Heat guns make your life easier when performing various tasks, from bending plastics to removing components from a circuit board. Heat guns are also commonly used for removing paint from equipment and machines.
While these tools are versatile and used for a wide range of applications, some options may not offer the features you need. If you plan to remove paint, you need a gun that can reach at least 1000-degrees Fahrenheit.
Before you start your next project, check out the best heat guns for removing paint.
Best Heat Guns for Removing Paint
PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun, 1500-Watt – Best for Beginners
If you have never used a heat gun before, you should not have a problem using this option from PORTER-CABLE. It includes a basic variable temperature control dial and dual fan speed selector.
Features
For a heat gun in this price range, the PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun comes with quite a few features. It includes a variable dial control for multiple heat settings and a two-speed fan. It’s also equipped with a six-foot heavy-duty power cord.
Performance
This heat gun works well and can remove paint from most materials. However, it has limited airflow, so it may take a little longer to get the job done.
This affordable heat gun from PORTER-CABLE features a variable temperature control dial and a powerful motor, but doesn’t come with a variety of nozzles.
Pros
- One of the more affordable options that can still strip paint
- The lightweight design is comfortable to hold and causes less hand fatigue
- The variable dial control allows you to choose from a wider range of temperatures
Cons
- Doesn’t include extra nozzle attachments
- The airflow isn’t very powerful, reducing the speed of removing paint
DEWALT Heat Gun with LCD Display – Best Bang for Your Buck Heat Gun
With the DEWALT Heat Gun, you get a large collection of useful accessories packed inside a hard storage case. You get a great value due to the assortment of extra items, such as various attachments.
Features
The DEWALT Heat Gun includes a large LCD display and digital controls. It also has a built-in hang ring and long power cord. However, the best feature is the variety of accessories.
You get seven nozzle attachments, a couple of scrapers, and a large storage case to hold it all.
Performance
The DEWALT Heat Gun is comfortable to use and works well for removing paint and performing other tasks.
The cord protector helps keep the cord from getting in the way while the digital controls offer more precision. You can adjust the temperature to within a 50-degree range.
If you decide that you want to use your heat gun for other tasks, the DEWALT Heat Gun likely includes the nozzles you need. Thanks to the variety of accessories and dependable design, this option offers a combination of value and performance.
Pros
- The selection of nozzles allows you to use this heat gun for a variety of projects
- Includes a built-in kickstand for hands-free operation
- The large LCD display and digital controls make the heat gun easier to operate
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive options, but it comes with more accessories
BLACK+DECKER Dual Temperature Gun – Best Budget Heat Gun
This budget heat gun from BLACK+DECKER is not the most powerful option and lacks some of the features found on other models. However, it is affordable and capable of removing paint.
Features
The BLACK+DECKER Heat Gun has a no-frills design. Instead of a dial control, you just get a switch. You can switch between 750-degrees and 1000-degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a kickstand, allowing you to set it down to cool.
Performance
It may take longer to strip paint using this heat gun, due to the limited airflow. However, it will eventually peel the paint from almost any material.
The BLACK+DECKER Heat Gun only has two temperature settings and doesn’t include extra nozzles. Luckily, the high-temperature setting is hot enough to strip paint.
Pros
- This is one of the more affordable options, suited for those with a limited budget
- The lack of controls makes it easier to operate, you just need to flip a switch
- The lightweight, compact design is comfortable to hold and operate
Cons
- Doesn’t come with extra nozzles, requiring you to buy more to use it for other applications
- It has limited airflow, which increases the amount of time needed for most tasks
TACKLIFE Professional Heat Gun – Best Product for Advanced Users
The TACKLIFE Professional Heat Gun comes equipped with several accessories, but the features found on the gun itself make this a top recommendation.
Features
The TACKLIFE comes with several extra nozzles, an LCD display, and digital controls. It’s built for heavy-duty applications, with a working time of 650 hours.
Performance
The TACKLIFE Heat Gun is packed with features to increase its performance and versatility. It has a large LCD display and allows precise temperature adjustment to within 20-degree increments.
You can set custom temperature memory settings, for quickly changing the heat for different tasks. The digital controls also allow you to adjust the airflow.
Packed with useful features, such as a large LCD display and four custom memory settings, the TACKLIFE Heat Gun is versatile and dependable. It also cools down quickly, making it suited for heavy-duty use.
Pros
- The durable design with a special cooling mode allows for heavy-duty applications
- The memory settings provide more convenience when performing multiple tasks
- The large LCD display and digital controls offer more precision compared to other models
Cons
- It costs a little more compared to the budget options
Best Heat Gun to Remove Paint in 2020 – Buyer’s Guide
What should you look for in a heat gun? If you plan to remove paint, you may not need a heavy-duty gun with several thousand watts of power. However, you should examine the following features:
- Temperature range
- Temperature control
- Airflow control
- LCD display
- Accessories
Along with these features, most heat guns come with safety features such as overload protection and thermal cut-out. The thermal cut-out automatically shuts the heat gun down if the internal temperature exceeds a preset threshold, keeping the tool from overheating and malfunctioning.
Temperature Range
The temperature range is the most important feature to compare. Removing paint requires a heat gun that can reach 1000-degrees Fahrenheit.
If you also want to use your heat gun for other tasks, it helps to choose a product with a wide temperature range. Some of the less expensive options may only offer a range of 750 to 1000 degrees, while the more expensive heat guns can go as low as 120-degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature Control
Only a couple of the less expensive heat guns come without some type of temperature control. The standard option is a switch or a dial. With a switch, you simply flip between two preset temperatures.
The switch controls are often fixed at 1000-degrees Fahrenheit or the maximum temperature setting, providing optimal heat for stripping paint. You also typically get a lower setting for applications that require less intense heat.
Dial controls provide greater versatility, allowing you to dial-in the temperature to the necessary range. If you require a precise temperature, look for a heat gun with digital control, which also typically includes an LCD display.
Airflow Control
Along with temperature control, some heat guns allow you to control the airflow. As with the temperature control, the airflow control is typically handled via a switch, dial, or digital component.
Decreasing the airflow allows for more precision when working with delicate or sensitive materials. Increasing the airflow helps get the job done faster, but may damage lighter materials.
LCD Display
As mentioned, the heat guns with digital controls often have an LCD display. This allows for more precise temperature settings, often to within 50-degrees of the desired temperature.
The LCD display will also show any other settings, such as the airflow or operating mode, depending on the model.
Accessories
If you need to direct the airflow, you need to attach nozzles to the muzzle of the heat gun. Several of the top choices come equipped with a variety of nozzles to suit different applications.
For example, a wide nozzle is useful when stripping large sections of paint. If you need more precision, you can attach a nozzle with a narrow tip.
Conclusion
With the right heat gun, you can make a quick job out of removing paint. Make sure you find a gun that can reach temperatures of at least 1000-degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have a limited budget, the BLACK+DECKER and PORTER-CABLE are two of the more affordable choices, but they lack accessories. If you want a wide selection of nozzles, the DEWALT and TACKLIFE heat guns should meet your needs.
All four heat guns are reliable choices for removing paint, along with performing a variety of other applications. In the end, choose the one that has the features you prefer, such as an LCD display or a temperature dial.
