Which Lidco squeegee material is best? Poly, Nylon or Teflon?
(from left) Lidco Squeegee Materials: RC Poly Blue (also in yellow and white), Nylon Silver (also in gold), and Teflon (white only).
When it comes to vinyl and film applications, having the right tools can make all the difference. One essential tool in every installer’s kit is the squeegee or applicator. Choosing the best squeegee material depends on the job and your personal preferences. These include stiffness, size, and shape.
Lidco offers a range of high-quality squeegees in different sizes and colors and made from different materials—each designed to enhance the application process and ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish. Choosing the best squeegee material depends on the job and your personal preferences. These include stiffness, size, and shape.
Poly Squeegees: Versatile and Gentle
Poly squeegees are Lidco’s most popular product and among the most commonly used tools in the vinyl and graphics industry. Made from strong and flexible plastic, they balance stiffness and adaptability well. This makes them perfect for many uses.
Poly squeegees are the most flexible of the three materials Lidco uses. They can easily bend to fit curves. They are less durable than Nylon and Teflon squeegees, which are better choices for professionals performing repetitive applications with the same squeegee.
Best Uses:
Applying standard vinyl graphics, decals, and wraps
Working with delicate films that require a softer touch or more conformity
General-purpose installations where a balance of flexibility and firmness is needed
Can be ordered felt-wrapped for added material protection
Poly squeegees are excellent for everyday use, particularly for beginners or professionals looking for a reliable go-to tool for occasional use.
Nylon Squeegees: Rigid and Heavy-Duty
For applications that demand extra strength and durability, heavy-duty nylon squeegees are the best choice. They are stiffer than poly and have more surface friction than a Teflon squeegee. This makes them great for jobs that need firm pressure and precision on pressure-sensitive films, decals, and display graphics.
Nylon squeegees are more rigid than poly squeegees but not as stiff as a Teflon squeegee. Lidco standard round-corner nylon squeegees are available in 3 sizes and two colors. Nylon squeegees are more durable than poly and will not nick or lose their edge as quickly as a poly squeegee will under the same repeated usage.
Best Uses:
Applying thick films such as paint protection film (PPF) and window tint
Working on rough or uneven surfaces where a stronger push is necessary
Heavy-duty or repetitive applications where extra durability is required
Nylon squeegees are strong enough for tough jobs. They are also flexible, which helps them fit on rounded surfaces. This flexibility ensures that stubborn bubbles and creases are smoothed out effectively.
Teflon Squeegees: Rigid and Heat Resistant
Teflon squeegees are known for their non-stick, heat-resistant properties, which prevent static buildup and scratching during application. This makes them a favorite for working with specialty films and high-performance vinyl wraps used on vehicles. Teflon squeegees also handle heat better than Poly or Nylon and can be used in tandem with a heat gun during applications.
Best Uses:
Installing reflective, metallic, and chrome vinyl without leaving marks
Applying heat-sensitive films that require reduced friction
Ensuring a smooth glide over surfaces, especially when working with textured materials
Higher heat applications or applications using a heat gun with a squeegee
Teflon squeegees are very useful for delicate or high-end installations. Their scratch-resistant nature helps protect surfaces. Lidco Teflon squeegees are very popular with vehicle graphics installers.
Choosing the Right Squeegee for Your Project
Selecting the right squeegee depends on the type of material you’re working with and the specific demands of the project. Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Material | Stiffness | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Poly | moderate | Everyday vinyl applications, decals, and general use. Also available wrapped with standard-weight or heavyweight felt. |
| Nylon | medium | Heavy-duty and higher-pressure applications. Great for thick films, and challenging surfaces. |
| Teflon | maximum | Good for higher-heat applications and surface protection. Scratch-free application on metallic, reflective, and heat-sensitive films. |
Still not sure?
If you’re still not sure which Lidco Squeegee will work best, we'd be happy to send a sample of all three to try. Just reach out via the contact form, call 651-646-1414, or email orders@lidcoproducts.com.
Recommended Squeegees and Accessories
Lidco also offers Lidco Low-Friction Felt Sleeves for added protection to graphic applications. Lidco sleeves fit over 4”, 6” and 12” squeegees.
When holding a squeegee for long periods, a Lidco E.Z. Grip Squeegee Handle can give extra grip and help prevent overuse injuries. The ergonomic design of the squeegee handle allows you to apply more application pressure on a graphic during installation. Lidco Squeegee handles come in standard sizes for 4”, 6” and 12” squeegees.
Lidco Standard-Weight Felt Edge Wrapped Squeegees and Lidco Heavy-Weight Felt Edge Wrapped Squeegees are another great option for vehicle wraps. They are flexible enough to work vinyl graphics into tight corners and around compound curves, can still generate sufficient pressure when stretching a film into an indentation or crease on the side of a vehicle, and soft enough not to scratch a vinyl graphic. Lidco felt-edged squeegees are available in two densities, 3 sizes and colors in round corner poly designs.
Lidco also offers options for custom-branding squeegees. -> Click here to learn more here