If you are an enthusiastic craftsman and like to deal with projects requiring epoxy resin, you undoubtedly know how difficult it is to get rid of those irritating bubbles. Using heat guns over the surfaces of your creations will give them a flawless finish and will help you remove the bubbles. However, finding the best heat guns for resin might be quite challenging, especially if you go straight to the shopping center.
I would strongly recommend choosing an epoxy heat gun based not on price or brand but on the task at hand. You don’t have to waste your time looking for information because I have already done it for you. In this review, you will learn about the most popular and most effective models of a craft heat gun for resin. I will review their features, advantages, and disadvantages, and you will make the right choice.
Heat gun for resin comparison table
| Name | Watts | Low heat setting | High heat setting | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandler Tool best overall | 150W/300W | 200°C/392°F | 300°C/572°F | Review |
| Makita HG6530VK premium | 2000W | 50°C/122°F | 650°C/1202°F | Review |
| Wagner HT400 also a great choice | 170W/350W | 230°C/450°F | 360°C/680°F | Review |
Best heat guns for resin reviews
Chandler Tool – best overall
Chandler Tool is a mini heat gun that can be used for versatile purposes owing to its dual temperature mode. In this Chandler Tool review, we will try to discover the main characteristics and functions of the product.
Features and specs
One of the main Chandler Tool features is that it offers a low-temperature mode of 392 F which is appropriate for delicate projects, and a high-temperature mode of 572 F, which is ideal for heavy-duty jobs. The item will be your great helper if you are a fan of crafts, shrink wrapping, phone repairs, candle making, embossing powders, jewelry making, etc.
The maximum power of this tool is 300 Watts. While using the instrument, you can adjust the temperature and speed according to your needs. Chandler tool can be used continuously for 1-2 hours before it requires a forced break.
The item is flexible, ergonomic, and quiet; it requires just a couple of minutes to heat up. Owing to its tiny size, this electric portable heat gun can be used effortlessly, even in tight spaces.
Design and materials
Since Chandler Tool is a mini heat gun, it weighs only 13.1 ounces. Thanks to the insulated plastic body of the item and a plastic nozzle protector, your hands will not suffer when the instrument is heated during active use.
One standout feature that has garnered applause is the ergonomic structure. Many customers have mentioned how comfortable it is to hold for extended periods. Crafting can be a labor of love, but it doesn’t have to be physically straining, right?
Accessories
The item includes a protective nozzle so that you do not have any chances to burn your hands, a kickstand for additional comfort, and a 5-feet cord to let you use it away from the socket.
Conclusion
In general, Chandler Tool is a great instrument that you can use for numerous reasons. By buying this heat gun you get two products in one owing to the low and high-temperature settings you can switch at any time.
Key specs
- Watts settings: 150-300.
- Temperature settings: 392-572°F/200-300°C.
- Cord length, ft/cm: 6/183.
- Weight, lbs/g: 0.7/326.
Makita HG6530VK – premium
Makita HG6530VK is a versatile heat gun for industrial use that turns out to be a neat tool for many handicraftsmen. In this Makita HG6530VK review, we will try to show you the main advantages of this product.
Features and spec
This compact 2000W instrument can be used for waxing, removing stickers, thawing frozen pipes, stripping paint and lacquer, vehicle tinting, etc. Such versatility of the heat gun is achieved owing to variable temperatures that you can set between 122º and 1022º F. Moreover, you can change the airflow settings from 7 CFM to 14 CFM. You can also adjust fan speeds right on the handle slide switch and choose low, high, and cooling options.
One of the features that you will definitely appreciate is an LCD screen on the rear end of the instrument with two buttons (+ and -) that allows you to change the temperature and see the changes right on the screen. Thanks to a 6.6 ft. cord you will have additional mobility and enough space for creative work. A built-in tether notch is another characteristic of the tool that you might enjoy, but keep in mind that the tether is sold separately.
Design and materials
Lightweight tools are always more pleasant to use as they do not cause hand fatigue. The Makita tool weighs only 1.6 pounds, and you can always put it on a flattened rear end whenever you need a break. A rubberized molded handle secures a convenient non-slip grip.
Accessories
For those who love to expand their toolset, the HG6530VK’s compatibility with various Makita accessories is a huge plus. Whether you need a nozzle for concentrated heat or a surface scraper attachment, you can find an accessory to suit your needs.
Originally, this resin heat gun comes in a solid kit for comfortable safekeeping and transportation as well as enhanced protection of the product. The tool case also includes four 1-3/8″ nozzles – a wide slot, a reflector, a glass protector, and a reflector nozzle.
Conclusion
All in all, the Makita heat gun proves to be an efficient robust tool of a small size that will serve you for years and complete a wide range of tasks. It is quite an expensive instrument that is ideal for industrial applications rather than for amateur crafts.
Key specs
- Watts (low/high) settings: 2000W.
- Low heat setting: 50°C/122°F.
- High heat setting: 650°C/1202°F.
- Airflow, CFM: 10/16.
- Cord length, ft/cm: 6/183.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 2/0.9.
Wagner HT400 – also a great choice
Wagner HT400 is a compact multipurpose heat gun with all the necessary basic functions and, at the same time, an acceptable price for many people. Yes, this model may not be able to surpass the capabilities of more expensive and premium options, but for many people, it will be a great assistant.
Features and specs
The manufacturer of this heat gun claims that the product can be used for home, workshop, craft, and hobby projects. Such versatility is achieved owing to the dual temperature settings with the low 450°F and high 680°F options. Thus, the low-temperature setting is perfect for embossing cards and other crafting projects, while the high-temperature option is ideal for shrinking electrical tubes or strip paint. The maximum wattage on a high setting is 350 Watts. I especially liked its ability to handle delicate tasks like embossing without burning or warping the material.
One of the peculiarities of the product is its angled shape that offers 3 different operating positions. The pencil grip gives you better control and precision for detailed projects. The palm grip is ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The installed, retractable stand turns out to be helpful for hands-free operation.
This crafting heat gun with a six-foot cable that gives you enough space to comfortably operate the tool. The voltage of the plug is 110V.
Design and materials
One of the advantages of this heat gun is its compact size and light weight of 0.9 lbs.
Owing to the angled design of the product, this tool can be used to reach hardly accessible areas, unlike heat guns with standard design. You will appreciate cool-touch sidebars whenever you use the pencil grip for your projects.
Having spent a fair amount of time with this tool, I have appreciated the durability of the construction of this model and believe it can truly stand the test of time.
Accessories
The Wagner HT400 heat gun does not include any additional nozzles and does not come with a kit for safekeeping and transportation.
Conclusion
Thanks to its unique design, compact size, and hands-free feature, this heat gun will become one of your favorite tools that you will use for versatile purposes. But keep in mind that this product is unsuitable for large areas.
Key specs
- Watts settings: 170-350.
- Temperature settings: 450-680°F/230-360°C.
- Cord length, ft/cm: 6/183.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 0.7/0.32.
PRULDE NHG0140 – cordless
PRULDE NHG0140 by NEU MASTER is a cordless hot air gun that can be used indoors, outdoors, and even in high altitudes. In this PRULDE NHG0140 review we will try to find out the characteristics and advantages of the product.
Features and specs
Paint stripping, shrink wrapping, crafts, cell phone repairs, and other DIY jobs are no longer a big deal with a PRULDE heat gun. The tool can be heated up to the maximum temperature of 1022°F within 10 seconds, but the temperature cannot be adjusted, which means that there is no low-temperature setting.
The heat gun includes a double safety system to secure your protection. This tool even has a hands-free option owing to the lock-off lever-standable construction. Moreover, the manufacturer applied an innovative cellular tuyere in order to increase the heating rate thanks to this unique technology.
Design and materials
Made of plastic, the item weighs 4.69 pounds which is not much for a wireless heat gun with a rechargeable battery. The hand fatigue is reduced due to the ergonomic non-slip rubber handle for enhanced comfort of application. Owing to its compact portable design the tool is ideal for hard-to-reach spots.
Accessories
The PRULDE heat gun comes with four nozzle attachments for various projects and application needs. Furthermore, the kit includes a fast-charging 20V Max Compact Lithium-Ion battery and an efficient Rapid Optimum Charger to provide the most productive utilization.
Conclusion
All in all, the PRULDE NHG0140 heat gun is a compact yet powerful tool that you can use at any spot without worries about constantly plugging it in. Nevertheless, do not forget to charge the battery in advance and remember that the working time of the item is at least 15 minutes per charge.
Key specs
- Voltage: 20V.
- Battery Capacity: 4.0 Ah.
- Max. output temperature: 550°C / 1022°F.
- Weight: 2.13 kg / 4.7 lbs.
BLACK+DECKER HG1300
BLACK+DECKER HG1300 is a universal heat tool that comes in handy for various professional and amateur applications. In this BLACK+DECKER HG1300 review, we will discover the major characteristics of the product.
Features and specs
The 1350 watts heat gun features dual temperature settings for a large spectrum of projects, from thawing pipes to shrinking tubes, from loosening rusted nuts and bolts to stripping varnish and paint. You can effortlessly switch between 750°F and 1,000°F options using a special button on the handle.
You will undoubtedly appreciate a built-in stand that is needed for cooling down safety and convenience. In addition, you can enjoy hand-free application whenever you balance the heat gun on the stand and backside of the item. The cable is long enough to provide flexibility at the workplace. Furthermore, the ergonomic construction of the heat gun allows you to use it even in tight spaces.
Design and materials
According to the manufacturer, this heat gun is relatively lightweight and compact as it weighs only 1.63 pounds. It is necessary to mention that a 3-position side handle guarantees comfortable application thanks to a non-slip grip for enhanced control during the utilization of the item.
Accessories
The BLACK+DECKER HG1300 heat gun does not include any additional nozzle applications and comes without a special kit.
Conclusion
To sum things up, the BLACK+DECKER tool will become one of your favorite instruments due to its versatility and durability. With the corded design, you will enjoy limitless runtime, and the compact size will reduce hand fatigue. You can also purchase a set of nozzles for this gun separately.
Key specs
- Watts: 1350W.
- Low heat setting: 399°C / 750°F.
- High heat setting: 538°C / 1000°F.
- Airflow, CFM: 12.
- Cord length: 183 cm / 6 ft.
- Weight: 0.45 kg / 1.63 lbs.
Heat gun for resin buying guide
Cordless or corded heat gun
You can choose either a wired or cordless heat gun for resin art. In case you prefer a corded one, make sure that the cable is long enough so that you have enough space for creating crafts. Otherwise, you can pick up a cordless tool that will run on batteries but do not forget to charge them in time.
Temperature control
The best heat gun for epoxy resin should have temperature control to allow you to select the appropriate temperature for your project. Ideally, there must be two temperature settings – low and high. While the low setting is perfect for small crafts, the high setting is needed for heavy-duty projects. The most optimal temperature for epoxy resin crafts is 400-440℉ as it is enough to soften dry paint or epoxy.
Project and heat gun sizes
It goes without saying that small crafts require less power and a 500-Watt tool will meet your expectations. Whenever you have to complete a large project, pick up an item powered by 1000 Watts or even more.
Materials and ergonomics
An epoxy resin heat gun should be made of a temperature-resistant material of excellent quality so that you do get burns on your skin when you use a tool for a long time. When it comes to the shape of an item, you can find a heat gun that resembles a real gun, because such a design is ideal for working on tables or countertops. In this case, you can adjust the temperature or choose the settings right on the handle. At the same time, heat guns for smaller projects usually have a shape of a tube or a pencil and are extremely lightweight.
Safety features
Whenever you use a heat gun, there is always a high risk of overheating or burning something. Ideally, the tool should not be equipped with any cheap plastic details that are easy to melt or burn. The majority of heat guns have a built-in kickstand to sit on each time you do not need the tool. Owing to the anti-heat resistant mechanism the current supply will be shut down automatically when overheating is noticed in order to avoid any damage.
FAQ
Is a heat gun or torch better for epoxy?
When should I use a heat gun on resin?
Another reason to use a heat gun on the resin is when you need to speed up the curing process. Applying heat will help the resin cure more quickly, although it is important to be careful not to overdo it, as this can cause the resin to become too hot and start to deform.
Finally, a heat gun can also be used to help fix imperfections in the resin after it has cured. By gently heating up the area with imperfection and then shaping it with tools while it is still soft, you can often smooth out any bumps or cracks.
