Best heat gun for removing paint
Removing paint can be a very tedious task to accomplish if you don’t have the right tools for the job.
This is where acquiring a heat gun can be a wise move to make. With this kind of machine, removing paint can be compared to a fun party.
It won’t take you long to grasp how to use the heat gun, and after that, you will enjoy every last minute of the process.
But now, you might ask yourself this: what is the best heat gun for removing paint? Well, this article is made to answer that, don’t worry!
Here, we will take a look at the most efficient heat guns destined to remove paint in an instant. But before we start comparing different products, let’s take a look at the things you need to consider, before initiating any financial transaction.
Contents
What to consider before buying a heat gun?
The different types of heat guns
There are only two types of heat gun: gas or electric.
The electric heat gun is the most widespread one, and therefore the most used. Why? Because it is simply safer than the gas model.
The gas heat gun works with a gas cartridge. It is bought especially by those looking for a handy, and a wireless model for specific uses.
The power
It is expressed in Watts. The more important it is, the more powerful and quickly working your machine will be. For paints that are difficult to remove, for example, opt for a heat gun of at least 1500 watts.
Air flow
It is expressed in liters per minute (1L is 33.8 oz). The airflow indicates the speed at which the temperature reaches the surface. It ranges between 200 and 500 L / min.
The temperature
The heat or the high temperature is certainly what made you consider buying a heat gun in the first place. As you can tell, if you are looking to remove some hard paint, you will naturally search for a device that can provide a good maximum temperature going around 1000° F.
But it’s also nice to have a heat gun that can allow you to navigate between different sets of temperatures. Remember, aim for an extreme choice, especially for this feature.
How to remove paint with a heat gun: Quick tutorial
Best heat gun for removing paint: Products review
It’s time to see my best selection of heat guns destined to remove paint, so let’s get started!
| Heat gun | Weight | Dimensions | Power | Battery | Products pages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2.55 pounds | 11.5 x 4.1 x 10.6 in | 2000 W | Unavailable | Click here |
 | 2.91 pounds | 8.7 x 3.3 x 10.2 in | 1700 W | Unavailable | Click here |
 | 2.51 pounds | 11.5 x 4.1 x 10.6 in | 1500 W | Unavailable | Click here |
 | 1.7 pounds | 7.4 x 3.6 x 8.9 inches | Not provided by the seller | Included | Click here |
2000 W Digital heat gun QRF103
I may have pointed out at the beginning that removing paint requires a heat gun powered with at least 1500W, right?
Well, with the QRF103 heat gun, you are way above that range. It’s distinguished by the power of its 2000W motor.
The temperature range, which varies between 122° F and 1120° F (50 ° C and 600 ° C), combined with the flow of hot air, enables diversified work to be carried out with extreme precision and efficiency.
You can use the QRF103 device with two different modes. The first one, at 122° F with a 250 L/min air flow. The second one, most suited for difficult jobs: You can choose a temperature between 122° F and 1120° F at a 500 L/min air flow (remember, 1L is equal to 33.8 oz).
This heat gun is a light and a compact one aswell. It weighs around 2.55 pounds and has overall dimensions of 11.5″ x 4.1″ x 10.6″, thus making it comfortable, ergonomic and easy to handle, especially for long periods of time.
Finally, as for the integrated LCD screen, it will allow you the display the temperature which increases the degree of precision of the executed work.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| - Good 2000 W power - high range of temperature - Stainless steel exhaust duct for extra resistance | - Some of its component are made of plastic - No battery for wireless usage |
Tacklife HGP72AC, 1700 W
If you had to trust only the aesthetics of a device, then the
Moreover, this heat gun is very light. It only displays 2.91 pounds on the scale. It is compact and can be handled without much effort.
To allow you to make the various adjustments meticulously, the DIY instrument has an LCD control screen and is powered with 1700 W.
The related orders are located just below. You can choose the temperature at your option. It can range from 122℉ to a maximum of 1202℉ (50 ° C to 650 ° C). This maximum level is also a real feat. Few devices are able to provide this limit.
As you can guess, the air flow is also controllable. You can choose between two modes: the 250 L/min mode and also the extreme 500 L/ min mode.
If you are a regular user, or most likely a professional, then you will be happy to know that the Tacklife HGP72AC provides a memory feature. You can save up to 4 temperature settings and switch between them according to your needs.
What’s also interesting to note about this device, is the presence of a cooling mode and an overheating protection system.
After using the device for several minutes at its maximum heating capacity, you will be amazed to notice how quickly it cools down and returns to its resting temperature.
Finally, the integrated overload protection function can block the heating element and prevent burn injuries. Pretty practical and safe if you ask me.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| - Huge temperature range - Has a cooling and an overheating protection system - Provides a memory for up to 4 temperature settings - Neat air flow control - 2 years warranty | - No wireless function |
PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG
A cheap device is not necessarily a bad one. But to avoid any unwanted surprises, it is better to choose with care the one that offers the best value for money, in other words, a relatively affordable but still powerful device, like this PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG.
With this 1500 W device, removing paint can’t be easier. It’s effective and reliable and offers such a good handle with its 2.5 pounds weight, that you wish you could use it for the whole day.
Speaking of which, take a look at this article, where I dissect the most common areas of usage of heat guns.
Going back to what’s important, the dual fan speed selector allows you to select the power setting from low to high. Unfortunately, there isn’t a temperature regulator embedded into this heat gun. According to some users, when you select the low power setting, you will get a heat approximating the 900° F. As for the high option, be ready to witness a 1100° F temperature.
If you’ve finished working with your PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG and are wondering where to store it, then you will be delighted to know that this machine has a hanging hook in its bottom part.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| - Easy to use - Has a huge popularity - Very cheap heat gun | - You can't choose exactly the temperature you want nor the air flow - No wireless feature |
PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG in action
Milwaukee 2688-20 Cordless Heat Gun
It’s time to close our best heat gun for removing paint review with something entirely different, don’t you think?
The Milwaukee heat gun is definitely what you should consider if you want to opt for a wireless device. Unlike what you may think, it’s not powered by a gas cartridge. It just happens that this device has its own rechargeable lithium battery.
What’s interesting to note, is the small dimensions (7.4 x 3.6 x 8.9 inches) and extremely lightweight (1.7 pounds) it has. These features combined will ensure an easy grip, and most importantly, you will be able to reach tight spaces that the normal heat guns won’t be able to get access to.
Needless to say, the Milwaukee 2688-20 heat gun can reach high temperatures in just 7 seconds. This is impressive, considering the fact that it has pretty low power compared to other ones.
And finally, since you will be mostly using this machine in tight spaces, you will certainly need some light to see exactly what you’re doing, don’t you think? This is where the LED embedded just below the heated tip of your heat gun can become extremely handy. No need to ask someone else to hold a flashlight for you this time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| - Easy to use - A wireless heat gun - Heats up pretty quickly - Has a LED to illuminate your gun's surroundings | - Limited temperature and power - No air flow controller |
Milwaukee 2688-20 in action
Conclusion
That’s it for our best heat gun for removing paint review. As you can see, there isn’t a great difference that exists between heat guns in general.
However, what makes this list a good one, is first, the pocket-friendly prices of these devices, but most importantly, the positive feedback they embraced by their multiple users.
In sum, if you want a wireless heat gun, then go for the Milwaukee 2688-20 Cordless Heat Gun.
If you want something powerful, then the heat gun QRF103 is definitely a good choice for you.
Lastly, if you want a decent heat gun with the most affordable of prices, then I recommend you to consider the PORTER-CABLE PC1500HG heat gun.
