Stripping paint can be a frustrating job. If you’re scraping the paint off, it can take forever, not to mention the mess it creates. Using a heat gun makes the job much simpler and the paint comes off easily too. My choice is the Porter-Cable because it is practically noiseless and works with different nozzle attachments. Check it out at Amazon.PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun, 1500-Watt (PC1500HG)
It can be overwhelming deciding which heat gun is best for your paint removal job. This is especially true if you’re shopping online because everything looks good. We’ve put together a list of the top heat guns suitable for any budget and any paint job.
What to Look for in a Heat Gun for Paint Removal
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s see what key features you need to look out for when buying a heat gun:
Temperature Control
Heat guns with a wide range of temperature settings are ideal because they can be used to strip off any kind of paint from any kind of surface.
Heat guns may either offer the option of two fixed temperature settings or variable temperature settings. With the fixed-temperature gun, the heat might be too intense and damage the surface below the paint.
Nozzle
Heat guns usually come fitted with a wide-mouth nozzle. Other nozzles for your heat gun generally have to be purchased separately, but it’s important to get a heat gun that can be fitted with the nozzle of your preference. Some commonly used nozzles include:
- Built-in Scraper– For paint removal
- Glass-Protective Nozzle– Helps to prevent overheating of windows during paint removal
- Cone Nozzle– Concentrates heat in a single patch
- Fishtail Nozzle– Spreads heat
Wattage
The standard power range of a heat gun is between 1000-2000 Watts.
Airflow
Premium heat guns offer variable airflow settings so that they can get out even the most stubborn paint strips.
Safety Control
The safety control makes the main control switch turn off, once the pressure being applied is removed. This can ensure that there aren’t any unfortunate accidents if the gun accidentally slips and falls.
Using a Heat Gun to Remove Paint
You need to take the necessary precautionary measures when using a heat gun. Its temperature can even go up to a thousand degrees, which if an accident occurs can burn off your skin. Here is the correct way to use a heat gun for paint removal:
Method for Using a Heat Gun for Paint Removal
- Attach your desired nozzle onto the gun before switching it on.
- Wait for around 45s after starting your heat gun to allow it to reach the right temperature.
- Keep the heat gun nozzle away from your body and face the entire time it’s on.
- If you need to change a nozzle midway, switch off the gun, allow it to cool for a few minutes and then resume.
- Once you’re done removing the paint, let the heat gun cool down completely before storing it.
Our Top Picks
Here are the best heat guns that can become an essential item in your toolbox:
The Winner- PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun
The Porter Heat Gun requires a bit of an investment if you get the complete package, but with the extra expense comes some extra features that will make any paint removing job easy.
Why It’s Great
- If you don’t want the full package, you can even get the heat gun on its own.
- The cord has a smooth, rubber coating, which keeps it from getting tangled while you work or while it’s stored away.
- It’s practically noiseless.
- It works with different nozzle attachments.
- Apart from helping you remove paint, it can also help you dry a fresh coat of paint quickly.
- It offers a variable range of temperatures, so if you’re working with a sensitive medium, such as glass, you can just lower the temperature.
What We Didn’t Love About It
- The heat at a lower setting is even less than that of a standard hair-dryer, meaning even a simple task can take you a long time.
Despite some minor setbacks, the Porter gun is ideal for paint-stripping, shrinking plastic tubing and so on.
The Second Choice – Wagner Heat Gun
Combine a price point that fits even the tightest budget with the right features and you’ve got the Wagner heat gun.
Why It’s Great
- It comes with a cool-down switch so you won’t run the risk of storing it while it’s still a bit hot.
- It has 2 temperature adjustments: at 750F and 1000F.
- It’s compatible with a range of nozzles.
- The body is corrosion-resistant so it’ll last you a long time.
What We Didn’t Love About It
- There have been incidences of the fan malfunctioning.
This reduced-noise, lightweight model is perfect to peel off paint from the walls, glass or even your car bumper. At an affordable price, it’s the perfect tool for any handyman.
The Premium Option- DEWALT Heavy Duty Heat Gun
The Dewalt Heat Gun is the best option for the serious handyman.
Why It’s Great
- It has a digital display for temperature readings. Temperature can be increased in 50-degree increments, meaning you can get the right temperature setting for any job.
- It has built-in protection, which makes the gun switch off in case it starts overheating.
- It comes with a range of nozzle-attachments, making it ideal for anything, from scraping hundred-year-old paint from an ancient house to unfreezing drainage pipes.
- The kit comes with additional features, such as a kickstand and hook for storing it properly.
What We Didn’t Love About It
- There is no fast cool-down feature, which can be particularly cumbersome if you need to change a nozzle midway during your task.
- Some of the accessories in the kit, such as the kickstand are not as sturdy and stable as they’re made out to be.
If you have the room in your budget, the Dewalt can easily become your preferred choice for a heat gun for paint removal.
The Budget Pick- SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit
The SEEKONE Heat Gun just made it to our list of top picks. It can work for hours without overheating and comes complete with a range of nozzles, perfect for any task.
Why It’s Great
- It provides strong power quickly heat up to 1202℉(650℃) in seconds.
- Ideal use for shrinking heat shrink tube, shrinking wrap, heating PVC, electronics, cell phone repairs, vinyl wrap, removing paint or floor tiles, loosening rusted bolts, and other heating or thawing purpose.
- Temperature range from 120℉ to 1200℉ and also possess overload protector to avoid damaging your heat gun and circuit
What We Didn’t Love About It
- Its lifespan is not as much as some of the more premium heat gun options.
Given the price you’re paying for it, the SEEKONE Heat Gun provides great value for money and more. The good thing is that if it does eventually fizzle out, it can be replaced easily.
End Note
Choosing the right heat gun is important because if something goes wrong, you’ll end with a botched paint job, or in the worst-case scenario, burn off your hair.
