Custom Police Graphics: How to Choose the Right Materials

If you’re looking to create custom police graphics, it’s important to choose the right materials. There are a variety of different materials to choose from, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of materials that are available and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

The Planning Process

Selecting the right materials for custom police graphics is an important process. Vehicle type is a key factor to consider when choosing which materials you want to use.

It’s important to consider which surface the graphics will be applied to and how they should be maintained if the needs arise. The environment where the vehicle will be should also be taken into account; some materials may be better suited for long-term outdoor display in harsh climates while others are best used indoors. Once you have established what type of material best fits your needs, you should then prioritize budget considerations based on the quality of the material and its long-term sustainability. Ultimately, deciding on which materials to use comes down to finding a balance between functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Different Types of Materials

Reflective Vinyl

This special type of vinyl is a great choice for any kind of emergency vehicle, especially police cars. It stands out easily due to its reflective properties, even in low visibility conditions. This not only increases the visibility of the vehicle and its graphic decals, but also helps ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel as they go about their shifts. As such, it’s easy to see why this vinyl is gaining traction as an ideal material for police car graphics – it offers high visibility and great reflectivity that can help keep officers safe on the job.

Static Cling vinyl

This type of vinyl is quickly becoming a popular choice for the intricate decals and graphics typically found on police cars. With no adhesive required, it can be removed, replaced, and repositioned as seen fit with minimal effort, making it an ideal material for situations when frequent changes to police car graphics may be needed due to transfers, promotions or replacements. Furthermore, side graphics and striping are much easier to put on smoothly over curves and edges that often come with the body styles used for police vehicles. Ultimately, this vinyl has proven itself useful in law enforcement circles as not just a great option in terms of aesthetic appeal but practicality and cost-effectiveness as well.

Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl

Glow-in-the-dark vinyl is an ideal material for custom police graphics, especially those used on vehicles driven at night or in low-light conditions. Its luminescent properties make it easier to see the vehicle in darker settings, while its durability makes sure the graphics stay looking sharp and clean for years to come. Additionally, thanks to its reflective properties, glow-in-the-dark vinyl also adds a unique aesthetic that can make a police car stand out from the rest of the traffic. Ultimately, glow-in-the-dark vinyl could be just the solution needed to help keep police personnel safe and visible on roads no matter the time of day.

Metallic Vinyl

Metallic vinyl is a type of material that offers an eye-catching and durable solution for custom police graphics. Its metallic finish adds an upscale, professional touch to any vehicle it is applied to, perfect for departments who want to make a statement. But unlike many materials with luxurious finishes, metallic vinyl can also withstand UV rays, scratches, and other damage. Furthermore, its flexible nature ensures that it can be easily placed on vehicles of any size or shape – ideal for fleets large and small alike! Overall, it is clear that metallic vinyl is the perfect way to take customer police graphics to the next level.

Laminate 

Laminate graphics are an excellent choice for those looking to add extraordinary durability, longevity, and UV protection to their police graphics. Unlike vinyl, which can become dull, faded, or discolored with exposure to the elements, laminate will resist wear and tear from the environment, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. Additionally, glossy or matte styles can be chosen to match personal preferences and help graphics stand out. While more costly in comparison to vinyl, it could be worth the added expense for those needing a long-lasting solution. However, laminate is more difficult to apply than traditional vinyl materials and may require professional installation – so make sure you seek help if you’re unfamiliar with the process!

Paint 

Paint is a great choice for police graphics if you want a truly personalized look for your vehicles. Coming in an endless array of colors and designs, there are practically endless possibilities for painting your vehicle to make it stand out from the crowd. Although paint may require an occasional touch up and re-coating, this labor of love will make your vehicle look new with that personal custom finish time and time again. Just remember to take proper care when cleaning or repairing any damages as paint can be quite finicky when not handled properly!

Decals 

Decals are an affordable way to express your support for law enforcement and also add some personality to your vehicles. Applying a decal couldn’t be easier—simply clean the surface, position the decal, and then press firmly over all areas of the decal. The good news is that should you decide to switch up your design later on, oftentimes decals can be removed without causing any damage or leaving residue behind. The only caveat with using decals for police graphics is that they are not as durable as other options like badges or paint jobs, and may fade or peel off over time if weathered too much. Decals can still offer a great solution though—especially if you’re looking for something temporary or changing often.

Magnets 

Magnets are a great choice for temporary police graphics because they can be easily applied and removed without doing any damage to the vehicle. Additionally, although they are not as durable as other options such as stickers, magnets are great for vehicles exposed to the elements since their resistance will remain unchanged over time. The fact that magnets require no adhesive makes them an efficient choice for anyone looking for convenience and quickness. It’s important to remember, however, that after extended exposure to weather conditions or accidental bumps and scratches, the magnetic grip may start to weaken so users should take extra care when handling them.

Conclusion

With so many ways to customize a police vehicle, it can be hard to decide which route is right for your department. But by considering the three main types of materials – vinyl wraps, decals, and lettering – you can narrow down your options and make a decision that will best suit your needs. Once you’ve chosen the right material, trust in a company like Graphic Designs International to produce high-quality custom graphics that will make your police vehicles look their best. Give us a call today to get started on your custom design!