A heat gun works by melting the paint making it soft enough to scrape off using a paint scraper.
Not every heat gun offers the desired expectation, at a rational budget. That’s why we will list down the ones which do.
Types of Heat Gun Nozzles
Reduction nozzle
This type of nozzle is smaller at the tip. And its purpose is to concentrate the heat on a small area. Its mostly used in jobs that require greater precision on a smaller area.
Wide area nozzle
The tip of the nozzle has a larger opening compared to the side connected to the heat gun. For blowing hot air over a wider surface. This nozzle is useful in wide-area applications, like scraping paint, or glue.
Reflector nozzle
This nozzle deflects hot air to provide all-around heating to a circular object like tubing. It does this by deflecting hot air using a 1800-shaped metal, the tubing is placed in the middle, and heat is concentrated around it.
Scraper nozzle
This is simply a nozzle that also serves as a scraper. It’s the most ideal nozzle for old paint scraping jobs.
5 Best Heat Guns to Remove Old Paint
1) Black & Decker Heat Gun HG1300
Key Features
- 1350W heat element
- Dual temperature setting 750°F and 1,000°F
- Built in stand
- Weight 1.63-lbs.
- 2-years limited warranty.
What we like
- Light and compact
- Comfortable grip handle.
- Convenient stand.
2) SEEKONE Heavy Duty Heat Gun
This heat gun offers one of the most outstanding values. It comes at an affordable price while being accompanied by 4 different types of nozzles. Additionally, a 1800W powerful element heats it up to the desired temperature within seconds.
Among the convenient features is a variable temperature control that offers a wide range of temperatures, and a toggle switch to select between the two heating modes.
Key Features
- 1800w heat element
- Two modes: I: 50-450℃, II: 50-650℃
- Variable temperature control.
- Overload protector
- Cable length 5.25-ft.
- Weight 1.9-lb.
what we like
- value price
- Ergonomic design
- Has an overload protector
3) Wagner Spraytech 0503008 HT1000 Heat Gun
Another affordable spray gun comes in handy during that paint job. Its one of the best heat gun that can be used to remove paint. The quality is good compared to the price, and its reliability cannot be questioned.
It features a corrosion-resistant nozzle for long-lasting use and an integrated hanging hook to easily store on a peg wall or workbench. The handle is light and ergonomic to facilitate use for long periods.
Among the convenient features is a innovative stand, for a safe handsfree operation, and also for protecting your work surface.
Key Features
- Two temperature settings low 750°F and high 1000°F
- 1200W power
- Two fan speed
- 1.39-lbs in weight
- 2-year home use warranty
What we like
- Hands-free support stand
4) Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun DCE530B
In an era of cordless power tools, the heat gun has not been left behind. Just like the cordless drill, it offers the most versatility and broader use in diverse applications.
The drill uses a 5Ah battery that can last up to 42 minutes in the drill’s low power setting. It conveniently includes; a lock on/off button to control the trigger, two temperature settings, an LED to brighten up darker areas when in use, and two different types of nozzles.
We were, however, not impressed by its price because it’s marginally higher compared to the corded type.
Key Features
- 20V power
- Temperature up to 990°F max output.
- 1.17-lbs Weight
- A detailed manual
- 3-year limited warranty.
- 1-year free service.
What we like
- Cordless versatility and convenience.
- LED work light
5) PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun, (PC1500HG).
The model comes with a strong 1500W motor that offers strong performance for all your paint removal requirements.
The heat gun’s fan has two-speed settings and there is a variable temperature control dial, that offers a wider array of temperature settings. There is also integrated hands-free support that enables you to sit the gun upright for ease of use.
Key Features.
- 1500W power
- Temperature max output 1150°F
- Fan setting: I: 120-900°F, II: 130-1150°F
- 1-lb weight.
- 6-ft long cord.
- 3-year limited warranty
- 1 year free service.
What we like
- Light weight and compact.
- Integrated handsfree support
Best Heat Guns to Remove Old Paint-Buying Guide
These are some of the things to look at when buying a heat gun to remove old paint
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Temperature
Most heat guns have a wide range of temperatures from around 120°F to 1300°F. The optimum temperature for scraping paint, however, is around 900°F.
Lower temperature settings can be used in other requirements which do not require a lot of heat.
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Adjustable airflow
This is the speed the fan pushes air out of the gun. Some but not all heat guns have an adjustable fan speed for use during the paint removal process.
It’s important that when you are working on sensitive surfaces. A lower air speed is used but on a regular surface, a higher speed will heat a larger surface in a shorter period.
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Power
A higher wattage refers to the general heat gun performance. Most heat guns range from 900W to 1800W. A heat gun of more than 1000W would ideally produce the required optimum temperature.
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Thermal cut-off
This is an important safety feature that cuts out heat once the temperature threshold has been met. The importance of this is to prevent burn injury and at the same time protect the tool from heat damage.
Heat Gun–FAQs.
Q:What’s the fastest way to get paint off the wall?
For paint that hasn’t yet peeled off the heat gun is the most appropriate for the job. If the paint has peeled off a wire brush can be as effective to brush off the paint.
Q:What’s better between the heat gun and paint stripper chemical?
The main downside of the stripper chemical is inhalation of the fumes it produces. The chemical also has to be applied repeatedly which is tedious
With a good heat gun, you can scrape off a large surface in a short time.
Conclusion
Albeit a rather simple tool, the heat gun can lead to serious injury if not handled correctly. Always adhere to the correct precautions and safety procedures when using it to avoid any burns.
We are confident that you can count on our reviews to get the right tool for your job. We hope you follow this information to acquire the right heat gun for paint removal