How to Remove Paint with a Heat Gun

How to Remove Paint with a Heat Gun

Years-old gloss paint is a standard in older properties going through renovations. Whether on bannisters, doors, or skirting boards, getting these back to their original state not only saves you money, but helps keep some original in-demand features.

A heat gun is a great tool that can help you remove built-up paint that would take ages to remove using a sander or scraper. It softens the paint, allowing you to scrape it away. And it won’t affect the wood underneath, allowing you to cause minimal damage.

Heat guns can come with various nozzles. Always choose the correct nozzle for the job, bearing in mind the size of the area and how much heat is needed.

Be very careful when using heat guns. They can get really hot, so allow them to cool before placing them down, and always wear PPE. Gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and a dust mask are all needed when using a heat gun and working with fumes and dust.

 

Checking your paint for lead

If you use a heat gun to remove paint, you should first test to see if the paint contains lead.

Lead-based paint was widely used in the 1960s and then banned from sale in the UK in 1992, so if there is a risk your paint fits these dates, always test beforehand. Otherwise, the fumes created could be dangerous.

You can purchase a lead paint testing kit from most hardware stores and online. Follow the instructions.

If it does, do not use a heat gun. Instead, a liquid paint stripper will be your best option as it doesn’t create dust. This can be more expensive, but the alternative is to seal the paint and then paint over it or replace the feature entirely.

 

How to Use a Heat Gun to Remove Paint

You will need:

• Heat gun
• Decorators’ scraper
• Dust sheets
• PPE
• Sander

PPE is vital to protect yourself from the heat and any debris produced. A mask, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing are essential.

 

Step 1: Prepare the area

Once you have tested for lead and are satisfied the paint is safe, prepare the area.

Remove anything nearby which is flammable; heat guns can get very hot. Clear obstructions, open windows to improve airflow, and use dust sheets to protect your flooring from paint and dust.

 

Step 2: Heat the paint

Once the area is cleared, you have your PPE on, and there is nothing flammable around you, you can start the job.

Test the heat on a small area first, so you know how much heat to use, how long to hold the heat gun for, and whether it will work as a method.

Hold the heat gun at a 45-degree angle and wait until the paint begins to bubble. Take the heat off the area and start to scrape with your paint scraper.

Don’t hold the heat gun on the area for too long, as it could burn and damage the wood. Stubborn paint should be left and then sanded off at a later date.

Start on the lowest setting first, before moving on to the next setting up if that doesn’t seem to work. Always use low settings around fragile areas, such as around glass.

 

Step 3: Sand

As well as sanding any stubborn bits of paint you can’t hold the heat gun onto, sanding can also help give a smooth finish and recover your wood from the scraping, and any small flecks of leftover paint.

Once the wood is sanded, wipe it down with some sugar soap or dish soap and a damp cloth dipped in warm water, and your wood should now be ready to paint!

Don’t forget to use a base coat primer suited to wood, which will not only help the paint last but will also ensure the end colour doesn’t soak into the wood and damage it.

 

 

How else can I remove paint?

If a heat gun isn’t suitable for your home, worry not. There are a few other options. As always, wear PPE and follow the guidelines on your chosen product.

 

Chemical paint stripper

Usually comes in a liquid form which is brushed onto the paint, left to sit for a while, and then can be scraped off. Sometimes needs to be wrapped in cling-film plastic to allow it to work overnight.

Spray-type paint strippers are also available now, which can be sprayed onto the surface and work really quickly to dissolve the paint.

Always follow the instructions on your specific stripper, and remember to wear protective clothing such as gloves, a mask, and safety goggles.

 

Sand

Can be time-consuming with older paint or several layers of paint, and won’t remove all traces of paint, but can get the wood back to a smooth, almost paint-free surface.

Will get rid of bumps, flakes, and drips in your existing paint too, rather than painting over them.

 

Seal & paint

If your paint contains lead, or you simply can’t face removing the paint, your best option is to seal the old gloss paint and then use your chosen paint.

Sanding the paint lightly first will help to remove any blemishes. You can also use filler on any holes. While not ideal, it is the cheapest and least time-consuming option, but you won’t necessarily get a clean end result.

 

What else can I do with a heat gun?

If you’re hiring a heat gun, you’re going to want to get the most out of it. Here are a few other ideas of what you can do with a heat gun:

• Removing linoleum glue and any residue left behind
• Remove vinyl wraps (i.e., from kitchen cabinets)
• Thaw frozen pipes
• Solder copper pipes
• Weld plastic
• Bend plastic
• Heat shrink tubing

With any task, always remember to wear gloves as well as breathing protection and eye protection. Using a heat gun can give off fumes, so open windows too.

 

Feeling Inspired?

We have loads more DIY tips and guides on our blog. If you’re covering dark wood, our guide on how to cover dark paint could give you some tips. We also have a guide on how to use a paint sprayer, which could give you a more even finish.

Painting your stairs? Follow our guide to make sure the paint lasts and looks great.

You’ll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need at Speedy. Why not start planning your next DIY project and open a Speedy account online or on the app for all your tool hire needs?

With over 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery, you can hire products whenever suits you.

 

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