| Client | Bratcher Heating & Air |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Vehicle Type | HVAC Service Vans |
| Previous Graphics | Die-cut vinyl lettering & decals |
| New Service | Full Fleet Wrap — Rebrand |
| Material | Avery Dennison MPI 1105 |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Warranty | 2-yr workmanship + Avery 5-yr material |
The Challenge
Bratcher Heating and Air had been running their HVAC service fleet with die-cut vinyl lettering — individual cut letters and logo decals applied directly to the van paint. When the fleet was new, it looked acceptable. After years of Chicago winters, road salt, and the thermal cycling that HVAC vans go through — hot engine, cold overnight temps, repeat — the decals had started to show their age. Edges lifting, corners curling, adhesive yellowing at the seams.
For an HVAC contractor, that visual matters. You're asking homeowners and building managers to let you into their mechanical systems, their basements, their equipment rooms. A truck that looks like it hasn't been maintained sends exactly the wrong signal before the technician has said a word. Bratcher understood this and came to us ready for a complete fleet rebrand — not a patch job, not new decals over old ones, a fresh start.
The specific technical challenge was the old adhesive. Die-cut decals applied years ago, especially on vans that have been through heat cycles, leave adhesive residue that bonds aggressively to the paint. Every panel needed full adhesive removal before prep could even begin. On a working fleet that can't be down for extended periods, we scheduled the removal and wrap in tight production windows — van in, old decals off, surface prep, wrap applied, van out.
Why Gloss — and Why Avery MPI 1105
Bratcher chose gloss finish — the opposite of Arnold Electric's matte choice — and both are right for their respective situations. Gloss works particularly well on HVAC vans for one specific reason: it reads as clean even when it has light road film on it. The reflectivity of a gloss surface makes the van look maintained in situations where a matte finish would show grime more readily.
HVAC vans pull up to residential homes and commercial buildings throughout the day. They sit in driveways, in parking lots, in front of apartment buildings. The van is visible to the client, to their neighbors, and to every passerby the entire time the technician is on site. A high-gloss wrap in Bratcher's brand colors makes the right impression in all of those situations.
Avery MPI 1105 in gloss delivers a clear, deep finish that holds without yellowing or haziness over the 5-7 year lifespan of the wrap. It's the same base film as the matte — same conformability, same edge performance, same removal characteristics — just a different overlaminate. For a fleet rebrand where longevity and consistent appearance across vehicles is the priority, MPI 1105 is the commercial standard.
Matte vs Gloss — The Real Difference
We get this question constantly from fleet operators who are choosing between the two. The honest answer is that both are excellent on commercial vehicles using cast vinyl. The choice comes down to use case and brand personality.
Gloss catches light and photographs well. It communicates energy and confidence. It reads as clean from a distance even with minor surface contamination. It's the right choice for HVAC, plumbing, and service companies whose vans are constantly visible in residential and commercial settings.
Matte is less reflective and reads as premium, understated, modern. It hides minor surface imperfections better. It's less likely to show water spots after rain. It works particularly well for electrical and specialty contractors whose branding skews toward a more technical, professional aesthetic — which is why Arnold Electric went matte while Bratcher went gloss. Both right. Different intentions.
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Related: HVAC Van Wraps Chicago · Van Wraps Chicago · Fleet Wraps Chicago · Gloss Vinyl Wraps · Decal Removal · Arnold Electric Case Study
Done With the Old Decals?
Full fleet rebrands from $4,700/van. Decal removal included in quote.
Free pickup · Matte or gloss · 2-year warranty
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