In the competitive world of trade services, your vehicle isn’t just a mode of transportation—it is your most powerful marketing tool. At our shop, we believe that every commute across the GTA is an opportunity to secure your next client.
Today, we had the pleasure of completing a stunning fleet graphics job for Brian’s Masonry. We transformed a dark grey 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Long Bed into a mobile billboard that commands attention. Using top-tier 3M IJ180 vinyl and high-gloss lamination, this truck is now ready to turn heads from Etobicoke to Vaughan.
In this post, we’ll break down the details of this installation, explain why we chose specific high-performance materials, and provide industry insights on why truck decals in Toronto are the smartest investment for your business.
Project Spotlight: Brian’s Masonry
Brian’s Masonry needed a branding solution that communicated professionalism, reliability, and expertise. Masonry is a tough, gritty trade, and they needed a decal package that could withstand the elements while looking sharp.
The Vehicle: 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Long Bed
The canvas for this project was a rugged 2022 Ram 1500. The “Long Bed” configuration of this truck provided us with excellent real estate specifically for the horizontal text.
- Challenge: The truck’s dark charcoal paint required high-contrast vinyl to ensure readability.
- Solution: We utilized bold white, red, and blue lettering that pops against the dark background, ensuring the branding is visible even from a distance or in low light.
The Design Elements
Looking at the photos of the finished job, you can see several strategic design choices:
- Iconography: The custom logo features crossed masonry tools (a hammer and trowel), instantly communicating the nature of the business without the viewer needing to read a word.
- Service List: On the bed of the truck, we placed the text “Brick • Block • Stone.” This efficiently tells potential customers exactly what services are offered.
- Trust Signals: We included the HomeStars badge and a Canadian Flag decal. In the GTA market, these small details build immense trust with homeowners looking for local contractors.
- Contact Info: The phone number and website (BriansMasonry.net) are placed prominently on the tailgate and front fenders for easy visibility in traffic.
The Material Difference: Why We Use 3M IJ180
For a high-end vehicle like a 2022 Ram 1500, economy vinyl simply won’t cut it. For this project, we exclusively used 3M IJ180 (IJ180MC-10) print film, paired with 8518 Gloss Laminate.
What is 3M IJ180MC-10?
This is the gold standard in the vehicle wrap industry. The “MC” stands for Micro Comply™, a technology that features invisible air release channels. This allows trapped air to escape during installation, ensuring a bubble-free finish.
Why the 8518 Gloss Laminate?
We laminate all our digital prints. The 8518 Gloss Overlaminate provides a “wet paint” look that enhances the vibrancy of the colours. More importantly, it acts as a shield against UV rays, road salt, and minor abrasions—crucial for a work truck driving through salty Toronto winters.
3M IJ180 vs. Economy Vinyl
Here is a quick comparison to help you understand why we prioritize premium materials for custom truck decals:
| Feature | 3M IJ180 (Premium Cast) | Economy Vinyl (Calendered) |
| Lifespan | 7–10 Years | 1–3 Years |
| Conformability | High (Stretches over curves/rivets) | Low (Best for flat surfaces only) |
| Shrinkage | Negligible | Prone to shrinking back from edges |
| Removal | Clean removal (leaves no residue) | Difficult (often leaves glue behind) |
| Finish | Paint-like high gloss | Standard glossy or matte |
The Strategic Value of Truck Decals in the GTA
If you operate a business in Mississauga, Brampton, or the greater Toronto area, traffic is a daily reality. However, for a branded truck, traffic is an advantage.
1. Cost-Effective Advertising
Unlike billboards or pay-per-click ads, vehicle graphics require a one-time payment for years of exposure. A truck driving daily from Etobicoke to a job site in Richmond Hill can generate between 30,000 to 70,000 impressions per day.
2. Local SEO on Wheels
When you search for “Masonry in Vaughan” on Google, you get digital results. But when Brian’s Masonry parks this truck in a Vaughan driveway, he is dominating the physical local SEO. Neighbours see the truck, see the quality of work being done, and take down the number. It legitimizes the business in that specific postal code.
3. Professionalism and Trust
There is a significant psychological difference between a contractor showing up in an unmarked white van versus a professionally branded truck. The graphics we applied to this Dodge Ram signal to the client: “We are established, we are professional, and we are proud of our work.”
The Installation Process
Creating the perfect decal job involves more than just hitting “print.” Here is a glimpse into how we handled this project:
1. Surface Preparation:
Before a single inch of vinyl touched the truck, the vehicle underwent a rigorous cleaning process. We removed all road tar, wax, and grease using cleaning vinegar and isopropyl alcohol. This is critical for the 3M adhesive to bond correctly.
2. Printing & Laminating:
We printed the design on the 3M IJ180 using eco-solvent inks for deep color saturation. Once the ink outgassed (dried), we ran it through our laminator to apply the 8518 Gloss protection.
3. Contour Cutting:
Unlike a full wrap which covers all of the vehicles painted surfaces, this job utilized “die-cut” or contour-cut graphics. Our plotters cut precisely around the “Masonry” letters and the tool graphics, allowing the beautiful charcoal paint of the truck to serve as the background.
4. Application:
Our certified installers positioned the graphics using magnets to ensure perfect alignment. Using squeegees and heat guns, the vinyl was applied, working it into the recesses of the Ram’s body lines for a factory-finished look.
5 Tips for Designing Your Custom Truck Decals
Are you looking to brand your own fleet? Whether you are based in Scarborough or Oakville, keep these design principles in mind:
- High Contrast is Key: If your truck is white, use dark text. If your truck is dark (like Brian’s), use white or bright colours.
- Less is More: You have about 3 seconds to make an impression. Don’t clutter the design with bullet points. Stick to your Name, Logo, Main Service, and Contact Info.
- Use the Bed Space: On pickup trucks, the rear bed is the largest flat surface. Use it for your primary service keywords (e.g., Brick • Block • Stone).
- Include Trust Badges: Are you on HomeStars? Are you BBB accredited? Do you have a specialized license? Small decals for these build instant credibility.
- Readable Fonts: Avoid overly cursive or complex fonts. Bold, sans-serif fonts are best for moving vehicles.
Maintaining Your Truck Decals in Canadian Weather
Living in Ontario means dealing with extreme weather. To ensure decals last the full 7–10 years, we advised Brian’s Masonry on the following care tips:
- Hand Wash is Best: Automated car washes with stiff bristles can lift the edges of vinyl lettering over time.
- Avoid High Pressure: If using a pressure washer, keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the vinyl and avoid spraying directly at the edges.
- Winter Care: Salt can be corrosive. Rinse the truck frequently during the winter months to protect both the vinyl laminate and the truck’s paint.
Conclusion
We are thrilled with how this Dodge Ram 1500 turned out. The combination of the sleek 2022 body style, the premium 3M IJ180 materials, and the bold design makes for a fleet vehicle that truly stands out.
For Brian’s Masonry, this isn’t just a decoration; it’s an asset that will generate leads and build brand recognition across the GTA for years to come.
Ready to Brand Your Fleet?
Does your work truck represent the quality of your work? If you are looking for truck decals in Toronto or the surrounding areas, we are here to help. From design to installation, we use only the best materials to ensure your business gets noticed.
Contact us today for a free quote on your custom truck decals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do truck decals last?
When using high-quality cast vinyl like 3M IJ180 with a protective laminate, your decals can last between 7 to 10 years, depending on care and sun exposure.
Will the decals damage my truck’s paint?
No. In fact, the vinyl protects the paint underneath from UV rays and minor scratches. When removed professionally, the paint underneath will look as good as the day the vinyl was applied.
Can you wrap a truck in winter?
Yes, we install inside a climate-controlled facility. The vehicle needs to be warm for the adhesive to set properly, so we bring the vehicle in to reach room temperature before beginning work.
What areas do you serve?
We provide vehicle graphics and installation services across the entire GTA, including Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill.
How much do custom truck decals cost?
Pricing varies based on the coverage (full wrap vs. partial lettering) and the size of the vehicle. Partial graphics like the ones on Brian’s Ram are a very cost-effective middle ground. Contact us for a specific estimate.
