Tools Needed To Remove and Apply Vinyl Wrap

Tools Needed To Remove Vinyl Wrap From Car

Plastic scraper: A plastic scraper will go underneath the vinyl wrap and pry it up. Do not use metal scrapers as these may damage the paint of your car. Plastic scrapers can be found at any auto detailing shop.

Heat gun: Use this to heat the edges of the vinyl to make it easy to remove.

Adhesive remover: Get a mild chemical citrus cleaner designed to break down adhesive. You can find this in your local hardware store.

Spray bottle: Use this to spray your adhesive remover over the vehicle.

A piece of cloth: Get a clean microfiber rag.

Rubbing alcohol: This will help you clean the surface of your car after you have removed the vinyl wrapping. If you don't have rubbing alcohol, use water and mild detergent.

Tools Needed To Apply Vinyl Wrap

One of the many reasons why people don't normally wrap their own vehicles is the fact that few people outside of the circle of auto detailers and wrap installers have the tools like Auto Window Tint Tools, Car Wrap Tool and paint protection film application tools needed for the job. On top of buying the vinyl wrap film, you will also need to purchase a handful of tools and equipment to help with the installation. Of course, you’ll need to learn how to use these tools, but that’s another subject; for now, let’s focus on simply how much it will cost you to purchase the tools you need.

Squeegees and Tucking Tools – You’ll need squeegees and tucking tools to apply the film to the car. Kits are available online and range from about $30 to $300 or more depending on the number of pieces in the kit.

Knives and Blades – Not any knife or pair of scissors will do when it comes to cutting vinyl graphic and wrap film. Specialty wrap blades are designed to cut through the paper release liner of the film so there’s no risk of damaging the wrap. Professional wrap cutters cost between $30 and $50.

Heat Gun – Vinyl wrapping a car is impossible without a heat gun. The film needs to be carefully heated in order to be stretched over curves and lines in the body. A digital heat gun can range between $50 and $100 or more.

Infrared Thermometer – See the above description (“The film needs to be carefully heated…”) and you’ll understand why you also need a thermometer. This is an important tool for making sure that you don’t overheat the film and damage it as a result. IR thermometers can also range between $50 and $100 or more.

Prepare Your Car before Wrapping

Cleaning and Surface Prep

Clean your car. Non-wax car wash products leave a clean surface to which vinyl wrap will readily bond with Tools For Vinyl Wrapping. Then, clean the entire surface with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths.

Remove obstacles from the wrap surface. Yes, you can wrap around an emblem, mirror, door handle, antenna, or headlight, but this greatly increases the difficulty and time required to get a good vinyl wrap finish. During this process, paint protection film application tools and Window Tint Installation Tools may be needed. Save yourself a bottle of ibuprofen by removing obstacles. Go over the surrounding areas with alcohol once more to remove fingerprints or dust.

Measure each section you plan on wrapping, adding a few inches for handling. Sketch a diagram of your car's body panels and write down these measurements for later. Measure twice, add a little, and cut once. Remember, you can't add material once you've cut it off! If a panel is close to or wider than your widest vehicle wrap, you'll need to make a seam. Don't try to wrap a 60-inch hood with 60-inch wrap – you'll come up short, guaranteed.