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.
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.
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Before we jump into the reviews, let’s see what key features you need to look out for when buying a heat gun:
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.
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:
The standard power range of a heat gun is between 1000-2000 Watts.
Premium heat guns offer variable airflow settings so that they can get out even the most stubborn paint strips.
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.
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:
Here are the best heat guns that can become an essential item in your toolbox:
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.
Check out the Porter-Cable Heat Gun at Amazon.
Despite some minor setbacks, the Porter gun is ideal for paint-stripping, shrinking plastic tubing and so on.
Combine a price point that fits even the tightest budget with the right features and you’ve got the Wagner heat gun.
Check out the Wagner Heat Gun at Amazon.
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 Dewalt Heat Gun is the best option for the serious handyman.
If you have the room in your budget, the Dewalt can easily become your preferred choice for a heat gun for paint removal.
The Tack Life 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.
Check out the Tack Life Heat Gun at Amazon.
Given the price you’re paying for it, the Tack Life gun provides great value for money and more. The good thing is that if it does eventually fizzle out, it can be replaced easily.
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.