When it comes to getting old paint off of surfaces, whether you’re refinishing cabinets or cleaning up a spill, you have a whole host of options. For smaller jobs and detail work, paint removal with a heat gun might be something to consider. Not all heat guns are made the same, though!
In this comprehensive heat gun guide, you will find our heat gun reviews and other helpful information on how to choose the best heat gun for your needs. Our reviews will cover model specs, pros and cons, and other helpful information.
Let’s get started.
The Top 5 Heat Guns for Paint Removal
DeWalt DCE530B 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun
DeWalt DCE530B Description and Specifications
As a cordless heat gun, the DeWalt 20V MAX has many features that might make it the best option for your paint removing process. It offers you the free reign to move around any project area without being hindered by a power cord, and it can reach up to 990 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to remove paint from most surfaces with ease.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery Amp Hours / Amperage | 3.0 Ah |
| Battery/Charger | Battery and Charger Not Included |
| Minimum Temperature | 550 °F |
| Tool Bag | Not Included |
| BTU Heat Rating | 190 |
| Fan Speed | Single |
| Weight (pounds) | 1.3 lbs. |
| Extra Features | LED worklight |
| Certifications | UL Listed |
| Warranty | 3-years (Limited) |
Why The DeWalt DCE530B Is Great
The DeWalt DCE530B 20V MAX* has a lock-on button feature that helps to make using the heat gun easier, but it also has a lock-off trigger that will allow you to engage the heat gun in manual operation when required.
Another benefit to using this heat gun is the increased visibility that it provides with its LED footlight. You can get a better visual of the area that you are working with, even if it is a smaller hidden area that doesn’t get a lot of light in the room that it’s in.
Pros
- Excellent for on-the-go jobs
- Has foot stand for stability
- Designed to be easy to use
- Can run up to 42 minutes depending on battery
Cons
- Not ideal for projects that will take a long time due to battery power
- Not as powerful as some corded models
DeWalt DCE530B 20V MAX Cordless Heat Gun
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Wagner 0503063 FURNO 500 Heat Gun
Wagner 0503063 Description and Specifications
The Wagner 0503063 heat gun model was designed with household projects in mind. It has digital temperature settings that make it an excellent choice for various types of jobs that require different degrees of heat, and it comes with two different nozzle types to be able to better complete different job types.
Why The Wagner 0503063 Is Great
The Wagner 0503063 Furno 500 heat gun has an ergonomic design that is meant to help with balance and comfort to keep the user from getting fatigued. It has an integrated stand that makes it safe for hands-free operation, which means you can tackle other pieces of your project while the heat gun is doing its job.
With this model, one of the biggest benefits is that it has 12 temperature control settings that will allow you to heat surfaces to temperatures ranging from 150 degrees F to 1200 degrees F. Plus, it has two separate fan settings and a cool-down mode that makes the gun more versatile than some other models. Finally, this model comes with two different nozzles: a glass protector nozzle and a flare nozzle.
Pros
- Has 12 temperature settings
- Comes with two different nozzles
- Can be used on most materials
- Can be used handsfree
Cons
- Minor air flow issues
- Product longevity issues when using on larger projects
- Time consuming shut-off process
Wagner 0503063 FURNO 500 Heat Gun
Wagner 0503063 FURNO 500 Heat Gun
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Black+Decker HG1300 Dual Temperature Heat Gun
BLACK+DECKER HG1300 Description and Specifications
Black & Decker designed this heat gun to be useful in a variety of applications, and it is considered to be ideal for paint removal. It is backed by Black & Decker’s warranty services. Here are the specifications for this heat gun:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Temperature | 750 F |
| Tool Bag | Not Included |
| BTU Heat Rating | 4606 |
| Fan Speed | Single |
| Weight (pounds) | 1.4375 lbs. |
| Extra Features | Hands-off Upright Stand |
| Certifications | UL Listed |
| Warranty | 2-years |
Why The BLACK+DECKER HG1300 Is Great
Black & Decker is a popular manufacturer of power tools, and this heat gun model has an array of valuable features that makes it excellent for paint removal jobs. It has two temperature settings that will allow you to switch between 750 degrees F and 1000 degrees F. Unlike other heat guns, this one was designed to be compact and lightweight, making it less fatiguing to use for larger projects or projects that might take longer than normal. On the other hand, it’s also easier to take with you, making it ideal for projects you might not have at home.
It was also designed with a built-in stand that makes it easy to cool down without having to constantly monitor the heat gun. This is a corded heat gun, which means that you will not have to worry about a battery dying before you can complete your project. However, this does mean that you will have to choose your project area carefully to ensure there is plenty of room for you to maneuver with the cord still being plugged into an outlet.
Pros
- Has a lightweight and compact design
- Can switch between two temperature settings
- Corded design
- Has built-in stand for cooling
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any attachments
- Unremovable guard over the switch
- Minor issues of burning smell after prolonged use
Black+Decker HG1300 Dual Temperature Heat Gun
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Porter-Cable PC1500HG 1500W Heat Gun
Porter-Cable PC1500HG Description and Specifications
The Porter-Cable PC1500HG 1500-Watt Heat Gun is a smaller heat gun that provides different fan options to make it ideal for a variety of solutions and projects. Here are the specifications of this model to give you a better idea of what to expect.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Temperature | 105 F |
| Tool Bag | Not Included |
| BTU Heat Rating | 5118 |
| Fan Speed | Dual |
| Weight (pounds) | 2.5 lbs. |
| Extra Features | Dual-fan speed selector |
| Certifications | CSA Listed |
| Warranty | 3-year (limited) |
Why The Porter-Cable PC1500HG Is Great
When it comes to paint removal, the Porter-Cable PC1500HG 1500-Watt Heat Gun has an array of features that make it ideal. It allows you to adjust the fan speed between two settings. It also allows you easily to adjust the temperature controls.
Pros
- Two speed settings
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Integrated support stand
- Corded model
Cons
- Could use a higher air output
- Could use a temperature indicator
- Needs nozzles to direct air flow better
Porter-Cable PC1500HG 1500W Heat Gun
Additional Resources
Milwaukee 8988-20 Variable Temperature Heat Gun
Milwaukee 8988-20 Description and Specifications
The Milwaukee 8988-20 heat gun is designed to be excellent for paint removal. It has a lightweight design, and it has an easy grip handle that makes using the gun easier and more comfortable. It is covered by a limited warranty from Milwaukee. Here are the main specifications for this heat gun.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Temperature | 90 F |
| Tool Bag | Not Included |
| BTU Heat Rating | 1050 |
| Fan Speed | Variable |
| Weight (pounds) | 2.8 lbs. |
| Extra Features | Digital Temperature Control, Impact Resistant Heating Element |
| Certifications | UL Listed, CSA Certified |
| Warranty | 5-years (Limited) |
Why The Milwaukee 8988-20 Is Great
The Milwaukee 8988-20 is manufactured in Romania by Milwaukee, one of the leading manufacturers of power tools in the world. It is designed with ceramic that encapsulates the heating element, which helps to provide the tool with a longer lifespan than other heat guns. This model is lightweight, and it has an easy-grip handle that makes it one hand operable, while still providing comfort.
It has an LED digital readout display that shows you the present temperature in increments of 10 degrees F, and it has an upright stationary configuration with pads on the back cap and lower handle that will make it easier to use. Finally, this heat gun is a corded model, which means that you will never have to worry about it dying mid-project.
Pros
- Has a LED digital readout display
- Provides you with temperature control options
- Has an easy grip handle for comfort
- Has a ceramic encapsulated heating element
Cons
- Difficult to set and hold steady temperature
- Could have easier controls to change temperature
Milwaukee 8988-20 Variable Temperature Heat Gun with LED Digital Display
Milwaukee 8988-20 Variable Temperature Heat Gun with LED Digital Display
Additional Resources
How To Choose Which Heat Gun for Paint Removal Is Best For You
When it comes to choosing the right heat gun for your needs, it is important to note that most heat guns come with a lot of the same features. However, some heat gun models have special capabilities that you might want to look into, especially if you plan on using the heat gun for different types of projects. Here are some of the features that you should look for when purchasing a heat gun.
Temperature controls
If you are wanting to use the heat gun for paint removal and other projects, it is best to find a heat gun that will allow you to adjust the temperature to what is best for the job you are doing. Even when removing paint, you might need to use different temperatures depending on the surface you’re working with.
Stand
Just like with anything that involves heat, after using the heat gun, you will need to allow it to cool down before putting it away to be safe. Therefore, heat guns that come with an included or integrated stand are ideal. A stand also makes it easier to take breaks from the project or set the gun down as you focus on other aspects of paint removal.
Airflow
Besides being able to control the heat, it is also important to ensure the heat gun you choose has excellent airflow potential. You might want to look for a heat gun model that has a fan speed control function, which will let you adjust the amount of airflow the gun has.
What Are The Benefits of Having a Heat Gun for Paint Removal?
If you want to use a heat gun, you should know that it is effective on most types of substrates, like plaster, metal, wood, and masonry. However, it should not be used directly on plastic or glass because the heat from the gun could melt the plastic or cause the glass to break. Though you need to take care with some surfaces, heat guns give you an array of benefits, such as:
- Cost efficient
- Excellent for small detail work
- Less messy
How Do Heat Guns for Paint Removal Differ From Others?
When you look at paint removal heat guns versus other heat gun models, you want to pay close attention to the maximum heat temperature. In order for a heat gun to be used on paint effectively, it will need to get hotter than with other types of art and crafts projects. Paint removal heat guns will also usually come with different attachments that will allow you to more effectively direct the heat where you need it to go.
FAQs
Depending on the heat gun, there is an array of projects you can use a heat gun for. Stripping paint is one of the most common uses, but it can also be used to remove flooring, bend and weld plastic, remove old wallpaper, and thaw pipes.
Just like with any tool that produces heat, it is possible to start a fire with a heat gun. You should always use them with precaution and wear safety gear, like goggles, when using a heat gun.
Heat guns can be used on most surface types, like metal and wood, but they need to be used with extreme caution when being used on or around surfaces like glass or plastic because it could cause the glass to break or the plastic to melt.
In some situations, you can use a heat gun in place of a torch, but there are other situations where this is not possible. Heat guns are safer than a torch, but you still need to use them with precaution.
The temperature that a heat gun can reach depends on the model. However, most heat guns will reach between 500 degrees F and 1000 degrees F. You should look at the specifics of the heat gun you are considering to see the temperature settings for that particular model.