Choosing a heat gun

Choosing the right heat gun is important as heat guns for stripping paint are not created equal. The cheaper heat guns are generally slow and often cause hot spots which burn the wood.

We have tested possibly every brand and model out there on many types of paint finishes and in our professional opinion, one gun is a stand out winner for both the quality result and speed. It’s the Makita, so this is why we only offer this one gun.

We recommend choosing a heat gun which is electronically temperature controlled. This keeps the temperature stable and helps maintain the correct temperature. Most heat guns are over fanned. Too much air means cooler temperatures and slower results. The correct temperature is 600 degrees Celsius. The Makita gun lets you dial in the right temperature to suit your project. Fixed temperature guns can be difficult to use, especially in corners near glass.

Heat guns and blow torches

When we talk about heat guns, we mean electric heat guns designed for stripping paint. Fuel burning blow torches are definitely not recommended. In our opinion they are dangerous; they damage the timber and probably invalidate your house insurance.

Tools for heat gunning

Some heat guns come in cases with tool sets – don’t buy them. The tools are usually hard edged and they easily gouge the wood. This is not a good look if you are planning on a wood grain finish. Using the wrong tools is almost vandalism.

We suggest the best tool is a 50mm flexi-knife. Make sure you look at the videos to see how this is done. Some tools are too flexi and most are too firm. A perfect flexi-knife bends at the tip, not the handle. Cheap broad knives are just made of pressed steel and because they don’t flex at the end, they easily blade mark the timber. The correct knife is offered here.

If you have an old villa with detailed architrave, try heat gunning with a teaspoon. It's surprising how the shape of the spoon can adapt to the shape of the architrave.