Arnold Electric. Die-Cut to Full Matte Wrap Fleet Rebrand

The Challenge: Die-Cut to Full Matte

Arnold Electric had been running their fleet with die-cut vinyl lettering for years. Individual letters and logos cut from single-color vinyl and applied separately to the van's painted surface. After Chicago winters, road salt, and constant vibration, corners peel, letters shift, and the overall appearance reads as dated and unmaintained.

Every panel required full adhesive residue removal before prep could begin. Die-cut decals applied over years leave adhesive that bonds aggressively to paint, especially after heat cycles. Any residue under a full wrap creates a visible bump. Critical to eliminate before applying matte vinyl where surface imperfections are more visible than on gloss.

The matte finish choice was strategic. Matte hides road grime on a working fleet, photographs cleanly, and reads as premium and modern. Avery MPI 1105 matte holds its true flat finish without the waxy sheen that inferior matte films develop after 18 months of Chicago sun.