Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional seeking a ladder, the weight of the ladder should be at the top of your priority list. Heavy ladders can be difficult to carry and transport, and have the potential to pose a massive safety threat for the person using them and the people around them.

If you’re looking for a ladder for professional use, the last thing you want is a heavy ladder that is the cause of a pedestrian’s injury. After all, it could risk you your job and livelihood. But how easy is it to find a lightweight yet sturdy ladder?

If this sounds like a problem you have encountered in the past or a problem you want to avoid like the plague, we’ve got you covered! We understand the importance of finding a lightweight yet durable ladder that can suit every purpose – from regular household DIY projects to professional handyman use.

That’s why we have found the 10 best lightweight ladders on the market, complete with a useful buyer’s guide and FAQ section. Let’s get started!

Image	Product
	Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite 6ft Step Ladder Lightweight and slim Extra-wide rungs Non-slip rubber feet Check Price	Check Price
	Little Giant Ladders Velocity 22ft Multi-Position Ladder Range of positions Wheels for transportation Locks for positions Check Price	Check Price
	Ohuhu 12.5ft Telescoping Ladder Space-saving Easy retraction Locking pins to adjust the height Check Price	Check Price
	Tacklife 17ft Telescoping Ladder 5 ladders in 1 Slim and lightweight Flexible wheels Check Price	Check Price
	HBTower 3-Step Ladder Ideal for regular household DIY High weight capacity Very wide steps Check Price	Check Price
	Louisville Fiberglass 8ft Ladder Non-conductive for electrical work Handy tool tray Lightweight for fiberglass Check Price	Check Price
	Cosco Signature Series 6ft Step Ladder Ideal for regular household DIY Handy tool tray Stable box frame Check Price	Check Price
	charaHOME Telescoping Ladder Extra thick rubber caps Tool tray Compact retracted design Check Price	Check Price
	WolfWise 8.5ft Telescoping Ladder Slow and controlled retraction Lightweight and compact Strap and handle included Check Price	Check Price
	Giantex 3-Step Ladder Ideal for regular household DIY Extra-wide steps Top step used for tools or stool Check Price	Check Price

10 Best Lightweight Ladders

1. Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite 6ft Step Ladder

If you’re looking for a standard ladder for household projects, this Little Giant Ladders 6ft ladder will do the trick. Weighing only 14lbs, this is a very lightweight ladder that can, impressively, hold up to 300lbs in body weight.

This is a standard A-frame folding ladder that can be opened with just one hand. Made of aluminum, not only is this a lightweight and strong ladder, but it is durable and suitable for extended use. When folded, it has a slim profile of only 4” which is ideal for storage and transportation.

The rungs are extra-wide for the comfort and safety of the user’s feet and hands, which also helps to prevent foot fatigue and cramping. The standing platform, likewise, is wide enough to comfortably fit two feet and is equipped with a top cap to hold tools and equipment. To add to the safety value, the legs have hard rubber feet that provide security and balance.

This ladder meets the OSHA and ANSI standards, which provides the user with maximum safety.

Pros

• Lightweight and slim – Weighs 14lbs and has a narrow profile of 4” for easy storage and transportation
• Aluminum frame – Made from lightweight and durable aluminum that can hold up to 300lbs
• Safe to use – Rubber feet, extra-wide rungs, and OSHA/ANSI approved

Cons

• Only 6ft – Not suitable for projects that require a taller ladder

2. Little Giant Ladders Velocity 22ft Multi-Position Ladder

This 22ft ladder stands out for its unique multi-position construction. It can work as a regular A-frame ladder, but it can be fully extended and used at various angles such as on a staircase or at 90-degrees. This makes it an ideal ladder for professionals who need a ladder that can be used for a range of heights.

The multi-position value makes this a versatile ladder for its price point. When adjusted into a new position, whether in a regular A-frame or completely extended to its full 22ft height, the ladder is equipped with Rock Lock adjusters that help to lock the ladder in its new formation. It also comes with hard rubber feet to prevent slipping or moving.

To help with the transportation, this ladder comes with Tip & Glide wheels. These work by, you guessed it, tipping and gliding the ladder, so the wheels aren’t activated when the ladder is in its upright form. This ladder meets the OSHA and ANSI standards. As for its weight, this ladder weighs 39lbs.

Pros

• Multi-position – Converts to multiple ladder shapes including A-frame and extension
• Secure – Rubber feet and Rock Lock adjusters help to keep the ladder stable when in use
• Wheels – Wheels are activated when tipped to provide easy transportation

Cons

• Release buttons – When fully extended, the release buttons are fast which can be unexpected (watch your fingers!)

3. Ohuhu 12.5ft Telescoping Ladder

Telescoping ladders are a popular choice for space-saving. Working similarly to a – you guessed it – telescope, these ladders slide up and down to get into and out of formation.

This Ohuhu ladder features a handy one button retraction system that helps the ladder safely slide down into its compact position by the press of a thumb button.

Whilst some may assume that telescoping ladders are unstable and flimsy, this product can hold up to 330lbs of body weight and is equipped with the necessary safety features – including non-slip rubber feet and extra-wide rungs.

This ladder comes with locking pins that secure each section of the ladder when it is extended to your preferred position, which means you won’t have to worry about the ladder sliding into its telescoping position. This also means that you won’t risk pinching your fingers when retracting the ladder, which is a savior for your fingers!

Made of a durable aluminum alloy, this is a lightweight ladder that weighs only 25.3lbs. When fully extended, it can reach heights of 12.5ft, which can be used by both professionals and DIYers.

Pros

• Space-saving – Telescoping position takes up minimal space and is lightweight
• Stable – Rubber feet, extra-wide rungs, and locking pins help to provide a stable and secure ladder
• Easy to use – One button retraction system smoothly slides down the ladder with no trapped fingers

Cons

• Noisy – Makes noise when collapsed immediately without guidance

4. Tacklife 17ft Multi-Position Ladder

Professionals and hardcore DIYers may benefit most from a ladder that can do it all. This Tacklife ladder features five ladders in one, as it can work as a step ladder, A-frame ladder, 90-degree ladder, wall ladder, or even as a scaffold. When fully extended, this ladder reaches up to 17 feet. Ideal for climbing up to your roof to clear away moss and debris!

This is an aluminum-made ladder that weighs 40.4lbs. Whilst slightly heavier than other ladders on our list, its versatility makes up for the extra pounds (humans can make that excuse too!). Regardless of its position, this ladder can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces – even if the ground is uneven. This is achieved by the non-slip hard rubber feet which provide stability to the base.

This product is equipped with large wheels that are only activated when the ladder is tipped to move, which is a godsend for transportation. It comes with a J Quick Lock which secures the position of the ladder, so you don’t have to worry about the ladder collapsing when it’s in a precarious position. This product can hold up to 300lbs in body weight.

Pros

• Multi-use – Converts to 5 different ladder positions for versatility
• Secure – Equipped with rubber feet, extra-wide rungs, and locks to keep the ladder stable regardless of its position
• Indoor and outdoor use – Suitable for any surface, even uneven ground

Cons

• Slightly heavy – Weighs a few more pounds than other ladders

5. HBTower 3-Step Ladder

Who said all ladders need to be 20ft tall? Some people might just need a step ladder to reach the corner of the ceiling or the top of the cabinets. This handy little 3-step ladder weighs only 11.5lbs and can hold up to 500lbs of body weight, and is suitable for household DIY projects.

When folded into an upright position, this product is very slim and takes up minimal space, with a width of only 1.6”. This can fit well underneath someone’s arm, in a garage, or in a car. This is a sturdy little ladder made of a high-grade steel that is the reason why it can hold such an impressive weight.

It doesn’t get more sturdy than this, because it also comes with super wide rungs, non-slip hard rubber feet, and a lock system that keeps the assembled ladder securely in place.

One note about the rubber feet is that they must be positioned properly, as improper use will cause the ladder to shake and wobble. They are angled to support the ladder in its 3-step upright position, which means this ladder isn’t suitable for uneven surfaces.

Pros

• Ideal 3-step ladder – Great for regular household DIY
• Lightweight and slim – Easy to carry and store, weighing only 11.5lbs
• Sturdy – Steel frame design is equipped with a lock system, rubber feet, and very wide rungs

Cons

• Not for uneven ground – Due to rubber foot design, this isn’t suitable for use on uneven ground

6. Louisville Fiberglass 8ft Ladder

Weighing only 20lbs, this is a handy ladder for those who want to prevent injury (which should be everyone). Made of fiberglass, this is an ideal non-conductive ladder for professionals and DIYers who are working with or around electrical equipment.

This is a sturdy ladder with a capacity of 250lbs, fitted with non-slip rubber feet, and a SHOX system that is placed between the feet and the last rung. This system prevents damage to the ladder rails and provides extra stability. The one downside to this ladder is that the rungs aren’t extra-wide, which could be uncomfortable for long use.

The standout feature for this ladder is the tool tray. When working around electricity, it’s inconvenient to constantly climb up and down ladders to grab tools and equipment.

This is especially the case if you’re a professional electrician working in someone’s house, because there’s nothing more annoying than the constant sound of climbing and ascending ladders. This ladder comes with a magnet tray, drill and tool slots, a pipe holder, and a hardware tray, which provides extra convenience.

Pros

• Non-conductive – Fiberglass material is ideal for electrical work
• Tool tray – Handy tray holds a variety of tools and equipment
• Lightweight – Weighs only 20lbs, which is light for a fiberglass ladder

Cons

• Slim rungs – Rungs aren’t wide, which can be uncomfortable for prolonged use

7. Cosco Signature Series 6ft Step Ladder

When a 3-step ladder is too small and a 17ft ladder is too tall, a 6ft ladder is the ideal average height for any homeowner. This Cosco Signature Series ladder is an essential purchase for the average homeowner due to its convenience, stability, usefulness, and easy storage.

Made of high-quality aluminum, this ladder weighs only 17.6lbs which can be carried around the house easily. This ladder features sufficiently sized rungs that are comfortable to stand on for prolonged periods, non-slip rubber feet, and a boxed frame that provides extra stability when stood on.

The standout feature of this ladder is the handy tray. Gone are the days of climbing up and down a ladder to grab a paintbrush, because this ladder comes with a project tray that can hold paint, tools, and other materials such as paper towels. This is an ideal investment for new homeowners who are painting their walls and ceilings because the ladder is designed with complete convenience in mind.

Pros

• Great for homeowners – Ideal height for the average home and handy for regular DIY projects like painting walls
• Lightweight – Weighs only 17.6lbs and comes with a handle for easy carrying
• Tool tray – Convenient tool tray can hold paint, brushes, tools, and other materials

Cons

• Tall when folded – Whilst slim, it doesn’t retract and keeps its 6ft height, which might be tricky for storage

8. charaHOME Telescoping Ladder

It’s no secret that telescoping ladders are the best ladders when it comes to storage and space-saving. This product is no exception.

When retracted, it is only 31” tall and comes with a convenient handle to carry the ladder around and to store it wherever you like – whether it’s in a car or under a bed. Weighing only 24.2lbs, this is a compact design.

This ladder is made from aluminum alloy which contributes to its light weight and durability, as it can hold up to 330lbs. The frame is thick and ideal for holding on to comfortably, which is necessary for working at tall heights.

As it is a telescoping ladder, it comes with a locking system on each step that allows you to adjust the height of the ladder accordingly. This means it can be used for a variety of household projects, such as changing the lightbulb, pruning a tree, or changing curtains.

The standout feature of this ladder is the 3.14” non-slip rubber caps. These are wide, angled caps that provide a stable and slip-resistant base to the ladder, which is ideal for those worried about wobbling.

This ladder also comes with an extra tool platform at the top which can hold tools, paint, brushes, hardware, and anything else for ultimate convenience.

Pros

• Compact design – When retracted, this lightweight ladder can be transported and stored anywhere
• Tool tray – Comes with a handy tool tray to hold materials and equipment
• Thick rubber caps – Non-slip, thick rubber caps provide a stable base

Cons

• Finger trapping warning – When folding and unlocking locks, be careful not to trap your fingers

9. WolfWise 8.5ft Telescoping Ladder

Another telescoping ladder, this is one of the easiest and smoothest ladders to control. This product is equipped with a one-button retraction system that allows the ladder to retract into its compact position within 5 to 8 seconds.

It also falls slowly, so there is no chance of pinched hands or fingers (unless you deliberately put your hand somewhere unsafe). This is because of the Adopt Air damper technology, which uses air resistance to slow down the descending speed.

This ladder is made of aluminum alloy, weighing only 14.77lbs with a bodyweight capacity of 330lbs. Whilst its full extension can reach up to 8.5ft, it only retracts to a quarter of its height, which means it can be easily carried or stored in a variety of places. It also comes with a handy handle and a strap to keep the ladder securely retracted in place.

This product is equipped with anti-slip foot caps and a useful grip handle to provide ultimate stability. The rungs are suitably wide enough to be comfortable to stand out for extended periods.

Pros

• Slow retraction – Air resistance technology provides a slow and safe retraction to prevent trapped fingers
• Stable – Non-slip foot caps, grip handles, and wide rungs for stability
• Compact and lightweight – When retracted, this is a small and light design that can be carried and stored effortlessly

Cons

• Wear shoes – Uncomfortable rungs without shoes

10. Giantex Aluminum 3-Step Ladder

Listen, 3-step ladders are a very useful purchase for homeowners, renters, and everyone in between. They’re super handy for regular household projects like painting walls and changing light bulbs because not every ladder is for professional use.

Weighing only 7.5lbs, this is the lightest ladder on our list. It is made of a sturdy aluminum that can hold up to 330lbs of body weight, and is equipped with extra-wide rungs and a spacious top platform to provide a stable and secure place for all sizes of feet. This also means users have extra space for some tools if needed, or it can be used as a stool to sit on if a rest is needed!

The aluminum material also means it is resistant to rust, corrosion, cracks, or breakage – making it an ideal purchase for homeowners.

This ladder comes with anti-slip rubber feet which provides more stability to the ladder and protects flooring from damage. It is also equipped with an automatic safety lock which keeps the ladder firmly in place when stood on, so there is minimal chance of wobbling or sliding.

Pros

• Stable design – Non-slip rubber caps and automatic safe lock provide balance and stability
• Lightweight – Weighs only 7.5lbs
• Useful household ladder – Ideal for household jobs like changing light bulbs and pruning trees

Cons

• Weight capacity – Doesn’t hold as much weight as the other 3-step ladder on our list

Buyer’s Guide

What to Look for in a Ladder

Material

The best ladder material you can find is an aluminum frame. Aluminum is lightweight yet durable and can hold up to (and often over) 300lbs bodyweight. This material is also resistant to rust, corrosion, breakages, and cracks.

Fiberglass and steel ladders are other popular options, but these tend to be heavier than aluminum ladders.

Rubber Feet

The best quality ladders should come equipped with hard rubber feet. Rubber caps at the base of the ladder’s legs help to stop the ladder from slipping or wobbling. Plastic caps should be avoided, as they will slip on floors such as laminate or wood.

Rubber caps are also highly beneficial for maintaining the quality of your flooring, as they will prevent the ladder from scratching wooden floors.

Duty Rating

Ladders should meet or exceed the standards set by ANSI and OSHA. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the governing body for safety regulations, and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) creates governing voluntary standards.

Both work hand-in-hand with each other, and ladders must reach their standards to be sold reliably. This is especially the case for professionals who use ladders daily.

Weight

Heavy ladders are a pain to carry and transport. They can be bulky and awkward to hold, and not to mention the risk of back or arm injury if the frame is too heavy.

A common misconception with lightweight ladders is that they are flimsy and unstable, however, our research proves that this isn’t the case. Lightweight ladders are as durable and as sturdy as heavy ladders, just with the added bonus of their weight.

Whether you’re a homeowner wanting a ladder for household DIY projects or a professional handyman, a lightweight ladder is an essential purchase for convenience and safety. This also means that, should the ladder fall, it won’t cause as much damage to nearby people as a heavy ladder would.

Height

This seems fairly obvious, but the maximum height of a ladder needs to be a top priority to consider. Whilst some homeowners will opt for 3-step ladders to complete regular jobs like changing light bulbs or the odd paint work, others may find this height to be too limiting.

On the other hand, taller ladders might take up more storage space.

We recommend considering your intentions for the ladder before buying one. Most people tend to buy telescoping ladders that can have the height adjusted or a regular 8ft ladder, as these are the most versatile.

Types of Ladders

Telescoping

Telescoping ladders are a fairly modern invention. They work in the same way as a telescope, where the ladder slides up and down into a retracted or extended position. These are the best options for transportation, storage, and carrying due to their lightweight compact retracted design.

In most cases, telescoping ladders can be adjusted by locks so the user can manually choose the height. Some can be bent into different positions such as A-frame or 90-degree positions, but this needs to be checked depending on the product.

Step

Step ladders are usually 3 steps tall and are handy for regular household DIY projects. Whilst bulky when assembled, they can fold up to a compact shape which is ideal for storage and space-saving.

Most people opt for step ladders to complete household tasks if they don’t have particularly tall ceilings. Some professionals will opt for step ladders when a regular ladder isn’t necessary for the job.

Due to the shorter size of step ladders, they tend to have a larger bodyweight capacity compared to other ladders.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass ladders are the most ideal for electrical work. Electricians and DIYers alike use these ladders due to the non-conductive material, as the fiberglass doesn’t conduct electricity. These ladders are sturdy and heavy-duty but are usually heavier than aluminum ladders.

A-frame

A-frame ladders are the most common type of ladder. Often called folding ladders, they simply fold open and closed when in and out of use. The legs don’t adjust to different sizes, and the average height for A-frame ladders is between 6ft and 10ft tall.

The frame of these ladders matches the shape of the letter A, hence the name, which provides a stable and balanced base.

Multi-purpose

Multi-purpose ladders are most suitable for professionals and hardcore DIYers. They usually come in a telescoping or extension form and can be adjusted into a variety of positions.

These positions include A-frame, fully extended, 90-degree, and even positions suitable for steps (with one leg shorter than the other). These ladders are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ladder is lighter, aluminum or fiberglass?

Aluminum ladders are generally lighter than fiberglass ladders. Both are as durable as each other and can be used for a variety of purposes, but the lightweight feature of aluminum ladders makes them slightly more popular for transportation reasons.

Fiberglass ladders are best suited for working with and around electricity due to their non-conductive material, but they are the heavier option. Aluminum ladders are also generally more affordable than fiberglass ladders.

What should I look for when buying a ladder?

The most important factors to consider when buying a ladder are the material, the weight, the height, the performance, and the safety. Aluminum telescoping ladders are most popular due to their lightweight yet sturdy design which can be adjusted to different heights.

It mostly comes down to what you intend to do with your ladder. Homeowners will often opt for A-frame ladders or step ladders as these are suitable for completing regular household DIY tasks like changing light bulbs, painting, dusting, or changing curtains.

Professionals and those looking for more versatility mostly opt for telescoping ladders due to their compact retracted design and adjustability to different heights.

A good ladder will meet or exceed the standards of ANSI and OSHA (safety regulations in America) and should come equipped with rubber feet.

Hard rubber caps provide a stable base for ladders which prevents wobbling, and they also prevent scratches or dents on hard floors. Ladders with extra-wide rungs are also the safest option, as they prevent foot fatigue and provide more balance for extended periods.

Have you ever tried to paint a DIY project the traditional way with a brush?

Take it from me, it’s not what I would call ideal. You get uneven coverage, visible brush strokes and globs of paint that just won’t spread evenly.

This is not what you want for your project. It won’t look smart or classy, and may only pass as home-made rather than handmade. It won’t be something to show off.

But there’s no need to worry about that – we have an easy solution.

Instead of completing your DIY projects by painting with a brush, why not instead get yourself a gravity feed spray gun. That way you can get a nice, even coverage of paint, and no lumps or brush marks to speak of.

Luckily for you, we’ve been checking out some of the best gravity feed spray guns out on the market today. And after much deliberation, we were able to hand pick our top 5 favorites.

We’re going to be sharing our findings with you very shortly, and after our product reviews, we’ll be providing you with a handy buying guide. It will walk you through all the key things to think about before you buy.

We also recommend that you stick around for our section at the end, where we tackle some of your most frequently asked questions on the subject.

So, without further ado, let’s kick this off with a quick comparison table:

Image	Product
Largest Paint Cup	TCP Global Professional Gravity Feed HVLP Spray, White Large 1 Liter lightweight paint reservoir 1.4mm fluid nozzle, great for DIY projects Has a locking air pressure regulator & filter Comes with a cleaning & maintenance kit Backed by a full one year warranty Check Price	Check Price
Best Budget Buy	Cartman HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun Very affordable price tag HVLP for less bounceback and overspray Features a high-precision mix cap with no drips You can make all kinds of adjustments Comes with all the accessories you need Check Price	Check Price
Most Nozzles	DeVilbiss HVLP Gravity Feed Paint Gun Features the latest technology in atomization Adjustable air pressure valve with gauge Large lightweight aluminum cup 3 different size nozzles included Easy to clean between jobs Check Price	Check Price
Most Popular	NEIKO 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun Flying off the shelves Great customer ratings Reasonable price point Adjustable air pressure Easy to take apart & clean You choose the nozzle size Check Price	Check Price
Best Warranty	DEWALT HVLP Spray Gun Comes from a top DIY brand Ideal sized paint cup and nozzle Lightweight, compact & well-balanced Features a mini air pressure regulator Backed by DeWalt’s 3-year long warranty Check Price	Check Price

5 Best Gravity Feed Spray Guns For DIY Projects

TCP Global Professional Gravity Feed HVLP Spray

Now, this particular spray gun comes highly recommended and really has a lot going for it.

It has a large paint reservoir, made of lightweight aluminum, able to take an entire liter of paint.

It has a 1.4mm fluid tip, a nice size for most DIY painting projects, that enables full atomization of paint across your chosen surface. You can use it for base coats, clear coats, or other light to medium viscosity mixtures.

You can adjust the fluid control as you see fit, and the spray pattern, and the air pressure. It even features a locking air pressure regulator and filter, to keep the air pressure nice and steady. It can do any pressure between 0 and 180 psi (pounds per square inch).

The box comes with various cleaning and maintenance accessories, such as a hex wrench, a spanner wrench, an extra filter, and a cleaning brush. Everything you need after one use to get it ready for the next use.

It also comes backed by a full one year warranty. Good to know.

Amazon occasionally has deals on this product. Why not click “Check price” to see if there’s a deal on now?

PROS

• Large 1 Liter lightweight paint reservoir
• 1.4mm fluid nozzle, great for DIY projects
• Has a locking air pressure regulator & filter
• Comes with a cleaning & maintenance kit
• Backed by a full one year warranty

CONS

• Premium product at a premium price
• Not too good for thick high viscosity paints or varnishes

Cartman HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun

If you’re quite budget-conscious, then as the most affordable spray gun in our shortlist of top picks, then this might be the one for you.

It’s a HVLP model, which, as we describe in our buying guide helps you to save excessive paint waste, so you don’t have to buy so much paint. You get a high transfer of paint mixture while at the same time reducing bounceback and overspray.

There’s a high-precision mix cap to ensure a perfect spray pattern with no drips.

And everything’s adjustable, you can regulate the amount of paint being sprayed, you can adjust the size of the fan pattern, and you can adjust the air pressure using the integrated valve.

It’s very easy to use. You simply assemble the kit, fill the cup with your desired paint, put the settings as you want them, we recommend 50 psi of air pressure, and you’re good to go.

You also get all the accessories you need in the box. There’s a cleaning brush, a multi-size wrench, a plastic filter, and a hex wrench.

There are only two drawbacks to this budget buy, the modestly sized paint cup, and that there’s only one size of nozzle provided. That said the nozzle provided has a diameter of 1.4mm, which we would argue is more than satisfactory for most DIY painting projects.

PROS

• Very affordable price tag
• HVLP for less bounceback and overspray
• Features a high-precision mix cap with no drips
• You can make all kinds of adjustments 
• Comes with all the accessories you need

CONS

• The paint reservoir cup is quite modest in size at just 600 cubic centimeters
• Only one nozzle in the kit, 1.4mm

DeVilbiss HVLP Gravity Feed Paint Gun

If you have sufficient budget, this spray gun would be a really good one to go for.

It comes from a top brand, DeVilbiss, and features the latest technology in spray paint atomization.

This superior paint spraying comes from precision machined air caps & fluid nozzles, anodized internal passages, and high grade stainless steel components

It features a large paint cup, made of lightweight aluminum, able to take 900 cubic centimeters of paint mixture.

It also features an adjustable air pressure valve with integrated gauge, so you can ensure that you’re spraying with a consistent air pressure, for a perfect finish.

There are 3 different nozzles including the kit, each of different sizes, but all with a fine spraying pattern. The nozzle sizes are 1.3mm, 1.5mm, and 1.8mm. This way you can decide on what size nozzle you want to use based on each paint project.

It’s quite easy to clean between jobs, and this is thanks to it’s anodized finish.

But, as we have already inferred, this spray gun does come with quite a hefty price tag, so if you only need it for one or two projects, you might be better off going for something a little more affordable.

PROS

• Features the latest technology in atomization
• Adjustable air pressure valve with gauge
• Large lightweight aluminum cup
• 3 different size nozzles included
• Easy to clean between jobs

CONS

• Premium product at a premium price

NEIKO 31215A HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun

Now, this particular spray gun has been flying off the shelves, with well over 2,300 individual customer ratings on the Amazon page alone. And it’s well rated to, with more than two thirds of customers giving it a full 5 stars out of 5.

It’s a HVLP spray gun, which is always good (more on that in our buying guide). It has a steel body and stainless steel nozzle, so is very rust resistant and durable. We also like the trigger, which is a tethering trigger for optimum spray control.

It comes with a 600 cubic centimeter paint cup, which should be big enough to accommodate enough paint for small to mid-sized DIY paint jobs.

You can set the air pressure as you please, using the integrated metal air gauge and regulator. Though we would recommend using it at an air pressure of 10 pounds per square inch, as per the manufacturer’s suggestion.

It also comes with a multi-size wrench and cleaning brush, so you can easily take the device apart to give it a good clean in between different paint jobs.

It’s available at what we would argue is a very fair and reasonable price. And when you buy it, you can choose what size nozzle to buy it with. The options are 1.0mm, 1.3mm, 1.5mm, 1.7mm, and 2.0mm. So you can buy according to the size of the project.

PROS

• Flying off the shelves
• Great customer ratings
• Reasonable price point
• Adjustable air pressure
• Easy to take apart & clean
• You choose the nozzle size

CONS

• Only one nozzle is provided

DEWALT HVLP Spray Gun

When you’re buying from a top brand like DeWalt, you know you’re going to get a reliable, good quality product.

What we love about this spray gun is just how lightweight and compact it is. Moreover, it’s also well-balanced too, which means you’re unlikely to get much hand fatigue with this spray gun.

It comes with a modestly sized paint cup, at 600 cubic centimeters, which is more than enough for small or modestly sized DIY paint jobs.

Similarly the accompanying 1.5mm diameter nozzle is well suited to most DIY paint jobs.

It also features a mini air pressure regulator, so you can keep the air pressure at the precise level you want.

Better yet, this spray gun comes backed by DeWalt’s famous 3-year long warranty.

The issue with buying from top brands however, is that you inevitably end up spending more money than you would with brand no-one’s ever heard of.

PROS

• Comes from a top DIY brand
• Ideal sized paint cup and nozzle
• Lightweight, compact & well-balanced
• Features a mini air pressure regulator
• Backed by DeWalt’s 3-year long warranty

CONS

• Only one nozzle tip provided, 1.5mm
• Premium product at a premium price

Buyer’s Guide

As promised, here’s your buying guide. Let’s start with the basics. 

How do gravity feed spray guns work?

With a gravity feed spray gun, paint flows down via gravity from a reservoir of paint that sits above the spray gun’s body. An air compressor in the spray gun then pushes out a powerful stream of pressurized air.

The air then propels the paint mixture from the nozzle in a precise pattern, so your paint job gets a good even finish, and is completed far more quickly than it would have via a paint brush.

The thicker and heavier the paint mixture, the more air pressure is needed to create a precise and even spray.

What  to look for in a gravity feed spray gun?

HVLP Spray Guns

HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure. As the name suggests, the compressor needs a high volume of air, but requires only a low pressure to work. 

The advantage of such a spray gun is that it reduces overspray. This in turn means that you can reduce paint waste by a whopping 50%, which also means that you can effectively halve the amount of paint you need to buy. Not bad hey?

Reservoir Volume

Gravity feed spray guns feature a container that hangs above the paint gun body from which the paint flows downward ready to be sprayed out. 

If you have a large DIY painting project, such as spray painting a car or fence, then having a large container in place means that you don’t have to keep stopping intermittently to refill the paint reservoir.

Nozzles (also referred to as fluid tips)

The nozzle you use on the spray gun determines the quality of the paint job. 

We always recommend that you go for spray guns with metal nozzles rather than plastic ones. Metal nozzles are far more durable than their plastic counterparts. Copper would be a good choice of nozzle, as would brass, or stainless steel for that matter.

And it is the size of the nozzle that determines how much paint is sprayed at a time. You should use a wide diameter nozzle for larger projects, such as painting a fence or a car, and use a nozzle with a smaller diameter for more delicate DIY projects.

Adjustable Flow 

If you start spray painting and you feel the paint is coming out too thickly, it’s very handy to be able to adjust the pressure, and therefore the paint flow. Similarly, if the paint is coming out too thinly, you will need to paint several more coats to get the coverage you want. 

So, either  way, it’s good to have a spray gun that lets you adjust the air pressure and paint flow.

Easy to Clean 

It’s very important that you clean the spray gun thoroughly between each paint job. You don’t want paint from the last paint job contaminating the paint for your next paint job. 

And remember dried up paint that hasn’t been washed away can dry up and clog up the machine.

So you should look for a spray gun that’s easy and straightforward to clean.

Cost 

Now, gravity feed spray guns can really vary in price, with some costing less than $30, while at the higher end you can get spray guns costing over $150. 

Our advice as always, is that when you are shopping for products online, make a point of checking the prices as you go along, so you can see exactly what your money can buy you. That way you can make a good, well informed decision as to what your budget should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to use a gravity paint gun? 

When it comes to small projects that require less intensive paint application, then we would hands down recommend using a gravity paint sprayer. It’s your best option. 

But we would advise against using them for bigger jobs such as painting walls in a house, or ceilings. For that you should really be using paint rollers instead, ideally. 

What does pneumatic paint sprayer mean? 

A pneumatic paint sprayer is basically any paint sprayer that uses an air compressor to push paint out of the spray gun onto the required  surface. This is in contrast to HVLP paint spray guns which require a high volume of air, and a low pressure to spray their paint onto the surface. 

Although this type of paint sprayer is often noticeably more affordable than many HVLP paint spray guns, it tends to waste more paint through bounceback and overspray.

Latex paints and alkyd paints differ in that the former are water-based and thicker than oil-based alkyd paints. Latex paints are generally preferred thanks to their color retention, smoothness of application, and the fact that they dry in a much shorter period of time than Alkyd paints.

The thickness of your paint will influence everything, from how easily it can be applied, to how much it clogs up your spray gun. The thickness of paint is also sometimes referred to as “viscosity”, which measures how easily the paint flows.

Because latex paint is generally thicker than alkyd paint – especially if it’s a high-quality brand – it’s often a good idea to thin the paint out before using it in a Wagner spray gun.

If your paint is too thick, it’s likely to clog up your gun’s nozzle. This becomes extremely frustrating and will happen again and again if you fail to dilute the paint first. This won’t just happen once but repeatedly, so each time your Wagner spray gun clogs it will take you 10-15 frustrating minutes to clean it out.

You can avoid this issue easily by simply thinning your latex paints the first time. Thinning out your paint beforehand isn’t too time-consuming and it saves you a whole lot of time later on. Plus, with a thinner consistency of paint, you’ll get a far more even, smooth effect, and can avoid that dreaded ‘orange peel’ effect that tends to occur when the paint is too thick.

However, there is a balance to strike here. You also don’t want the paint to be too thin, as otherwise, you’ll end up with paint all over your hands and anything else nearby, plus it’ll drip more easily and will take longer to dry due to there being more water than paint in the mixture.

So, wondering how to thin latex paint for a Wagner spray gun? We’ve put together a handy guide containing all the information you need. So let’s get started.

What you need to thin latex paint:

• Latex paint
• 5-gallon bucket (or smaller if you need less paint)
• Wooden paint stir stick (free when you buy your paint)
• Cup of water (or Floetrol)
• Mesh filter/strainer (or cheesecloth)
• Funnel (optional)

Step 1 – Check Your Latex Paint’s Thickness

If you’re using paint that’s already been opened, you should begin by ensuring it’s well mixed.

Do this by shaking it in both hands, or by holding the can at knee height and swinging it back and forth to shake the can – though be sure to check the lid is secure before doing so! Shake your paint for about 30-60 seconds to reduce the risk of separation.

This step is less important if you’re working with a brand new can of paint.

Now you’re ready to open up your paint and mix it with a wooden paint stick. Mix first in a circular motion and then up and down approximately 10 times. This up-and-down motion helps mix any settled paint material at the bottom of the can.

After you’ve stirred the paint thoroughly, lift the stir stick out of the paint and observe how the paint drips off of the stick. Initially, it will likely drip in one long stream for a few seconds and then start dripping on and off.

If the paint drips in this way, it’s an indication that it’s too thick to be used in a spray gun and needs to be thinned.

Alternatively, you can pour the paint into a funnel and watch it flow. Perfectly-thinned latex will flow through the funnel in a consistent stream, but it’s unlikely to do this without you thinning it first.

Step 2 – Pour Some Paint Into an Extra Bucket

Next, you’ll need a 5-gallon bucket or something smaller, and you should pour your desired amount of paint into the bucket.

You can use a strainer at this point if your Wagner spray gun will paint directly from the bucket.

Step 3 – Add Water (or Floetrol)

To start the thinning process, you now want to mix some water into your paint. How much water you add depends on the amount of paint you’ll be using, but roughly, a 1/2 cup of water for every gallon of paint works pretty well.

Don’t forget, it’s best to add too little water than too much, as you can always add more later if necessary. That said, high-quality latex paints tend to be thicker than average and due to this, they may require a little extra water to achieve the desired thinness.

Some professionals use a paint conditioner such as Floetrol, rather than water.

Floetrol is a water-based paint conditioner that helps improve the flow and workability of the paint and can help you achieve a smoother finish in your paint job.

Floetrol is available on Amazon or in most paint stores, but it’s not critical, as water still does a pretty good job of thinning latex paint.

Step 4 – Stir the Paint and Water Mix

As you’re adding your water, stir your latex paint slowly and keep using the up-down-spiral movement with your stir stick to ensure the water and paint is well mixed.

You should pull your paint stick out every 10 seconds or so to check how easily the paint drips off the stick. If it’s not consistently streaming off yet, and you need to achieve a thinner consistency, just add a little more water or Floetrol.

Once your latex paint has passed your thickness test, it means it’s an ideal consistency and will be much less likely to clog your Wagner paint spray gun.

Step 5 – Pour the Paint Through a Filter and Into Your Spray Gun

Last but not least, you can test your paint by pouring a small quantity through a filter or strainer and into your airless paint sprayer.

Test spray the latex paint if possible, ideally on a vertical surface, so you can check the spray pattern and consistency before committing to a greater quantity.

If you notice an “orange peel” texture, this is an indicator that the mixture is still a little too thick, whereas if the mixture is on the thin side, your paint will take longer to dry and will leave drip marks on the surface. To thicken your paint, you simply need to reverse the process – add more paint rather than more water.

Your ideal latex paint consistency for a Wagner spray gun will be when the mixture doesn’t drip and dries quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to thin paint for a Wagner sprayer?

Wagner states on their website that one of the most convenient things about their paint sprayers is that they allow you to spray any latex or oil-based paint or stain without having to thin the paint beforehand.

However, the truth is, this depends on the paint you’re using. As we said previously, high-quality latex paint tends to be thicker and therefore it’s worth testing your paint’s consistency beforehand.

Otherwise, you’ll end up with a clogged spray gun which will get frustrating when you have to repeatedly stop and clean it out.

Why is my Wagner paint sprayer spitting paint?

Spray guns spit when air is being introduced into the fluid outside of the air cap. There are many different reasons why this might be happening, but the first area to check is the fluid nozzle. A loose fluid nozzle causes air to enter the fluid supply which causes spitting.

To solve this issue, simply tighten your fluid nozzle or, if unable to do this, inspect the head of the spray gun to see if there’s any stripping of the fluid seat or the fluid nozzle threading.

For a full list of other common issues that may be causing your sprayer to spit paint, check out this page by Pittsburgh Spray Equipment.

How to clean a HVLP spray gun?

To clean your HVLP spray gun, you’ll need to follow five steps: clean out the paint cup, disassemble the gun body, submerge the parts in paint thinner, wipe everything down thoroughly, and then reassemble the spray gun.

You should pay particular attention to the disassembly of the gun and do this in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines. These guns tend to contain many small parts that should be handled with care.

You should also keep track of the parts as, with so many little pieces, it’s easy to lose important parts like the fluid needle. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep the small parts separated from the larger parts while you’re cleaning them.

Cleaning your spray gun is essential for prolonging its overall lifespan, and, while time-consuming, don’t be tempted to leave the clean up process for a later date as this will simply cause the gun to become clogged up and will decrease its overall performance.

Does a paint sprayer use more paint?

The short answer to this question is “yes” – as paint sprayers use roughly 33% more paint on average than a roller will.

That said, there are several advantages to using a paint sprayer, above all, it’ll save you a whole lot of time, which is why most professionals and dedicated DIYers agree that having to use a little extra paint is worth it since you save time on the overall job.

A HVLP spray gun is a very useful painting tool. Not only can it save you time but it can also provide improved coverage as a greater amount of paint will stick to the surface and less overspray is created.

When you have completed your painting project you are then faced with the task of cleaning your spray gun. Although many do not find this a fun task, it is necessary to preserve the quality of your painting equipment.

While it can appear tempting to delay the task, doing so can cause it to become clogged. When you go to use it again in the future you will likely notice a difference in the smoothness of the painting pattern and residue from the paint that was previously used may also be dispersed onto the walls surfaces.

Ideally, you should try and clean your HVLP gun as soon as possible once you have finished using it. Thoroughly cleaning your equipment will ensure that the build-up of paint is removed and this is a crucial step before contemplating using the spray gun again. 

The process of cleaning your HVLP Spray gun isn’t overly complex and it is a task that can be completed with ease permitting that the correct steps are adhered to. Below, we have identified our top tips and steps we would advise you to follow to clean your HVLP Spray Gun.

Things To Know Before Cleaning Your HVLP Spray Gun

Although the process of cleaning an HVLP spray gun isn’t hugely challenging, bearing the following issues in mind will prove useful. 

Be Careful When Disassembling The Spray Gun

Your spray gun will of course need to be disassembled to ensure that each element is deeply cleaned.

However, you must ensure that this is done correctly. Spray guns from different manufacturers will likely adopt different assembly and disassembly processes.

When you purchase your HVLP spray gun you will be provided with a user manual that will detail the different steps involved in the process. If you do not feel as if these instructions are clear enough, you may wish to utilize online resources such as google or youtube. 

Attempting to disassemble your spray gun without prior knowledge will make it much harder than it needs to be. Of course, as mentioned, the design of each spray gun can differ slightly.

It is also important to ensure that care is taken when handling the components. Most will have delicate parts that are more susceptible to bending if handled incorrectly. If these parts happen to bend you will experience great difficulties when trying to put the gun back together again.

Keep All Of The Parts Safe

When disassembling your spray gun, many will often put the parts straight into the soapy water.

This isn’t going to be a problem so long as you have accounted for all of the individual parts (smaller components included) and you can guarantee that they aren’t going to become lost or damaged when submerged in the water.  

Ideally, the larger parts should be separated from the smaller parts as this helps to eliminate any risk of loss or damage occurring. Of course, it is easier to keep track of the larger parts of the spray gun but this task becomes much more challenging when dealing with the smaller and more intricate pieces.

In the unfortunate instance that any parts happen to get lost or damaged you will experience difficulties when trying to put the gun back together and it will also be unsuitable for future uses. 

Supplies Needed To Clean Your HVLP Spray Paint Gun

For an efficient cleaning experience, you will require the use of several supplies. Some you may already possess and others you may need to purchase. 

• Water and Soap – of course, you will struggle to clean any painting equipment if you do not have soapy water on hand.
• Cleaning solution or paint thinner – as your confidence in cleaning your spray gun develops you may wish to opt for a heavy-duty variation of these products. If this is the case, you should ensure that you are dressed in the appropriate protective gear to ensure that you remain safe during the process. 
• Gloves – these will be required to keep your hands clean and safe against the cleaning product and any sharp parts of the spray gun.
• Goggles – this piece of gear will be necessary for protecting your eyes from any contact with the cleaning solution that is utilized during the process.
• A wrench – this is needed to disassemble the fluid nozzle from the spray gun before cleaning. It will typically be supplied with the spray gun. 
• Bristle Cleaning Brush – this can be used for removing any stubborn remnants of debris and paint. It can also help you reach and clean the intricate elements of the spray gun. Again, this is typically supplied with the spray gun.
• Toothpick – this helps get any bits of paint out of the grooves of the gun.
• Paper towel or rags – necessary for wiping down the components such as the needle and spring.
• Cleaning buckets/ cups – these will be required for holding the water and soaking the parts and also for waste disposal purposes. 

It is important to remember the importance of wearing protective gear if you intend to use heavy-duty products to clean any painting equipment. Should these products come into contact with bare skin they can be rather damaging so it is important to avoid such a situation. 

Now that you are aware of the cleaning equipment that you will require, you are likely wondering what steps are involved in the process. We have identified these in our guide below. 

Step 1 

First and foremost you will need to clean out the paint cup. This component is likely to hold the most fluid. Fill up this part using either a paint thinner or cleaning solution and then secure the cap before shaking it. Doing so will loosen the paint inside.

Once you have shaken it you can then engage the paint gun trigger and allow it to disperse the product into a cup or bucket. Using a rag that has been soaked in the same thinner or cleaning solution you can then rub away any residue.

Ensure that you clean the bits of paint that are clinging to the body of the spray gun too. When completing this step, you must wear nitrile gloves to protect your skin from contact with the solvent.

Step 2

Now that the paint cap has been cleaned you will want to move onto the next stage which involves disassembling the body of the spray gun. You will need to be careful as this stage involves handling some of the more intricate components. Begin by unscrewing the air cap.

Then you can unscrew the needle. As most spray gun needles tend to be spring-loaded you will need to hold it correctly because it is otherwise likely to fly off.

Next, you will require the use of the wrench. Using this tool you can unscrew the inner internal section of the air cap. As the spray gun has now been disassembled, you can then progress onto the next step which involves cleaning each of the smaller parts.

Step 3

Multiple products can be used to clean the smaller parts of the spray gun. While some may choose to use a paint thinner, others may use a cleaning solution.

If you do not have any of these products on hand or you would simply prefer to, you can use soap and water. You must ensure that all of the smaller parts are accounted for to eliminate the possibility of loss or damage. 

First, submerge the more substantial parts of the paint gun into the solution and allow them time to soak. Upon interaction with the water, the bits of paint will begin to loosen.

Letting the components soak for a sufficient length of time will also make it easier to remove the paint from stubborn parts of the spray gun as they will have absorbed moisture that will encourage the paint particles to refrain from clinging to the paint gun’s surface.

Ideally, you should avoid submerging the needle and spring in the same water amongst the other larger parts. As touched upon multiple times previously, the size of these parts means that they are at greater risk of breaking or getting lost. Put these parts aside in a safe place as they can then be cleaned at a later stage. 

Step 4

The larger parts of the spray gun will not require a huge amount of time to soak, a few minutes will suffice although you can leave them for up to half an hour if the spray gun is heavily soiled in paint. Once the parts appear cleaner, you can then remove them from the solution and wipe them. 

If there still appears to be residue stuck to certain parts of the spray gun you can then use the bristle cleaning brush or toothpicks to remove it. The brush will allow you to apply additional elbow grease by scrubbing these parts thoroughly.

After doing so, if there still appears to be paint on the intricate parts of the spray gun you can then use the toothpicks to remove it. The combination of both tools will prove particularly helpful in ensuring that the spray gun appears as good as new and there aren’t any unwanted specks of paint remaining on any of the parts. 

At this point, you can also clean the needle and the spring. Unlike the larger parts, we wouldn’t advise you to soak these directly in water at all, even when there aren’t any other parts in the bucket.

Instead, you should take a rag or power towel that has your chosen cleaning solution/ product applied to it. Thoroughly wipe down both components ensuring that all paint is removed. Doing it this way will ensure that all of the parts are handled safely and correctly. 

Step 5

Now comes the final step in the process and this involves putting the gun back together again. This shouldn’t be too difficult but if you do require help to do so you can utilize the user manual provided with your spray gun, or online resources which will detail the stages involved in the process. 

To begin the process of reassembling the spray gun you will first need to secure the needle and spring back in their allocated places. After doing so, you can then reattach the inner air cap followed by the outer air cap.

Finally, you will need to secure the paint cup onto the gun body and ensure that the paint cap for this part is put back on correctly. Now the process is completed and your paint gun is ready to use again. 

Make sure that your HVLP spray gun has been correctly assembled before attempting to use it again in the future. If any of the parts have been put back incorrectly, you will likely notice deficiencies in the performance of the tool.

Additional Care Tips

There are additional cleaning practices that you can adopt to achieve the best results. These are as follows. 

Refrain from completely submerging the entire gun into the water, but only the parts. Completely soaking the entire spray gun can affect the functionality which can ultimately impact its efficiency and performance. 

Debris that has become stuck in the smaller holes of the gun can be difficult to remove In this instance, you will likely benefit from using a smaller brush as this will make the task significantly easier. 

If possible, you should try and avoid using a cleaning brush that has wire or metal bristles. This is because bristles of this kind can cause certain parts of the spray gun to become damaged. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, cleaning your HVLP spray gun isn’t a challenging task but one that does need to be done following the correct steps. Failing to clean your equipment after it has been used is going to affect how efficiently it performs.

Familiarizing yourself with the process beforehand is recommended as this will provide you with a greater amount of confidence when it comes to implementing each of the steps. Following the process detailed above will leave you with a spray gun that appears as good as new in no time. 

Removing old paint from your living room walls or your bedroom doors can be an incredibly time-consuming task. If the paint is particularly old, then chances are that you might damage the wall or the wood of the surface you’re working with.

That’s where a decent heat gun comes in. But maybe you’ve worked with a heat gun in the past and found that they aren’t particularly great at generating enough heat to melt off the existing paint. Or maybe your paints are too strong for this task.

Sometimes you might be limited by a cord that is too short or a power supply in a cordless model that simply does not keep your heat gun powered for long enough. You might also have an issue with a gun that is too large and you are unable to store it in your toolshed.

So what exactly are the best heat guns for paint removal? What features do the best paint guns have and what accessories do they come with to give you the ability to strip paint in record time? How much will a decent paint gun cost you in terms of price?

Well, if you are struggling to remove your stubborn paint markings, then look no further! We have painstakingly researched the best heat guns that are currently available on the market.

We also have a buyer’s guide that will help you to identify which heat gun you need for your particular paint job, as well as some frequently asked questions from DIY enthusiasts.

First, we’re going to give you a list of some of our top picks with a few of their best features:

Image	Product
Best Overall Heat Gun	Wagner Spraytech Heat Gun Dual temperature Great gun for household projects Two fan heat control Built-in stand Check Price	Check Price
Best Budget Heat Gun	Black and Decker Heat Gun Built-in stand Easy cooldown Extremely affordable Lightweight and compact Check Price	Check Price
Best Luxury Heat Gun	Dewalt 20V Max XR Cordless Drill Combo Kit 57% more runtime Cordless LED trigger flashlight 990-degree max temp Check Price	Check Price
	Porter-Cable Heat Gun Dual fan speed selection Hands-free support control Speed control dial 1500 watt Check Price	Check Price
	Dewalt Heat Gun with LCD Display & Accessory Kit LCD Display Temp adjustments Hard case and accessories Cord protector Check Price	Check Price

Top 5 Heat Guns To Remove Paint

Now that you’ve seen which ones are our favorites, we’re going to give you a more in-depth summary of each model, what makes them so good and which specific model will be the most suitable for your needs.

Wagner Spraytech Heat Gun

Our first heat gun we have rated as one of the very best on the market – and the internet seems to agree with us!

With literally thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, you can’t help but take notice. This is an economic model that is extremely easy to control, removing paint safely and quickly – introducing the Wagner Spraytech Heat Gun.

One thing you’ll definitely want from your paint gun is the ability to stay hot for a long period of time. You might want to remove all the paint from an old door in one session, and this will be the perfect heat gun for that very task. With a low heat of 750-degrees, you can use this on your wood surfaces without burning.

You can even lie this heat gun on its back and use it in a hands-free operation. This is great if you want to strip paint from wire, having control over the surface of the wire so that it doesn’t burn up.

PROS

• Safety – this is one of the most important aspects of a heat gun, and this one has plenty of built-in features such as a stand on the base that allows you to heat hands-free.
• This unit will not overheat when operated for long periods of time, this is particularly useful if you are stripping paint in your family home.
• You have two fan speeds that can be operated for different heating levels – if you want to remove paint from steel, then we would recommend turning this up to this highest setting.
• This one can be cranked up to 900-degrees, so you can make short work of those painted steel garage doors.
• You can do plenty of things with this heating gun – loosening rusted old nuts, stripping hardened paint or making old wiring flexible enough to bend into new configurations.

CONS

• Some users have reported failures after one year of use – including a faulty on/off switch and a dead battery.
• Some users have also reported that this unit produces smoke and has even melted in some instances.

Black and Decker Heat Gun

This next one is the best option for those who are working to a budget – although this doesn’t mean that you sacrifice any of the quality! This is a dual temperature gun that gives you as high as 1000-degrees when put on full blast.

It has a very high-powered heating rig that won’t overheat – introducing the Black and Decker Heat Gun. This is a very lightweight and compact unit, making it great for storage when not in use. This one won’t take up too much space in your toolshed!

This has a wraparound cord and plug, both of which are also very easy to store. This is a great unit for removing old paint from many different styles of surfaces including wood, steel and porcelain. It can also be used to reheat an icy outdoor water pipe.

This unit’s defining feature is the price tag- perfect for a handyman who is trying to count the dollars.

PROS

• This device comes with a built-in stand that will allow you some hand-free operation. This is ideal if you need to mold some wiring and don’t want the surface of it to get too warm.
• It is built to cool down nice and quickly, a great little safety feature that will be very important to those working around pets and children.
• You can use this heat gun for all manner of jobs, including loosening rusted bolts and thawing out frosted taps on the side of your house or vehicle.
• The handy trigger will allow you to operate the heating elements with the utmost control – you can reach up to 1000 degrees on temperature, which is very useful for those more stubborn paint jobs.
• This has a very powerful 1375 watt heating capacity – you can rely on this one to blitz your painted surface quickly, no matter what material it is made from.

CONS

• This one has a cord, so you might find your movements restricted.
• The heat levels might not reach those of other models, so you might struggle to remove those more stubborn paint markings.

Dewalt 20V Max XR Cordless Drill Combo Kit

This next kit is really for those gung-ho DIY enthusiasts, coming with a fantastic set of accessories that will really help you with any paint stripping duties that you have to tackle.

This will probably be more appealing to a professional handyman who relies on having all the tools at his disposal for the job at hand – introducing the Dewalt 20V Max XR Cordless Drill Combo Kit.

Not only does this come with a drill, but you have a heat gun too. This gives you pretty much all the basics for a renovation. If you are thinking of transforming your old Victorian door with new screws and a lick of paint, you can’t go wrong with this drill set.

There are 42 minutes of battery life with your heating gun, but there is plenty of power in the heating unit to deliver high intense heat. This is also cordless, giving you plenty of freedom to move around all the corners of your door frame or take it outside to your metal garage.

PROS

• The accessories – this is why we have dubbed this one as our luxury option, coming as it does with a hard case to protect your high-end equipment.
• The heating gun has a built-in LED bulb that will allow you to work into the late evening hours if you have a job that is taking longer than you anticipated.
• Being cordless, you can take this practically anywhere, giving you the flexibility to get into any corner of your object without having to worry about trip hazards.
• The built-in stand – this gives you the ability to be work hand-free, perfect if you need to heat some copper or steel wiring from all sides without having it snap.
• The heating gun has a brush-free motor that gives you a lot more cordless runtime than some of the other brands on this list.

CONS

• The fact that your heating gun only has 42-minutes of battery life will be a hassle to those carpenters or DIY handymen who need that little bit of extra life for a larger job.

Porter-Cable Heat Gun

This next heating gun is perfect for those users who want to have something in their tool shed for stripping off paint quickly and efficiently.

Considering the price and the number of features that it has, this is a very decent gun to get. With a 6 foot cord, you have plenty of freedom to get into those tight corners – introducing the Porter-Cable Heat Gun.

This gun comes with a built-in stander that you can use for soldering wire or heating up metal elements with the utmost control. You can also use it to heat up rusted nuts and bolts that are seemingly impossible to remove with just your hands or even the sturdiest of spanners or wrenches.

This has a variable control dial that you can use to alter the heat to within the degree. This will be very important if you feel that the higher heat is damaging the surface of whatever you are trying to remove paint from.

You’ll want to get that balance of removing paint and rust but not damaging the substance underneath.

PROS

• This is a great budget unit that will be able to do the most basic of heating jobs, whether it is unscrewing rusty bolts or giving your door that new lick of paint.
• This has a 6-foot cord that gives you more versatility while minimizing the trip hazards that shorter, tighter cords can always create.
• You can balance this one on its base, giving you hands-free support that will enable you to solder and bend old wiring.
• Comparing the price with the range of features, this is a great unit for home DIY use, giving you enough power and heat while being small enough to store conveniently in your toolbox or garage.
• This provides an ample 1500 watts of power, cooling down quickly once you have finished, with a bracket in the handle.

CONS

• There is no celsius temperature option, which might be confusing to those users who are used to this type of heat reading.
• Even though the cord is lengthy, it will still limit you, particularly if you are working in a cluttered studio.

Dewalt Heat Gun with LCD Display & Accessory Kit

Our final heating gun unit is another one for those who want that extra heavy-duty heating capability, coming with a bumper crop of accessories such as a scraper, nozzles, with a clamshell carry case.

You can also control the temperature with an LCD screen that will give you the current temperature – introducing the Dewalt Heat Gun with LCD Display & Accessory Kit.

You can have a great degree of control over your heating gun, with a temperature gauge that can be altered to within the degree. This granular style of temperature control is very important if you want to strip paint and rust while leaving the surface intact. This unit tops out at a very impressive 1100 degrees.

Having different nozzles on this heating gun gives you a much greater versatility of the surface area that you’re heating. This also has plenty of built-in safety features such as an overload prevention feature that will automatically detect when the unit is overheating and will switch off accordingly.

PROS

• This has an LCD display that will give you a reliable temperature readout, which is ideal to stop the whole unit from overheating.
• The safety features – this will be very important when it comes to making sure that your unit does not overheat or burn your hand. It will automatically switch off when it gets too hot.
• This comes with plenty of accessories that will help make your paint stripping job all the more simple – including scrapers and multiple sizes of nozzle.
• The hard case of this set will protect your heating drills – this will be very important if you’re working on a building site and need to keep it safe from the various hazards that you can find there.
• This unit can be cranked up to over 1000 degrees, which is amazing for anything who wants to burn the rust of metal or scrub their garage down to its original materials.

CONS

• This is one of the priceless units on this list, you should only pick this up if you are serious about your DIY or are a professional handyman.
• Some users have complained that some of the attachments on this device do not screw on tightly enough.

Buyer’s Guide

When buying your next heat gun model, you’ll want to think about the intensity of the job that you’ll be doing as well as how frequently you’ll be using your heat gun. There are plenty of models of heat guns out there, including gas- and electric-powered options.

The most popular options of a heating gun are generally electric, as these are much safer and have plenty of built-in features that will prevent your gun from overheating over time.

These are also a lot smaller, so don’t require additional fuel and are easier to wield than the gas-powered units.

Electric Or Gas-Powered Heating Guns

Electric models are generally considered to be the pow-end pricing option, so if you are looking to save a few bucks on a more reliable unit, then we would recommend that you seek out an electric option.

However, even these electric options come in two different varieties: with a cord or without a cord. The cordless options certainly give the DIY enthusiast much more flexibility, especially if you are working around a complex object such as a door or a windowpane and you don’t want that cord snagging and severely impeding the quality of your work.

A lot of these electric models also have a dual heating function that gives you a much higher degree of control over your heating output. These guns also operate at much higher temperatures.

Nozzle Choices

There are many different styles of nozzle that will help you to hone your heater to get the best heat output for whatever project you happen to be doing. Think about it: you won’t want to have the same amount of heat for wood that you do for metal.

Each different nozzle will result in a different outcome for your project. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most popular nozzles that you can get for a heat gun:

• Spoon Reflector Nozzle – This will form the air and heat that comes from your gun into a conical shape. It then flips that heat back around off a small hook or a spoon-shaped piece of steel. This is the perfect nozzle for soldering.
• Fishtail Nozzle – This pushed your flame into a flattened shape, ideal for steel surfaces where a wider area of heating is required.
• Cone nozzle – this nozzle is tapered so that you have a much narrower concentration of heat. This nozzle comes in a very unique tiered style that will help for concentrating your heat over a smaller surface.
• Inbuilt Scraper Nozzle – The built-in scraper will really help you to shift some of those more stubborn paint marks. By combining the intense heat and the hard metal scraper that attaches to the end of your heating gun, this is perfect if you’re working with metal.

How Do You Remove Paint With A Heating Gun?

The main premise of using a heat gun is very simple – all you have to do is remove the top layer of paint by using heat to reduce it to its original state, that being liquid. Once the paint is pliable, you can easily remove it with a scraper.

The method of softening this paint works well on either hard or variegated surfaces such as brick or steel. It is great for renovating old walls or if you want to apply a new coat of waterproof paint on an old garage door, but you need to remove the top layer first.

There are a few different methods that you can use with heating your surface, one is by getting it to the right temperature quickly before putting down your heat gun and scraping the paint off with two hands.

Or, as mentioned above, you can buy a heat gun with a built-in scraper, which will allow you to scrape as you heat. Either way is very efficient, although you’ll want to make sure that you don’t burn yourself and that your work area is clear of other debris and, more importantly, pets and children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Proper Method Of Using Your Heat Gun Safely?

A heat gun is a combination of fairly volatile components – that is a stove and a gun. It fires heat out at a rapid rate, so it should be treated with caution when handling. If you leave your gun lying on its side while it is switched on, then the chances are that it will catch fire or overheat.

This is a tool, but it is also an electronic piece of equipment. If safety is on your mind, then we would suggest that you buy a flamer that has a built-in safety feature. Some guns automatically shut themselves off when they get to a certain temperature.

One thing that probably goes without saying, but we’ll state anyway: you should never point your gun at exposed flesh. This could lead to severe burning. Plus, if you are using your heating gun around children or animals, make sure you place it out-of-reach during the cooling-off period.

Some guns get to a temperature of around 1000 degrees in just under a minute. The kind of heat generated is very concentrated, it is not like a candle that operates at a very low intensity. Even if you wave your hand over this for just a second, you’ll suffer from extreme burns.

Should You Let Your Gun Cool Off?

Yes, you should have designated warm-up and cool-down periods. If your gun gets too hot, then the chances are that it will start to malfunction and might even explode in your hands, causing irreparable damage.

If you want to switch between nozzles, then you’re going to have to deactivate your heat gun and let it stand for around 45 minutes. This is the more surefire way of guaranteeing that you won’t burn yourself when handling.