Black badging is the latest trend capturing the attention of the automotive world. In the video below, Michael Smith from Luna Nameplate Industries explores the science behind it and delves into the various aspects that make black badges the preferred choice for modern automotive manufacturers, especially for limited and luxury editions.

Read on or watch below – here’s all you need to know about black badging.

It is essential for the product branding of your nameplates, badges, and labels to be easily applied and consistently in the same position or location.

Labels must endure tough conditions, align perfectly, and simplify customer application processes. LNI doesn’t just deliver high-quality labelling products; they also provide solutions to any complex labelling problem that others might overlook.

LNI’s approach begins with understanding its customers’ unique challenges, from automotive giants to industrial manufacturers. Through consultation, innovation, and engineering expertise, they ensure that their application methods and materials make your job easier, faster, and more efficient. Read their blog, Concept to Creation, here.

CEO’s Hesitation

Mark Harris, CEO of Terrific Tools*, drummed his fingers against the conference table as his marketing executive, Sarah, wrapped up her presentation. “We’ve used the same embossed metal nameplates for decades,” Mark said. “They do the job. Why change now?”

Sarah expected this. Terrific Tools had built its reputation on durability and reliability, but their branding was starting to look… tired. Competitors were evolving – sleek, modern badges, sharper branding.

“Because,” Sarah said, “our customers don’t just buy tools. They buy a brand they trust. And right now, our brand is blending into the background.”

Do you know?

If you Google “VIG”, you’ll find a variety of meanings:

• Vig is a slang term for vigorish, referring to the interest paid on a loan.
• VIG is also an acronym for Video Interaction Guidance, a method used in some deaf/blind charities.
• In the world of finance, VIG appears in discussions about stocks and shares.

 

But in our world of product branding, VIG stands for Visual Impact Graphics – where design meets impact.

At LNI our VIG 3D chrome badges use impressively versatile product branding technology to create a range of flexible 3D Chrome Badges for specialised applications.

In industries such as automotive, defence, and medical, equipment and components are often exposed to extreme conditions. Whether the requirement is for high-speed vehicles kicking up debris, medical devices requiring sterilisation, or defence equipment facing rugged terrains, labels must not only identify but also endure.

LNI’s self-adhesive labels are designed for those demanding applications, offering unmatched durability, longevity, and adherence even in the most punishing environments.

Why ordinary labels won’t cut it

Entry-level labels may suffice for everyday applications, but when your product faces extreme conditions, advanced solutions are necessary. LNI specialises in creating high-performance self-adhesive labels that go far beyond standard offerings, particularly for aftermarket automotive kits, defence applications, and critical medical equipment.

For example, consider the label on a shock absorber in an aftermarket suspension kit. The shock absorber endures intense conditions with constant exposure to dirt, moisture, and grease, and is regularly pelted by rocks and stones at high speed. In such a scenario, labels must remain legible and securely attached despite significant impacts, vibrations, and exposure to corrosive elements.

Engineered for harsh environments

LNI’s self-adhesive labels are not just durable, they are engineered for high-performance environments. Made from premium materials, these labels resist wear and tear, even under relentless conditions. The use of premium label materials ensures flexibility, while the printed information remains sharp and clear over time, thanks to LNI’s specialised printing techniques which secure the data, making it resistant to fading, abrasion, and even chemicals.

Specific adhesion and durability requirements

A typical aftermarket suspension kit undergoes significant stress, and labels applied to shock absorbers must endure the intense vibrations and potential impacts without peeling or fading. LNI’s labels are developed with specific adhesion properties, to ensure they bond tightly to even the most challenging surfaces. Whether it’s metal, plastic, or rubber components, our labels are designed to stick and stay stuck.

This superior adhesive is complemented by a coating that protects the label from environmental elements like UV rays, water, and dirt, further extending the label’s lifespan. Even when pelted by rocks or subjected to temperature extremes, LNI’s labels remain intact, providing critical identification and branding information when and where it’s most needed.

Tailored to industry needs

In the medical industry, labels must adhere to equipment that undergoes frequent sterilisation and cleaning. LNI’s medical-grade labels are developed with materials that withstand frequent contact with sanitisers, solvents, and sterilisation processes while maintaining legibility.

For defence applications, where equipment may be deployed in harsh, remote environments, the labels not only must stick but also must remain readable under extreme weather conditions, whether it’s blistering heat, freezing cold, or intense exposure to saltwater.

The LNI difference

At LNI, we understand that not all labels are created equal. Our expertise in material science and adhesion technology allows us to create labels specifically designed for demanding environments.

Whether you need a label that survives the gravel and grit thrown up by off-road vehicles, or one that adheres to equipment in sterile medical settings, we deliver solutions that provide long-lasting reliability.

With a commitment to quality and innovation, LNI ensures that our labels meet the highest standards of durability, performance, and precision. Each label we produce is rigorously tested to ensure it not only meets but exceeds the stringent requirements of the automotive, defence, and medical industries.

Contact the experts

When your products face the toughest conditions, the labels you choose can’t be an afterthought. LNI’s advanced self-adhesive labels are designed to withstand the harshest environments, ensuring that your branding, identification, and compliance information remain intact and legible for the long haul.

From aftermarket kits to critical medical devices and defence equipment, our labels stick – and stay – no matter what they face. Contact LNI today to request a quote or request a sample.

Jordan took great pride in the canopies and tool racks his company manufactured for utes. He had dedicated years to refining his designs, ensuring they could endure the harshest conditions, whether installed on utes bound for remote construction sites or service vehicles navigating rough terrain.

His customers swore by his products, commending their durability and craftsmanship. Yet, despite his best efforts, something was beginning to go awry.

It started with a phone call from one of his most loyal customers. The service body they’d bought six months earlier was as sturdy as ever, but the company’s logo proudly displayed on the canopy, had all but disappeared. The once-polished metal nameplate had faded to a dull, scratched-up shadow, and the critical rating information on the VIN plate had become illegible. To make matters worse, the warning labels on the tool racks, intended to provide load limits and safety instructions, were peeling off. Jordan knew he had a problem.

As the complaints started piling up, Jordan realised he had overlooked something small but crucial. He had focused so much on making his canopies and tool racks tough that he hadn’t considered the materials he was using for the badges, nameplates, and labels. What seemed like minor details were quickly becoming major liabilities.

Facing reality

Jordan’s failure was a hard pill to swallow. His canopies and racks were built to withstand the daily grind; exposure to dust, grime, and Australia’s unpredictable weather. And now the badges and labels were failing in the face of these same elements. This seemingly small oversight was damaging his brand’s image and leaving his customers with products that didn’t quite feel as premium as advertised.

Image: product examples, before exposure and after exposure to the harsh Australian climate

It wasn’t that Jordan didn’t care about quality. It was just that he hadn’t been thoughtful enough about the details. He was learning the hard way that a tough product requires tough branding, especially when it comes to metal nameplates and labels.

What could have been different

If Jordan had done more research, he would have learned about the importance of using fully anodised metal nameplates for his canopies and tool racks. Unlike standard plates, fully anodised ones are built to resist fading, scratching, and even solvents—common threats in the environments his products lived in. By opting for this higher-quality material, the logos, serial numbers, and rating information would have stayed crisp and legible, regardless of the conditions.

For the warning labels, Jordan could have chosen top-tier materials with the right adhesives and clear top coatings for extra protection. These labels would have withstood the wear and tear of daily use, instead of peeling off after a few months. Had he made these choices from the start, Jordan would have avoided the costly and embarrassing complaints from his customers.

Turning failures into a badge of honour

Determined to fix the problem, Jordan used fully anodised metal nameplates for all his future canopies and tool racks. He sourced the highest quality materials for warning labels, ensuring they were coated and adhered properly to last through even the toughest conditions. He didn’t just solve the problem, he turned his failure into a learning experience, becoming an expert in this overlooked but essential detail.

Jordan now proudly tells customers that every nameplate, badge and label on his products is designed to last just as long as the canopies and racks themselves. Ensuring durability is now an important part of his overall build process and has a valuable impact.

In the end, Jordan’s failure wasn’t in making a weak product, it was in underestimating how much consideration even the smallest details require. His products were always tough, but now they’re equipped with badges and labels tough enough to match.

 

Contact the experts at LNI

If you provide ute canopies, service bodies or trays and are after a badge, metal nameplate or label that is tough enough to withstand conditions your products are exposed to, then please contact LNI today.

Black badging is the new striking trend in the automotive industry. This design choice has become increasingly popular among car manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.

Automotive manufacturers can take their chrome or coloured badging and create a black variant, using existing tooling, which makes the change easy and cost-effective which involves replacing traditional chrome or silver logos and trims with sleek, matte, satin, or glossy black alternatives,

But what’s driving this shift toward darker aesthetics? Let’s explore the factors fuelling the rise of black badging in modern motor vehicles. 

Subtle sophistication 

Black badging exudes an air of subtle sophistication and understated luxury. While chrome and silver elements are classic and eye-catching, they often convey a sense of tradition and opulence. In contrast, black badging offers a more contemporary and minimalist look, appealing to those who prefer elegance without excess. The design choice speaks to a refined taste, where less is more. 

This shift aligns with broader trends in design and fashion, where muted tones and minimalist aesthetics have gained traction. Consumers are increasingly drawn to products that offer a sense of exclusivity and sophistication without being overly flashy, and black badging fits this bill perfectly. 

Performance and power 

Another reason behind the popularity of black badging is its association with vehicle performance and power. Many high-performance vehicles and special edition models feature black badging to differentiate them from their standard counterparts. This design choice signals that the vehicle is not just another model off the production line but something special, crafted with enhanced capabilities and engineering prowess. The darkened badges hint at the vehicle’s potential on the road, appealing to enthusiasts who value performance and speed. 

Statement of individuality 

In a world where personalisation and self-expression are increasingly important, black badging allows car owners to make a bold statement. It’s a way to stand out from the crowd and showcase a unique style. For those who seek to differentiate their vehicles from the masses, black badging offers a distinctive look that’s both modern and timeless. 

The opportunity for manufacturers is to offer black badging as part of a customisation package, tailoring vehicles to their customer’s tastes. This level of personalisation is highly appealing in today’s market, where consumers seek more control over their purchases’ design and appearance. 

Black isn’t black 

The challenge from a badge point of view is to create a black colour and then a colour that is a different black. Charcoal is black but not as entirely black as black, and a little more matte than black. That is a good contrast right there when choosing or combining gloss levels. 

There are many shades of black to choose from – ash, carbon, cinder, coal, ebony, graphite, ink, jet, midnight, obsidian, onyx, phantom, pitch, raven, sable, shadow, slate, smokey, vanta (short for Vantablack). Then there is a further choice; high gloss, satin or matte?

Pop culture

Pop culture has also contributed to the rise of black badging. From movies to music videos, dark and edgy aesthetics have become synonymous with coolness and rebellion. Vehicles with blacked-out badges and trim have often been featured as the rides of choice for iconic characters, further cementing their status as symbols of power and style. 

As a result, black badging has become more than just a design choice – it’s a cultural statement. It taps into the desire for individuality and the pursuit of an image that resonates with the themes of modern pop culture. 

A lasting trend? 

The trend of black badging shows no signs of slowing down. Its appeal lies in its versatility, allowing it to cater to various tastes, from the performance-obsessed to the luxury-focused and the style-conscious. As more manufacturers continue offering black badging options, this trend will likely become a staple in automotive design, symbolising a new era of sophistication, performance, and personalisation. 

Whether you’re drawn to the understated elegance, the association with power, or the opportunity for individual expression, black badging offers a unique way to make a statement on the road. As the automotive landscape evolves, it’s clear that this trend will continue to shape the future of vehicle design, one sleek, dark badge at a time. 

 

Contact the experts at LNI to discuss what is the best solution for your product. All our products are Australian-made, designed, and manufactured. Request a quote from LNI today.