Can You Use Vinyl Wrap Tools For Window Tint?

If you already have a vinyl wrap toolkit, you are closer to being ready for window tint than you might think. Most of the core tools cross over between the two jobs. The cutting tools, the heat gun, the measuring tape, and the cleaning cloths are all the same.

Where things differ is mostly with the squeegee and a couple of small additions specific to tint. Window tint is applied wet, while vinyl wrap goes on dry. That one difference is what drives the variation in tools between the two processes.

This guide breaks it all down clearly: what carries over, what is different, and what extra items you need to pick up before your first tint job.

Basic Tools To Use For Both Wrap & Tint Installation

For DIY installation of vinyl wraps and window tints, you must have a basic kit with the tools mentioned below. These are required for both processes.

• Heat gun: This is one of the most important tools for car customization. A Smart Digital Display Heat Gun with adjustable temperature and airflow settings is a must-have for both wrap and tint installations.
• Tape Measure: This tool is required to measure the surface or window, allowing you to cut the material accurately. It prevents wastage, reduces errors, and helps in getting a perfect fit, whether you're wrapping a car's exterior or applying tint to its windows.
• Utility Knife: These come with an angular blade. It is best to get a set for precise cutting of the vinyl and tint film with smooth edges and a clean finish. What to include in the common kit? Utility Knife with a 60° and 30° blade, and a Precision Hobby Knife. Also, get a safety cutter and a handheld film cutter.
• Gloves: Safety always comes first no matter how you are customizing your vehicle. Gloves are important for protecting the film from fingerprints and your hands from getting nicks and cuts while using the knives. Always keep these and finger cots in your toolkit.
• Microfiber Cleaning Towel: For a successful film application, a thoroughly clean surface is the foremost requirement for which you should have a microfiber cloth or towel. It effectively removes dust and debris without leaving lint or streaks behind. 

Difference In Squeegees Used For Vinyl Wrap & Tint Installation

A squeegee is the most important tool for both vinyl wrap and tint installation. You must have a set available at all times in your toolkit if you are into automotive customization. However, there is a difference between the types of squeegees used for these two processes. Here’s the detail:

• Squeegees for Vinyl Wrap: For wrap application, you would need softer squeegees preferably with a suede felt edge to glide smoothly over the material without leaving any marks and scratches. You can also get this in a winged shape or a magnet attached to them. When the felt strip wears out, there’s no need to buy a new squeegee—simply get a set of replacement strips.
• Squeegees for Window Tint: Tint film requires wet application hence the squeegees for this process are made with soft plastic or silicone with a rubber edge or come with a long or short handle to help you thoroughly draw the slip solution out from under the film. This provides a flawless, bubble-free finish.  

Additional Tools You Need For Window Tint Application

Good news! If you have the basic tools and a complete set of squeegees for both vinyl and window tint installation, you're almost there. The only tools you’ll need now are the simple, inexpensive ones you likely have at home. These include the slip solution and a sprayer to install the window tint.

• Slip Solution: This is needed for the wet application of the tint film on the glass of your vehicle’s window. You can easily prepare this at home by mixing 1000ml of distilled water with 2ml of baby shampoo.
• Spray Bottle: A simple plastic bottle with a spray nozzle is required for tint installation for evenly applying the slip solution over the glass surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do you need to install window tint?

For a complete window tint installation you need: a heat gun, a tape measure, utility knives, tint squeegees with rubber or silicone edges, gloves, a spray bottle, slip solution, a microfiber cleaning towel, and a plastic scraper for glass prep.

What is the slip solution for window tint?

Slip solution is a diluted mixture applied to the glass before the tint film is placed. It keeps the adhesive from bonding immediately so you can position the film. The standard home recipe is 1000ml of distilled water mixed with 2ml of baby shampoo. Use distilled water only as tap water can leave mineral deposits under the film.

Can you use a vinyl wrap squeegee for window tint?

Not as a standard practice. Vinyl wrap squeegees have a soft felt edge designed for dry applications. That edge absorbs the slip solution used in tint work and loses its effectiveness. Tint work requires a rubber or silicone edge squeegee. In some specific situations experienced installers use wider wrap squeegees for final passes on large flat windows, but for most tint jobs a proper tint squeegee is the right tool.

Do you need a heat gun for window tint?

Yes, especially for curved rear windows. The tint film needs to be heated and shrunk to match the curve of the glass before installation. Without heat, the film will crease and wrinkle on any window that is not completely flat. A heat gun set to a low or medium setting is the standard tool for this step.

Where can I get vinyl wrap and window tint tools?

Oshark carries complete tool kits for both vinyl wrap and window tint installation. You can browse individual tools or full kit options depending on what you already own and what you need to add.

Revamp Your Vehicle With The Right Tools!

So can you use vinyl wrap tools for window tint? Yes, most of the tools are the same. You will just have to buy some special tint squeegees and a sprayer and prepare the special slip solution used for car window tinting. If you want to completely revamp your car and apply both the vinyl and tint to it, we suggest buying the vinyl wrap kit and additional squeegees and you will have everything required for the complete job. Visit OSHARK now and replenish your tools set.