Understanding the difference between complete graphic kits and partial options helps you match the product to your vision and budget. A full wrap UTV graphic kit is going to have pretty much every “customer-facing” surface covered, from doors and fenders to the hood and so forth. The major advantage here is cohesion; you get a really smooth and complete aesthetic that looks awesome from every angle.
Partial graphic kits, as the name implies, will focus on a couple of areas rather than covering your entire machine. For example, a partial kit may come with graphics for the door, fender, and/or hood. You can start with partial graphics and add more panels over time as budget allows.
Door graphics specifically deserve mention because they're probably the single most cost-effective way to personalize your UTV. Doors are highly visible, relatively flat (easier installation than complex curved fenders), and they frame you when you're driving, making door graphics what people notice first. Many riders run simple, clean door graphics with otherwise stock appearance and get 80% of the visual impact of a full wrap at 20% of the cost.
It’s a hard truth to learn, but cheap vinyl will teach you an expensive lesson about what happens when you go with an inferior UTV graphic kit. You’re definitely going to want premium cast vinyl that can contour to those curves and resist shrinking and fading. Calendared vinyl is more affordable and can still look great (and hold up well) on flatter panels and surfaces, but it won’t adhere as well on curves. It also tends to shrink over time and fade faster after being exposed to the sun.
Laminate coating is going to give you some pretty excellent protection against scratches and UV damage, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to cut corners with laminate, so make sure you only stick with UTV graphic kits brands that have solid reputations. As a final tip, you will definitely want air-release adhesive if you’re doing a DIY installation. It will save you more than one headache, trust us!
We’re going to be totally upfront for a moment: graphic kit installation seems (and looks) easier than it actually is. If you’re going for a full wrap especially, and/or if your panels have a lot of nuance to them, it’s essential that you don’t underestimate the job ahead. Make no mistake, DIY is most definitely doable, but it’s a very detail-oriented process that will probably require plenty of tutorial watching.
On the other hand, professional installation is going to allow you to skip all this noise, but obviously, for a cost. Professionals have the tools and techniques needed to handle those super tricky spots that may leave a DIY-er with no options. Regardless of whether you go with DIY or professional for your UTV graphic kit installation, prepping the surface(s) is an absolute must. Make sure it’s 100% clean with absolutely zero dirt, oils, or other adulterants on your surfaces.
How long will this UTV graphic kit last before I need another?
This goes back to material. If we’re talking high-quality cast vinyl graphics, you’ve got at least five years. The cheaper stuff may only last two or three.
Can I remove graphic kits without damaging my plastics?
Yes, quality graphics designed for powersport applications remove cleanly using heat and patience!
Will I have to take my doors off?
For simple door graphics or small decals, you can install them with panels on the machine—just work carefully around edges. For full wraps or complex panel graphics, removing the panels and working on a table makes installation dramatically easier and produces better results.