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Vinyl wrapping is becoming increasingly popular among car enthusiasts who love to customize and give their vehicles a new look from time to time. Plus, it’s a great way to protect car paint from various elements and it’s way more affordable than a fresh paint job.
However, before you embark on your vinyl wrapping project, you’ll need the right tools for the task, starting with the best heat gun for the vinyl wrap. While you can use other tools like a hair dryer, an automotive heat gun is the best option, especially for beginners.
This is because a heat gun produces hot steam that helps to get rid of bubbles and wrinkles when applying the vinyl wrap film, allowing you to seal its edges.
In addition, you can use this tool for other tasks in automotive applications like removing the vinyl wrap, stripping car paint, removing sticky adhesive residues, and tinting car windows.
In short, investing in a heat gun for the vinyl wrap is a great investment for professionals and DIYers, thanks to versatility. But where do you even get started when looking for the best heat gun for vinyl wrapping?
Well, you’re definitely on the right track! Just read on and you’ll find the perfect automotive gun for your upcoming vinyl wrapping project!
Things to Consider when buying the best heat gun for vinyl wrap (Buying Guide)
First of all, there are several heat guns specifically designed to perform various tasks in the automotive industry. So, if you’re not careful, you can easily end up with a heat gun that’s not intended for car wrapping.
On the bright side, considering the following factors during your selection process will help choose the ideal heat gun for your project:
Temperature Range/settings
As already mentioned, a heat gun is a multi-purpose tool that can be used for various purposes like wrapping cars, stripping car paint, and loosening frozen & rusted bolts and pipes.
Choosing a heat gun for a vinyl wrap with a wide temperature range will allow you to perform various tasks with the device.
Most heat guns for vinyl wrap have a temperature range of about 120 to 900 deg F. This provides enough heat to remove wrinkles and bubbles in your vinyl wrap since the optimal range of applying the film is around 125 to 195 deg F.
Also, low to mid heat (250 – 700 deg F) is ideal for window tinting, decal removal, and heat-shrinking cable.
However, if you’re planning to use the device for other heavy-duty tasks like stripping car paint, you may want to look for a heat gun with a higher temperature range.
For instance, stripping car paint requires high temperatures of about 1000 – 1200 deg F.
Nozzle Accessories
A heat gun uses different types of nozzles to ensure better heat distribution and precise heat control on your project. The most popular heat gun nozzles include;
Glass protector nozzle. As the name suggests, this nozzle accessory protects the glass from direct heat while stripping paint off the car with a heat gun.
Reducer/cone nozzle. This type of nozzle concentrates the heat into a small area and is commonly used for desoldering.
Fantail nozzle. Unlike a reducer/ cone nozzle, a fantail disperses heater over a wide surface, making it ideal for vinyl wrapping.
Cable length
Considering how large some cars are, you’ll need an extension cable that you can use with your heat gun. Nonetheless, it’s important to check out the cable length of the heat gun as it will determine the size of the extension cable you need.
For instance, if you choose a heat gun with a longer power cord, you’ll need a smaller extension.
Fan speed control
The fan speed plays a crucial role in determining the surface area the heat gun impacts. For instance, a gun with a low fan speed impacts a small surface area, allowing you to wrap with utmost precision.
On the downside, the temperature of these devices decreases as you move the device away from the car’s surface.
In comparison, heat guns with high fan speeds provide better heat distribution across a large surface area. Not to forget that the temperature doesn’t reduce as you move the device away from the vinyl wrap.
This makes them ideal for vinyl wrapping as they allow you to cover a large area in less time, without significant temperature reduction.
Ergonomic handle
Although heat guns for vinyl wrap are relatively easy to use, choosing a device with a soft rubber grip will allow you to use it over a long period without getting hand fatigue.
Also, look for a device with an inbuilt hanging hook or storage case for fast and convenient storage.
5 Best Heat Guns for Vinyl Wrap Reviews
1. SEEKONE Fast Heating Heat Gun
So, in addition to car wrapping, you can use it for other applications like loosening rusted bolts, removing tiles/floor tiles, cell phone repair, shrinking wrap & heat shrink tube, heating PVC, and more.
Key Features
1800 W heating power with 2 modes
To start, this 1800W vinyl wrap heat gun delivers a strong power that allows the device to quickly heat up to the max temperature of 650 deg F (1202 deg F) within 2 seconds.
Not to forget that it has 2 heating modes. The 1st mode has a temperature range of 50 to 450 deg C, while the 2nd mode ranges from 50 to 650 deg C. In addition, this device has a cool-down mode that makes it easy to store it safely after you’re done using it for the day.
Adjustable temperature
Another interesting feature of this heat gun is that it offers variable temperature control. Even better, this dial is very simple to use as you only need to rotate it clockwise to increase the temperature setting or anticlockwise to reduce it.
As for the temperature range, this heat gun can produce temperatures of between 120 and 1200 deg F, making it ideal for various applications including car wrapping.
In addition, this device is equipped with 3 fan settings; OFF, LOW, and HIGH, allowing you to find the accurate temperature with ease. On top of that, it has an overload protection feature that protects the device and circuit from any damage.
4 nozzle accessories
You’ll also note that this heat gun comes with 4 interchangeable nozzles. The reflector nozzle is essential for vinyl works as it disperses heat flow uniformly around the entire work area, while the deflector nozzle directs a long, narrow heat pattern to the surface.
On the other hand, the 2 concentrator nozzles direct a concentrated heat flow to the surface you’re working on.
Ergonomic construction
Lastly, this unit is designed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injury and increase comfort, thanks to its scientifically engineered handle. At the same, it has a buffer at the bottom of the ergonomic handle to prevent slippage.
On top of that, there is a small switch on the handle for controlling the airflow.
Specifications
- Heating power: 1800W
- Cable length: 5.25 ft (1.6m)
- Heat control: dial
- Weight: 1.98 lbs
- Input: 110V, 50 Hz
Benefits
- Ergonomically designed handle
- High heating power
- Includes overload protection
- Wide temperature range
- Convenient temperature control dial
Drawbacks
- Lacks a temperature reading display
- Slightly shorter cable length (5.25 ft)
2. VVivid Professional Automotive Heat Gun for Vinyl Wrap
Therefore, you can rest assured that you’re getting one of the best heat guns for your vinyl wrapping project.
However, film wrapping isn’t the only thing you can use this professional heat gun for. Instead, it’s ideal for several other applications like desoldering, shrinking cable covers, loosening floor tiles, and even stripping car paint.
All thanks to the incredible features displayed by this power tool!
Key Features
Dual Temperature Setting
This 1200W heavy-duty heat gun has 2 heat settings; 750 and 1000 deg F, that is relatively easy to select with the handle-mounted switch. These settings provide the optimum temperature needed for your film wrapping project, depending on the grade of the vinyl wrap.
Moreover, the high-temperature setting makes it ideal for non-automotive applications like loosening rusted bolts and thawing pipes.
Heat Output
In terms of heat output, this heat gun can produce up to 4100 BTUs/ h, which is ideal for covering broad areas when wrapping your car. At the same time, this makes it suitable for handling other heavy-duty tasks that require high heat output.
In addition, the tools come with a 3M squeegee that you can use to smooth out the vinyl wrap without leaving bubbles or lumps. On top of that, you’ll get 3 disposable felt strips that attach to the applicator’s lip to prevent the edge of the squeegee from scratching or ripping the vinyl wrap.
Construction
The VVIVID heat gun is made from lightweight high-impact plastic material, making it easy to carry around but very durable. On the other hand, the included heat-aiming nozzle is made from stainless steel.
On the downside, this heat gun doesn’t come with additional nozzles, thus restricting its use in other applications.
Other than that, the inbuilt tip delivers optimum heat recovery for car coverage, making it one of the best heat guns for ardent car wrapping enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Heating power: 1200W
- Max Heat Output: 4100 BTUs/ h
- Weight: 1.96 lbs
- Inbuilt nozzle
Benefits
- Lightweight & portable construction
- Easy to use
- Adjustable heat settings
- Professional automotive heat gun for vinyl wrap
- Performs other heavy-duty tasks
Drawbacks
- Lacks additional nozzle accessories
3. PRULDE N2190 Hot Air Gun
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly heat gun for car wrapping, it’s a perfect option for you!
Key Features
Dual temperature setting
Despite being an affordable heat gun, this hot air gun can reach its peak temperature in less than 2 seconds. Thanks to its strong 1500W power rating that allows it to heat up in no time.
In addition, it’s equipped with 2 variable heat settings (800 & 1112 deg F) and 2 fan speeds that will meet your vinyl wrapping needs. Better yet, you can easily adjust the temperature using the switch mounted on the back of its handle.
Safety features
When it comes to safety, this heat gun has 6 ventilation holes that improve the device’s airflow to keep it cool in your hand and protect the heating cool. On top of that, it has an inbuilt overload protection that extends the longevity of the tool and prevents accidents due to misuse.
That way. If the air vents become damaged or blocked, the overload protector will shut down the device immediately if it overheats.
Additional nozzles
Another thing worth mentioning about this handheld automotive heat gun is that it comes with 4 additional nozzles; fantail, concentrator, reflector, and disperser.
Therefore, you can rest assured that you’ll get accurate heat intensity to work on various materials and projects.
6.5 ft cable length
Unlike the heat guns we’ve reviewed so far, this heat gun has a 6.5 ft-long power cord. This gives you enough freedom to move around the car as you remove bubbles and wrinkles on various parts of the vinyl wrap.
In addition, the unit comes with an instruction manual and a 2-year warranty.
Specifications
- Heating power: 1500W
- Cable length: 6.56 ft (1.98m)
- Temperature Range: 800 – 1112 deg F
- Weight: 2.44 lbs
- Heat control: switch
Benefits
- Reasonable price
- Rapid heat-up feature
- Dual; temperature control
- Comes with 4 additional nozzles
- Overload protection
- Back supports provide stability when you put the device down
Drawbacks
- No hanging loop
- Lacks a lower-end temperature setting
4. GENESIS GHG1500A Heat Gun for Vinyl Wrap
Plus, it comes with several nozzle attachments, giving it enough versatility to handle different applications.
Key Features
2 Heat settings
As already mentioned, this hot air gun has 2 operating temperature models. The HIGH mode delivers 1000 deg F, while the LOW mode provides 527 deg F, which is ideal for decal removal and window tinting.
Interestingly, changing between the 2 models is quite straightforward as you only need to use the 2-way handle-mounted rocker switch.
Nozzle Accessories
This Genesis GHG1500A heat gun comes with a nozzle kit that includes 2 deflector nozzles, 1 air reduction nozzle, and 1 reflector nozzle.
The reflector nozzle allows you to apply heat in a circular option which is ideal for wire sheath shrinking and thawing pipes, while the air reduction nozzle protects the glass and other sensitive surfaces.
In addition, the fan-tail ends provide uniform heat distribution for window tinting or vinyl wrapping, while the concentrator cap-end provides focused heat, which is crucial when desoldering or soldering auto-electrical components.
Improved airflow
Another unique feature of this heat gun is that it has 6 ventilation at the back of the device. These holes improve the tool’s airflow while you’re using it to remove wrinkles on your vinyl wrap.
More importantly, this increases its longevity and prevents it from overheating during use. In addition, this unit can stand upright on its back end to allow the nozzle to cool down once you are done with it.
Easy to use
This power tool has a heavily textured handle to reduce accidental slippage and increase traction in the palm during use. Not to forget that it’s equipped with a backstop buffer at the base of the handle to provide increased stability.
In addition, the gun has a 6.5 ft long power cord, but you’ll still need an extension for most automotive applications.
Specifications
- Heating power: 1500W
- Cable length: 6.5 ft (1.98m)
- Temperature Range: 572 – 1000 deg F
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Heat control: switch
- Input: 120V AC, 60Hz
- Powerful 12.5A motor
Benefits
- Inbuilt stand for easy cooldown
- Affordable & easy to use
- 2 heat settings
- Comes with 4 additional nozzles
- Textured handle to prevent slippage during use
Drawbacks
- Lacks overheat protection
- No temperature variance
5. Wagner Spraytech HT1000 Heat Gun Kit
Best of all, it’s a perfect option for intermediate users and beginners as it’s equipped with many user-friendly features.
Key Features
Adjustable heat settings
Like other heat guns on our list, this Wagner Spraytech HT1000 device produces 4100 BTUs and 1200W with 2 different temperature settings of 750 and 1000 deg F.
On the same note, it has a rocker switch that allows you to choose between HIGH and low-temperature settings with a tap of your finger. This allows you to adjust the intensity of the heat range based on the type of project you’re undertaking.
On top of that, it has 2 fan speeds that give you more customization options.
Corrosion resistant nozzles
Regarding the construction, this heat gun is crafted from heat-resistant and impact-proof polymers to extend its durability. The 3 additional nozzles and diffusers are made from corrosion-resistant material to enhance their longevity.
The edge guard nozzle protects fragile surfaces, while the concentrator nozzle concentrates heat in limited areas and flame nozzles disseminate heat across a long narrow surface.
Hands-free usage
Finally, this power tool is equipped with an inbuilt stand for convenient and hands-free usage, making it extremely easy to use while wrapping a car. For instance, you only need to invert it into a vertical position on a flat surface and it will stand upright until you pick it up again.
In addition, the heat gin has a hanging hook for enhanced flexibility, an inbuilt storage loop as well as a standard-length cable for convenient use.
Specifications
- Heating power: 1200W
- Cable length: 6 ft (1.83m)
- Temperature Range: 750 – 1000 deg F
- Weight: 1.58 lbs
- Heat control: switch
- Input: 120V AC, 60Hz
Benefits
- Dual heat settings
- 2-year warranty
- hands-free operation
- Corrosion-resistant nozzles
- Inbuilt hanging hook for easy storage
- High-impact plastic body construction
Drawbacks
- Requires more nozzles for some applications
Conclusion
While you can use other tools like hair dryers, it’s important to have the best heat gun for vinyl wrap when wrapping your car to achieve a sufficient temperature level.
This is because most hair dryers reach a maximum temperature of 280 deg F (140 deg C), while heat guns can reach up to 1450 deg F (600 deg F). In addition, these automotive heat guns provide the heat distribution, flexibility, and intensity needed for a wide range of applications.
So, apart from vinyl wrapping, you can also use them for other tasks like decal removal, paint stripping, desoldering, wire-sheath shrinking as well as window tinting.
Read next: Vinyl wrap vs car paint, which is better?
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