Top 3 Types of Squeegees for DIY Projects: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right squeegee can make or break your DIY project. Whether it is installing vinyl decals, smoothing wallpaper, or a scenario involving screen printing, the right tool can yield professional results. Knowing the various types of squeegee and their specialized uses will help you make an informed decision on the right type of squeegee to use in your next project.

1. Rubber Squeegees

The most diverse variety of general DIY use is with rubber squeegees. These devices contain a flexible rubber blade that fits different surfaces, along with a consistent distribution of pressure.

Key Features:

• Wear resistance: Rubber has a longer edge life than competitive plastic products 

• Flexibility: The material will bend around contours and curves and will not lose contact 

• Chemical resistance: Compatible with most adhesives and common cleaning solutions 

• Shock temperature stability: Works well in both high and low temperatures

Best Uses:

•  Cleaning of windows and auto glass repair

•  Installing big vinyl wraps on cars

•  Ironing contact paper and shelf liners

•  Getting air bubbles out of screen protectors

Advantages:

The rubber material gives good grip on smooth surfaces, and it is capable of producing a steady pressure all along the blade width. This fits perfectly into a situation where uniform application pressure is necessary.

Disadvantages:

Rubber squeegee can mark sensitive surfaces and drag on textured surfaces. They also need to be regularly cleaned to avoid the accumulation of adhesives.

2. Plastic Squeegees

Plastic squeegees provide a more lightweight, less costly substitute and are excellent at precision work. These tools are made of different polymers, thus offering effective control and the absence of surface damage.

Key Features:

• Lower weight construction: Less hand fatigue when used extensively

• Easy glide: Stitches freely and glides without sticking to most surfaces 

• Non-marking: Will not mar or scratch sensitive surfaces or finishes 

• Easy to maintain: It is easy to wash and sanitize between applications

Best Uses:

• Fixing colorful wall stickers

• Installing sensitive vinyl lettering 

• Pasting event temporary graphics

• Flattening out thin films and laminates

Advantages:

Plastic squeegee can do fine detail work application best because precision takes precedence over heavy pressure. They are also especially helpful when dealing with costly materials whose mistakes may be expensive.

Disadvantages:

The finer pressure sometimes cannot work on thick materials or rough surfaces. Plastic blades are more prone to wear out under heavy use, and they can be broken in bouts of cold weather.

3. Felt Edge Squeegees

Felt edge squeegees are the high-end solution for delicate applications. These burnishers have a cushiony felt at the edge of the blade to safeguard the surface while ensuring smoothness.

Key Features:

• Protection: Removes scratching from painted or polished surfaces due to the presence of a felt edge 

• Smoothing: Allows the removal of air bubbles without using unnecessary pressure

• Higher temperature: Holds higher temperatures than plastic products

• Professional: Leaves no trace of marks or smears on any work done

Best Uses:

• Window tinting of automobiles

• Quality finished vinyl wraps

• Treating painted finishes or clear coats

• Professional signage and graphics 

• Industrial work

Advantages:

These squeegees are preferable when the working surface is expensive or is prone to being broken. This is because the felt edge prevents any loss or damage to the working surface. They produce good professional results and have little danger of the surface being damaged.

Disadvantages:

Felt edge squeegees are higher priced than simple models and have to be regularly replaced due to wear of the felt strip. They are not powerful enough to exert pressure on hefty or hard-to-move substances.

Selecting the appropriate squeegee for your project

When choosing a squeegee to use on a DIY project, keep in mind the following:

Type of the surface: Fragile surfaces will need the protection of felt edges, whereas rough surfaces will need the strength of rubber.

• Material Thickness: Materials such as automotive vinyl that are thicker in nature require the strong force of rubber squeegee.

• Project Size: Large-sized projects are more suited to the sustained pressure of rubber, whereas intricate projects do better with the precision of plastic.

• Price: Plastic is the most cost-effective when utilized only infrequently, whereas felt edge squeegees are worth the price of a professional result.

• Environmental Conditions: At extreme temperatures and in the presence of some chemicals, your choice may be restricted to rubber squeegees.

Other Desired Features

Modern squeegees tend to have useful features that make them more usable:

• Ergonomic hand grips make users less tired after using the tool in sustained periods

• Blades are easy to replace and recycle to extend the service life and performance of the tool

• Dishy blades can be used in various application methods using different angle blade cuts 

• Measurement gauges available on the surface make accurate overlap and spacing easy

Maintenance Tips

Correct maintenance prolongs your squeegee life and keeps it performing:

Wash the blade after every usage to avoid adhesive residue. When storing squeegee, lay them flat to avoid warping of the blades. Change blades as soon as they wear out, to prevent scratching the surface. Have backup blades to keep the work going. Also, knowing how to use a squeegee properly—applying even pressure and using smooth strokes—can reduce wear and extend the tool’s lifespan.

Conclusion

Which squeegee is the best will depend on what project you have. The rubber squeegees are versatile and durable, plastic squeegees are precise, so they are good for detail, and felt-edge squeegees provide a professional result on sensitive surfaces. When choosing one, consider your type of surface, your material thickness, and your budget.

FAQs

1. Can I use a squeegee for painting or staining wood surfaces?
While not traditional, rubber squeegees can be used to spread stains or paints evenly over flat wood surfaces, especially for techniques like faux finishes or epoxy pours.

2. Are there eco-friendly squeegee options available?
Yes, some manufacturers offer squeegees made from recycled plastics or sustainable rubber materials. Look for eco-labeled products if sustainability is a concern.

3. How do I choose the right squeegee blade hardness (durometer)?
Softer blades (lower durometer) are best for uneven surfaces or delicate applications. Harder blades (higher durometer) provide more pressure for flat, rigid surfaces.

4. Can squeegees be used for crafts like resin art or candle making?
Absolutely. Squeegees are useful in resin spreading, wax layering in candles, or smoothing out silicone molds—just ensure you're using the right material for the medium.

5. Is there a universal squeegee for all DIY applications?
No single squeegee fits all needs. While rubber is versatile, choosing the right one depends on surface type, material thickness, and the precision required for your project.