Fleet van brief from Johannesburg
The client was a small fleet operator in Johannesburg that needed one van wrapped in rear window graphics for route visibility and brand recognition. The brief was practical: keep the rear glazing readable from the outside, preserve the driver’s view, and make the vehicle look consistent with the rest of the fleet.
Because the van spent long hours on the road, the graphics had to stand up to sun, dust, frequent washing and daily loading. We also had to work around the rear window shape and the existing trim so the film sat cleanly and did not lift at the edges.
- Vehicle type: fleet van with rear glazing panels
- Use: urban deliveries and client visits
- Area: Johannesburg and surrounding routes
- Goal: visible branding with sensible rear window coverage
Choosing the right perforation and print build
An even pattern of tiny perforations lets the printed side carry the branding while people inside still have outward visibility. For this van we used a rear window layout based on a common 60/40 style perforation balance, which gives strong image presence from the road side while still leaving the driver with usable rear view through the glass.
The artwork was prepared for wide format printing and then laminated to help protect the print from abrasion, road grime and repeated wiping. On vehicle glass, that extra layer matters. It slows wear and helps the graphics stay sharper for longer, especially in Johannesburg where vehicles are washed regularly and work through strong sun and winter dust.
- Perforated one-way vision film for rear glazing
- Wide format print set up for vehicle viewing distance
- Protective lamination added before installation
- Edge trimming matched to the glass line and seals
Artwork setup, templating and colour proofing
Before print, we templated the rear windows so the copy, logo marks and any critical details landed in the right places and did not disappear into the dotted pattern. That step matters on curved glass, because text that looks fine on a screen can land awkwardly across a seam or sit too close to the edge once applied.
We also colour proofed the layout to make sure the darker print would still read well from a distance. On perforated film, colour can shift slightly once the holes and the glass are both in play, so the proofing stage helps keep the result balanced and clear.
- Measured rear glass on site or from vehicle data
- Adjusted margins for handles, heating lines and seals
- Checked contrast for daylight reading
- Confirmed the inside view stayed workable
Installation in Montague Gardens before dispatch
The film was prepared at our Montague Gardens base and fitted in a controlled environment before the vehicle went back into service. Surface preparation was done carefully because even small traces of dust or residue can show through on glass and cause edge lift later on.
The installation was completed in 2 weeks from approval to fitment, allowing time for layout checks, print, lamination and final fitting. That turnaround suited the client’s schedule and kept the van available for weekday work. The panels went on cleanly and the finished windows gave the vehicle a more organised, professional look without making the rear feel boxed in.
- Surface prep and glass cleaning
- Application aligned to window curvature
- Air release and edge finishing checked
- Vehicle handed back ready for normal use
Road use, compliance and everyday visibility
For any vehicle window film, the driver’s view must remain legal and practical. That is especially important on fleet vehicles that spend time in traffic, on delivery runs and in mixed light conditions. We always work with the glass layout in mind and recommend that clients check current road traffic rules before any rear window coverage is signed off.
The finished van kept the rear branding visible from the outside and still allowed the driver a workable rear outlook through the film. It was a neat match for city driving, parking in tight bays and loading at service points where the back of the vehicle is seen by customers every day.
- Branding visible on the outside face
- Rear view retained for everyday driving
- Suitable for urban fleet use and stop start routes
- Legal compliance checked by the vehicle owner
What we would do on the next fleet van
For the next van in the fleet, we would use the same approach: site measuring, vehicle templating, artwork setup, colour proofing, wide format printing, film lamination and careful installation. That sequence keeps the result consistent across multiple vehicles and makes future refits simpler if a panel needs replacing after a scrape or window repair.
We would also keep the artwork bold but uncluttered. On perforated film, too much small text can disappear at distance, so the best results usually come from clear lettering, clean shapes and a layout that respects the window size. It saves time and it works better on the road, plain and simple.
- Repeat the same template for additional fleet units
- Use consistent placement across all rear windows
- Keep key contact details large enough for road viewing
- Allow for future old film removal and refit work
Key facts
| Project location | Johannesburg |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Fleet van with rear glazing |
| Film type | Perforated one-way vision window film |
| Print method | Wide format printed graphics |
| Finish | Protective lamination |
| Timeline | 2 weeks from approval to installation |
