas we serve include:

• Isando
• Germiston
• Johannesburg
• Midrand
• Centurion
• Pretoria