How to Use a Heat Gun

A heat gun is a tool that resembles a er, but gets much hotter—in fact, they can produce temperatures as high as 1,200 °F (649 °C)![1] Heat guns have a ton of uses, but they can cause serious damage or injury if you’re not careful, so always use safety precautions when operating one. One of the most common uses for a heat gun is removing paint, but you can also use them to apply shrink wrap, defrost your pipes, or do art projects!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Safety Precautions

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    Wear long sleeves and work gloves while operating your heat gun. Before operating a heat gun, put on some heavy-duty work gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. These will create a barrier between your skin and the heat from the gun nozzle in case you accidentally aim the heat gun at your hand or arm while it’s on.[2] Make sure you wear clean work clothes and gloves that haven’t been exposed to any solvents or other flammable materials.
    • Keep in mind that this barrier likely won’t prevent your skin from burning for more than a few seconds, so you still need to avoid aiming the gun at any part of your body!
    • You can purchase heat-resistant work gloves at many hardware or building supply stores.
    • Depending on the type of work you are doing, such as drying glassware in a chemistry lab, you might need to wear additional protective gear, such as goggles and a fire-retardant coat.[3]
    • If you’re using a heat gun to strip lead-based paint, you’ll also need a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a HEPA filter and an organic vapor cartridge.
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    Have a fire extinguisher close by while you work. There’s always a danger of fire when you’re working with a powerful heat source. Keep a fire extinguisher in your work area and review how to use it correctly before you start working.[4]
    • Make sure your fire extinguisher is in good repair and fully pressurized.
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    Plug your heat gun directly into a wall outlet. Heat guns use a high current, which could cause an extension cord or power strip to overheat. Plug your heat gun into a wall socket instead to reduce the risk of fire or electrocution.[5]
    • Never use an adapter with a heat gun or try to modify the plug since this could increase the risk of electric shock.

    Warning: To avoid accidentally activating your heat gun before you’re ready, make sure the power switch is in the “off” position before plugging it in.

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    Keep your heat gun away from flammable materials. Check your work area and make sure there’s nothing that could easily catch fire if it came into contact with heat from the gun. Clear away any potential fire hazards, such as:[6]
    • Chemical solvents
    • Pieces of paper, such as paper towels or instruction booklets
    • Drapes or curtains
    • Flammable fumes or gases
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    Make sure the air inlets are not blocked. Covering the air inlets on your heat gun could cause the gun to overheat and catch fire. Always make sure the inlets are clear and open while you’re operating the gun.[7]
    • The air inlets look like a group of slits or holes and are located at the back end of the gun, over the internal fan and motor assembly.
    • If you need to use both hands to aim or steady the gun, make sure your hand is not covering the inlets.
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    Maintain a distance of at least .4 inches (1.0 cm) from your work surface. Placing the nozzle of the gun directly against your work surface could both damage the surface and potentially cause the gun to overheat. Make sure there is always at least a small space between the nozzle and whatever you are heating.[8]
    • You may need to vary the distance between the nozzle and the surface depending on what kind of work you are doing.
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    Keep the hot nozzle away from your body and clothing. Even with protective clothing on, you can easily burn yourself if you accidentally touch the nozzle or aim it at yourself. As long as the gun is switched on, take care to keep it pointed away from you at all times.[9]
    • Never look into the barrel of the gun while it’s switched on, or you could burn your face and eyes.
    • Since a heat gun doesn’t produce an obvious flame the way a blow torch does, it can be easy to forget that there’s a jet of extremely hot air coming out of it.
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    Do not insert any objects into the nozzle of the gun. Putting anything into the nozzle of the gun could cause a fire. Always keep the nozzle of the heat gun clear.[10]
    • Be careful about letting the heat gun come into contact with objects that conduct heat easily, like metal tongs. Even if they don’t touch the nozzle directly, they could still overheat and burn you.
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    Avoid distractions while you’re using the heat gun. Good concentration is vital while you’re operating a heat gun.[11] To reduce your risk of injury, make sure there’s nothing in the environment that could distract you while you’re working.
    • Turn off TVs or radios so you can concentrate completely on what you’re doing.
    • If there’s anyone else around, ask them not to bother you or disrupt you while you’re operating the heat gun.
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    Switch your heat gun off before setting it down. Even if you’re still in the middle of a project, always turn off the gun before you put it down, even for a second. Setting down an active heat gun could easily cause a fire or other severe damage or injury. Switch it off and set it down on an insulated surface free of any flammable materials when you’re not using it.[12]
    • Some heat guns have a power switch located on the handle under the barrel of the gun, in the “trigger” position. However, other models have the switch located on top of the device.
    • You can purchase a steel heat shield or a soldering block for your workbench online or from a home improvement store.
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    Allow the heat gun to cool for at least 30 minutes before storing it. Even after the heat gun is turned off, the nozzle will still be very hot. To prevent fires and other damage, don’t put your heat gun away until it’s had a chance to cool down completely.[13]
    • Some heat guns have a “cold” setting that you can turn on to help the gun cool more quickly.
    • Let your heat gun cool down on a heat-resistant surface, such as a steel heat shield or a soldering block, before you put it away.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Removing Paint with a Heat Gun

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    Use an attachment to target your heat. Heat guns typically come with a variety of attachments that will allow you to aim your heat more precisely. If you want to heat a specific area without singeing or damaging the areas around it, use a nozzle attachment that concentrates or narrows the flow of heat.[14]
    • Alternatively, you can build a heat shield by cutting a hole in a piece of cardboard. Make the hole slightly larger than your target area and cover the cardboard with aluminum foil to insulate it. Position the shield in between the nozzle and the painted surface.[15]
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    Switch your heat gun on to the recommended setting. A basic heat gun designed for paint stripping may have only one heat setting and fan speed. However, more advanced multi-purpose models have multiple settings.[16] Consult your user manual to find the appropriate settings for stripping paint.
    • The amount of heat you’ll need will depend on the kind of paint you’re working with and what sort of building material is underneath. You’ll likely need to heat your gun to at least 700 °F (371 °C) to remove paint effectively.[17]
    • If you’re working in a building constructed before 1978, never use a heat gun at a temperature higher than 1,100 °F (593 °C) to strip paint. Higher temperatures increase your risk of exposure to dangerous lead fumes.[18]
    • Your heat gun may have separate controls to set the temperature and the airspeed.
    • Set your heat gun to the correct settings before switching on the airflow unless your manual says otherwise.
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    Position the nozzle about 2 inches (5.1 cm) above your work surface. As you work, avoid putting the nozzle too close to the painted surface to avoid singeing it. Hold the gun at a consistent distance from the surface as you work so that it heats evenly.[19]
    • If the paint doesn’t start to separate from the surface at that distance, you can try moving the heat gun a little closer. Just make sure there’s at least .4 inches (1.0 cm) between the nozzle and the surface you’re working on.
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    Move the heat gun in a continuous, sweeping motion. Working methodically and in small sections, sweep the heat gun back and forth over the painted surface. You may need to go over the same spot a few times before the paint starts to separate.[20]
    • Always keep the heat gun moving, or you could damage the surface under the paint.

    Tip: Removing paint with a heat gun is very effective, but it can be a slow process if you’re working on a large area. Be patient and take your time to avoid damage or injuries.

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    Watch for the paint to begin bubbling. You’ll know that the heat gun is doing its job when the paint begins to bubble up and pull away from the painted surface. Keep the gun moving until a small section of the paint has bubbled up and is ready to come off.[21]
    • A heat gun can release several layers of paint at once!
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    Scrape the loose paint away with an angled scraper. Carefully move the heat gun away from the surface you’re working on and use your scraper to peel off the loosened paint. Be very careful not to aim the nozzle of the heat gun at any part of yourself while you do this.[22]
    • If paint builds up on the scraper, wipe it off every 1-2 minutes with a clean shop rag or scrape it away on the edge of a trash can. If you use a rag, make sure it’s clean and free of any flammable chemicals.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Finding Other Uses for Your Heat Gun

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    Use your heat gun to remove old wallpaper. A heat gun is a great tool for loosening stubborn wallpaper. If your gun has multiple settings, set it to the lowest possible setting to prevent scorching. Hold the gun approximately 6 inches (15 cm) away from the wall and move it in a continuous sweeping motion to soften the glue and release the paper, then lift the edge of the paper with a paint scraper and carefully peel it off the wall.[23]
    • Keep several trash bags handy to collect the paper scraps.
    • Always work in a well-ventilated area in case the melting glue releases any fumes.
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    Soften glue, caulk, or other adhesives with the gun. A heat gun is also great for softening caulk, putty, glue, or adhesive residue leftover from labels and stickers. Warm the adhesive with the gun until it softens, then scrape it away with a paint scraper.[24]
    • Consult your user manual for the correct heat setting before using your heat gun for this purpose.
    • You may need to test the adhesive with the scraper as you’re working to determine if it’s soft enough to come off.
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    Remove old window glazing with a heat gun. If you need to redo the glazing on your windows, a heat gun is a must. As windows age, the glazing (a special putty that holds the panes in place) can become brittle and start to crack or flake away. Use a heat gun with a heat shield attachment to soften the old glazing. Use a stiff putty knife to gouge out the glazing as it softens.[25]
    • Keep the heat gun moving so you don’t overheat the glass and crack it.
    • Examine the wood for damage when you’re done. Before you add the new glazing, repair damaged areas with wood epoxy and prime any bare wood with a shellac-based primer.[26]
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    Apply shrink wrap with a heat gun. Another one of the most popular uses for heat guns is to shrink plastic wrap. Wrap your item in special shrink-wrap plastic or place it in a shrinkable plastic bag, then go over the plastic with a heat gun until it shrinks into place. Keep the heat gun 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) away from the plastic wrap and move it continuously to avoid melting a hole in the plastic.[27]
    • If you use a shrinkable bag, tuck the opening shut and tape it, or tie it off at the top.
    • Always use shrink-wrap plastic for this purpose. If you use regular plastic cling-wrap, it will burn or melt and release toxic fumes.
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    Defrost frozen metal pipes. If metal water pipes in your home get frozen, a heat gun can help save your plumbing. Open up the valve at the end of the pipe, then carefully move the heat gun along the pipe to melt the ice and get the water flowing again.[28]
    • Take care not to overheat the pipes and turn the water into steam, or your pipes could burst. Use the heat gun on a low setting and don’t hold it too close to the pipe. The pipe should never become too hot to touch with your bare hands.
    • Don’t use a heat gun on plastic pipes, since the plastic could easily melt or get singed even at relatively low temperatures.
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    Incorporate your heat gun into arts and crafts projects. There are numerous ways a heat gun can come in handy when you’re doing arts and crafts. For example, you can use a heat gun when you’re embossing designs on a variety of surfaces, including paper, fabric, or even candles. You can also use the heat gun to:[29]
    • Loosen and re-stick embellishments or appliqués
    • Heat Shrinky Dinks
    • Heat and shape organza or silk fabric decorations
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Things You’ll Need

Using Safety Precautions

  • Heavy-duty work gloves
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Heat-resistant work surface

Removing Paint with a Heat Gun

  • Heat gun
  • Heat shield nozzle attachment
  • Angled paint scraper
  • Clean shop rag
  • Trash can

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about using tools, check out our in-depth interview with Ryaan Tuttle.

References

  1. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  2. ↑ https://www.keene.edu/administration/policy/detail/hot-work/
  3. ↑ https://ehs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2017/01/HeatGunUse.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-removing-old-paint-with-a-heat-gun/
  5. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  6. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  7. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  8. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  9. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  1. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-removing-old-paint-with-a-heat-gun/
  3. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  4. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/du0Kcrc4xY8?t=69
  6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-removing-old-paint-with-a-heat-gun/
  7. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/382
  8. ↑ https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_v/otm_v_3.html
  9. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-11/documents/steps_0.pdf
  10. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-removing-old-paint-with-a-heat-gun/
  11. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-removing-old-paint-with-a-heat-gun/
  12. ↑ https://youtu.be/alAaC46obZc?t=194
  13. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-removing-old-paint-with-a-heat-gun/
  14. ↑ http://afarmhousereborn.com/using-a-heat-gun-to-remove-wallpaper/
  15. ↑ https://youtu.be/Op46KiPMrho?t=90
  16. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/windows/window-repair/how-to-glaze-a-window-single-pane/
  17. ↑ https://www.chicagobungalow.org/windows
  18. ↑ https://youtu.be/II33SxJYBLE?t=72
  19. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/28/nyregion/home-clinic-some-tips-for-dealing-with-frozen-pipes.html
  20. ↑ https://youtu.be/zdz5h_zwht8?t=19

About This Article

Ryaan Tuttle
Co-authored by:
Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 18,569 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: February 25, 2023
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