Build-ups of softened paint on the scraper can create a fire hazard. Also, remove paint that has stuck to the nozzle of the heat gun. Play safe by wearing heavy work gloves, and clean the blade of the scraper frequently. The blast of air coming from the nozzle is very hot, so avoid directing it onto the handle of the scraper or near your fingers. Do not hold the nozzle in one place too long this will char the paint and wood. Heat only a few square inches at a time, and remember to scrape the softened paint off immediately. Used properly, the scraper should lift off a swath of paint the full width of the scraper with each stroke, and you should be able to keep the nozzle of the heat gun moving slowly ahead of the scraper with a steady back- and-forth motion that will spread the heat evenly in front of the scraper. Oil-base paints will usually bubble up freely, but some latex paints may not-they will just soften and finally char.Ī little practice will soon indicate the proper timing for easiest scraping. With some paints, if you continue to heat them after they have started to blister and scorch, they may catch fire and get even harder. If you allow the softened paint to cool, it will harden again. Start scraping with a stiff putty knife or similar scraping tool as soon as the paint bubbles and gets soft.

Hold the nozzle an inch or two away from the surface, moving it slowly back and forth over a small area until the paint begins to blister. Give the tool 45 seconds to warm up fully when you first turn it on. If you decide to change nozzles later, be sure to let the tool cool for at least five minutes before removing the hot nozzle (each one is pressed onto the end to install it and removed by prying it off). You will want to experiment to determine which nozzle is best for the job at hand. The wide-flare nozzle is for most paint-removing jobs, while the smaller, round nozzle works better where heat must be more localized. Install the desired nozzle before turning the unit on. This helps prolong the life of the heating element. If it has more than one heat setting, let it run for a minute or two on the lowest setting before shutting it off. Do not touch it or put it down on anything that could be damaged by heat. But don`t expect a heat gun to remove a stain that has soaked into wood.

The gun can be used with indoor or outdoor paints, and will work on either latex or oil-base finishes. When used for their most common chore-removing paint-electric heat guns are far safer than a torch because there is less chance of starting a fire.Ī heat gun removes paint economically, quickly and with considerably less mess than a chemical remover.

Paint run removal tool