What machine or technique is used to create these car graphics?

For full color graphics, you need a plotter (a large format printer). For simple spot color graphics, a plotter/cutter is the machine you need.

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blazingprintz said:

For full color graphics, you need a plotter (a large format printer). For simple spot color graphics, a plotter/cutter is the machine you need.

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Thanks for all the replies ,they are definetly a help!

I have a few more questions?

I have a epson 1400 printer can this be used?

Also when using the large format printer ,what material do i print the graphic on before i apply it to the auto?

And also can someone tell me what is the best least expensive printer cutter?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

m2k1999 said:

Thanks for all the replies ,they are definetly a help!

I have a few more questions?

I have a epson 1400 printer can this be used?

Also when using the large format printer ,what material do i print the graphic on before i apply it to the auto?

And also can someone tell me what is the best least expensive printer cutter?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

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No a Epson wont work, you need a large format solvent ink based printer along with a laminator to print the kind of graphics your talking about.

There is really no cheap solution as for as a printer/cutter a use or refurb Roland Versacamm or Muoth printer would probably be the least expensive but your still talking 6-10k.

As far as material, you use printable vinyl normally 2 mil thick with a 2 mil over laminate.

Cut vinyl (non-printed - solid color, or layered multi-color) can be used for a lot of vehicle graphics and a reasonably priced cutter can get you started, it's been the mainstay of the sign, vehicle graphics business for many years, but to do full color graphics you'll need a large format printer/cutter along with some way to laminate the vinyl.

Large format printers like the Roland VP300 (30") sell in the 12k range it's bigger brother the VP540 (54") is in the 17-20k range.

Hope this helps.

The vinyl that we use for car graphics is car wrap vinyl. It is more expensive but it comes in the rapid air release (lets out air bubbles easier) and that makes it a whole lot easier to apply, plus it is stretchier and will let you reposition. Regular vinyl will not be as forgiving when you stick it on in the wrong place or get the vinyl a little off or at an angle when it should have been straight.

This article has info on what you are asking, not all the info, but a good start. Also, the magazine it comes from is called Sign & Digital Graphics Magazine which always has articles about vehicle wraps.

2010 Auto Art Contest | Sign and Digital Graphics

As far as the graphics themselves... it looks like a combination of 3D designs that are rendered in a program like Cinema4D or 3DStudioMax, vector graphics and Photoshop painting.

The car wrap graphics are always a tough one as there are some crazy great artists working on it. These are the same ones that used to airbrush this stuff.

BML Builder said:

The vinyl that we use for car graphics is car wrap vinyl. It is more expensive but it comes in the rapid air release (lets out air bubbles easier) and that makes it a whole lot easier to apply, plus it is stretchier and will let you reposition. Regular vinyl will not be as forgiving when you stick it on in the wrong place or get the vinyl a little off or at an angle when it should have been straight.

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hi marilyn. i know this is an old thread but found it on search.

was wondering exactly what brand of vinyl you use for solid (non-printed) car wraps.

my wife just got a new car and wanted to do the hood a cooper metallic. was wondering if oracle 951 metallic would work and do you use an overlaminate?

thanks a bunch!

-tim.