Best heat gun for removing paint | Electric / Corded

Reasons to buy a heat gun

1. Cost-effective. Compared to other tools that utilize heat for work, heat guns are relatively more affordable and no less capable. Their manageable cost is backed up by their reliability, being especially useful for smaller and more specialized projects.
2. Damage-control. One big advantage of the heat gun is the fact that it’s flameless. The hot air from the tool is a safer source of heat and causes much less damage to the material you are working on, even in the event of an error. It also greatly reduces the risk of starting a fire.
3. Convenience. You’d want to go with a heat gun simply because it’s portable; it’s easy to carry and very simple to set up and use. You can work almost anywhere, anytime.

Things to check before buying a heat gun

Know your brands.

While we can never deny the prominence of brand leaders like Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee heat gun, there are other names in the industry that are less-known, especially to the mainstream users but have surprisingly good track-records.

Exercise due diligence and research the particular brand you’re interested in before buying. Reviews, guides, and consumer stories all hint of a brand’s credibility.

Check the durability.

Checking for durability is checking for the necessary features that help prolong and protect both the tool and yourself. Look for built-in overheat protection and check to see if construction was done right and sensibly. (E.G. housing and grip should not be exposed metal).

Consider the range.

Keep in mind what temperature range you prefer working with. A model might have everything else you would like, except for the needed temperatures. What projects do you mostly tackle? Can your model reach the required temperatures? It’ll be beneficial to get the right tool with the appropriate range.

Think about the price.

It always feels better to make a purchase at the right price. We recommend reviewing this after you’ve done all the checks as those will help justify the cost. More features do add to the price a little, but it shouldn’t be outrageous. Higher-end models often go for $180 above, so pick something that’s most suited for your budget and needs.

Cordless vs corded heat guns

Most cordless tools nowadays are already comparable to their corded variants in terms of specifications and performance. Cordless heat guns have access and convenience on their side.  If you work more outside or prefer to go to your clients, then a cordless model will suit you better.

If you engage in longer, more demanding projects, then the consistency and up-time of corded heat guns will serve you better. Not needing batteries means that you can maintain a steady pace without needing to recharge. You can also crank the tool up to higher settings for tougher tasks without worrying about power consumption.

Why cord length matter?

Being a corded tool, cord length matters because it dictates the tool’s reach. A longer cord is better if you plan on working with a larger area or have limited power outlets. A longer cord also means higher maneuverability – you can make more adjustments to positioning before the cord stretches out; this will prove vital especially when working with uniquely-shaped pieces or interiors.

Always manage the cord for safety and efficiency. You should always have it beside or behind you, this limits the risk of tripping and entanglement. Keeping this in mind allows you to work fast and keeps the work area looking neat.

What are the heat requirements for different heating jobs?

Choosing the top corded heat gun

Top-performing corded heat gun

The DeWalt D26960K is the best-corded heat gun because of its optimized combination of weight, temperature range and control, nozzle accessories, and of course performance. With a premium brand, you also pay a premium price, which in all honesty is not too bad for such a flexible tool.

One of the key features that will make you want this heat gun is the solid construction of its already lengthy cord; the long-reaching 10-foot cord allows you to reach far places and make some tight twists and turns. Capable of generating up to 1,100°F, this is the ideal all-purpose choice.

Best corded Makita heat gun

The Makita HG6530VK is the best corded Makita heat gun. Besides having the name, of course, this tool has some serious firepower behind it. Not only is this the only tool on the list to run on 2,000W of power, but also achieves the highest temperature output at 1,202°F! 

Achieve masterful control with 2 airflow settings and a push-button variable switch. Take on the most demanding of projects with ease and turn the heat up with this Makita.

Most affordable corded heat gun

If you want something a little more price-friendly, then the Genesis GHG1500A is the ideal choice. If you need something for a rush project or just a handy tool for casual use, then you’ll get the most out of this heat gun.

12.5 amps of power is plenty enough and being able to reach 1000°F on a budget tool is nothing to scoff at. Minus the LCD screen, this tool pretty much has you set.

What jobs can be done with a heat gun?

1. Paint application and removal. Easily apply new paint or remove old paint by using a heat gun and a chisel. Generally, you’ll need to finely polish the surface before any varnishing or painting job; so you might as well get a random orbital sander  or  for quick painting old furniture, you may opt for a belt sander like Makita 9403.
2. Adhesive removal. Remove adhesives and binding agents to easily remove stickers and even old floor tiles.
3. Wallpaper removal. Work faster and cleaner with a heat gun to either remove the adhesive or burn away wallpaper at higher settings.
4. Shrink-wrap. A heat gun is probably the fastest way to shrink-wrap all kinds of things, from food to books.
5. Work with metal. Loosen old and rusted screws or fix car dents with a heat gun. Applying heat allows the metal to expand and be easier shaped.
6. Material restoration. Repurpose old silverware or restore faded car paint trim. 
7. Thawing. Thaw frozen pipes and circuit boards faster and more efficiently by using a heat gun.
8. Limited culinary application. You can use the heat gun in the kitchen too; light a grill, roast coffee beans, and even glaze desserts!

And if you’d rather have a tool that can get more things done, here’s a list of another multi-functional tool you can get yourself to partner with your corded heat gun for these tricky jobs.

Tips for using a heat gun

Dos

• Do make use of a kickstand or any included holster when not in use.
• Do make your passes in a consistent manner; go in only one direction when working.
• Do be mindful of the minimum and maximum settings of your heat gun. Work within an adjustable 30% margin of whatever is the required temperature of the application.

Don’ts

• Don’t just set the heat gun down, especially where it will come in contact with other substances/surfaces.
• Don’t treat it like a hairdryer and quickly wave it back and forth to close; certain materials might be deformed this way.
• Don’t always make contact between the gun and a surface. You can, but it depends on the task and the material you’re working with.

Safety concerns

• Always wear the proper protective gear, especially heat-resistant/absorbent gloves. Wear goggles as these tools can emit high levels of heat that can cause slight stinging in your eyes. When working with paint, it would also be best to wear a mask to protect from harmful paint fumes.
• Always be aware of your work area and surroundings, especially when working indoors. Always keep the heat gun away from easily flammable objects and substances and clear the workspace of valuable objects that may get damaged.  
• NEVER point or direct it at your’s or anybody else’s skin. These are extremely hot tools and will cause serious burning if contacted.

How to use a heat gun for paint removal?

To remove or strip paint, hold the heat gun away at a distance from the target area; around 3 to 4 inches will do. Move it around slowly, preferably in a circular manner to loosen the paint. With a scraper or chisel on the other hand, carefully hack it against the loose paint and progress slowly along the area you wish to strip. 

If you found the best heat gun for removing paint, you know that repainting a scraped surface needs a bit of finishing. So here’s how to smoothen, shape, or polish the surface before repainting.

How to use a heat gun to bend plastic pipes?

To bend a PVC pipe using a heat gun is to focus on the area you wish to bend and to evenly spread the heat out by constantly rotating or moving the pipe back and forth. A distance of 10 to 12 inches away is good here. Once you feel that the area is soft enough, gently bend to the desired degree and allow it to cool.

Comparing corded heat guns

Conclusion

Go with the DeWalt D26960K if you’re looking for a tool that’s a long-term investment. This DeWalt heat gun lightweight and has a sturdy, long cord. It’s good for light and heavy applications.

If you engage in more demanding work and prefer something that’s better suited for the grind, then you won’t go wrong with the Makita HG6530VK – the most powerful and the hottest. the Genesis GHG1500A will save you if you find yourself in financial straits, it’s affordable and duly capable. It has some nice accessories to help aim heat a little better.

That’s about it for our best heat gun guide! We hope the information we shared has made you more knowledgeable about these spicy power tools. If we have piqued your interest, check out our best cordless heat gun guide too. It’s sure to speak about a ‘hot’ topic.