17 Best Heat Gun for Epoxy Resin & 4 Options To Avoid

When it comes to creating beautiful artwork with epoxy resin, one of the main challenges is getting rid of annoying bubbles.

This can be done with a heat gun, and in this blog post, I will recommend the best heat gun for epoxy resin and review a few popular alternatives for any occasion, as well as the worst heat guns on the market.

I’ll also provide a few tips on how to use them effectively as I’m making epoxy art and using epoxy as protective finish for my paintings a lot.

What kind of heat gun do I need for epoxy? A good heat gun for epoxy resin should have a high and low-temperature setting reaching max 700 degrees F (370 C), be durable, and have a long cord or be cordless. It’s also important to find a heat gun that is comfortable and not too hot to hold.

Best Heat Gun for Epoxy Resin

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RELATED POST: 73 Best Resin Mold Ideas + DIY Mold for Epoxy Recipe


My Recommendations For Heat Guns For Epoxy


Do You Need a Heat Gun for Resin?

A heat gun for epoxy resin is essential for removing air bubbles from the resin and creating beautiful cells in epoxy artworks. Yet, it is not mandatory to have one, but in that case, you risk having some imperfections when you unmold your item – some of them can be invisible but some can ruin the final piece.

How exactly a heat gun for epoxy works? A heat gun softens the surface of the epoxy resin to remove bubbles. It helps create an even surface that will cure better and be more durable.

Heat gun vs Torch. You can use a torch or lighter instead of a heat gun, but it is much less safe than using a heat gun fr removing air bubbles as it is an open flame. Especially if you work with something inflammable like resin itself, alcohol inks or solvents. For safer craft making, please, use a heat gun.

Heat gun vs Hairdryer.

You may also use a hairdryer but I would not recommend it.

A hairdryer blows air a lot and it can blow the epoxy too, disturbing the even layers you’ve just poured – it doesn’t remove bubbles, it creates more mess! Another thing is the temperature.

The average heat produced by a hairdryer is between 80 and 140 degrees F (27 – 60 C) while you need at least 120F or 400F (49 – 204C).


Best heat gun for epoxy resin FULL LIST

Heat guns for resin on a budget and power under 500W:

  1. Chandler Heat Gun – Best heat gun for epoxy resin
  2. Hippie Crafter Heat gun – Runner up
  3. Mofa Heat Gun Mini Hot Air – The most light and less powerful
  4. Homidic Heat Gun 
  5. M-life Mini Heat Gun
  6. SEEKONE Mini Heat Gun small heat gun for resin art
  7. CHUKCHI Mini Heat Gun
  8. Mini Heat Gun CUBEWAY
  9. Master Appliance perfect for heat shrinking small works
  10. ZAP heat gun for embossing

Most power heat guns 1000+ W for large projects

  1. SEEKONE Heat Gun
  2. Wagner Spraytech HT1000 Heat Gun 
  3. BLACK + DECKER Heat Gun
  4. Genesis GHG1500A Heat Gun Kit
  5. Prelude HG0080 Hot Air Gun Kit
  6. ENERTWIST Heat Gun Kit for Paint Removal & Shrinking
  7. DEWALT DCE530B Cordless Heat Gun

Heat gun for the epoxy resin I DON’T recommend

  1. Bubble Removing Tool by CALPALMY – overheats and melts, run time less than 3 min.
  2. Wellshine Bubble Buster Tool for Making – exact same product as CALPALMY just under a different name.
  3. CraftBay Bubble Buster Tool Heat Gun for DIY Acrylic Resin – again, the exact same product of a poor quality.
  4. NAIVE BLUE Bubble Buster – same poor quality.

Best budget heat guns for crafts under 500W

All heat guns in this category are under 500W and $25. They will work fine with any small and medium craft projects, including paint, epoxy, wax, heat transfer vinyl, tumblers, coaster and many more 🙂

#1 Chandler Heat Gun – Best heat gun for epoxy resin

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 150-300W
  • Temperature control: Dual.
  • Temperature range: 392°F – 572F/200°C – 300C)
  • Run time: 1-2 hours
  • Cable length: 5 ft (1.5 m)
  • Safety: stand, vents, insulated body, nozzle safety shield
  • Weight: around 13 oz (350 gr)

Chandler Dual-Heat gun is one of the best heat guns for epoxy on the market. It is well designed with all safety precautions and needed certifications, and allows you to work with two settings and temperatures: low airflow and 392F heat and high-speed 572F heat which makes this tool extremely versatile. Add to this amazing run time – up to 2 hours – and you have a powerful multi-purpose tool in your studio!

Pros

  • An absolute bestseller and favorite tool of many crafters. Perfect for removing bubbles, working with wax, paint, shrinking, embossing etc.
  • Comes with dual heat / airflow speed control, which means you can do anything from crayon melting and epoxy crafts to paint removal.
  • Extra 5 ft long cord to easily move around.
  • Style: you can choose between blue and pink colors.
  • The manufacturer went the extra mile with the safety – not only kick and vents, but the whole body is insulated. This product unlike many others is UL-Certified.
  • Great run time – up to 2 hours, uncomparable to few minutes some competitors offer. You don’t need to rush or stress if the gun will overheat.
  • Quiet – no noise will bother you or your family.

Cons

  • It is not the cheapest yet still very affordable option – around $20.
  • Not the longest cord on the market, but still, should be long enough for most of workspaces.
  • Even tho the product was designed in US, it is made in Taiwan.
  • May seem quite big and heavy to hold for some female crafters.

#2 Runner Up – Hippie Crafter Heat Gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 300W
  • Temperature control: Dual. Up to 100°F on low power and 200°F on high
  • Cable length: 3.2 ft ( roughly 1m)
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents
  • Weight: 10 oz (200-300 gr)

A lightweight multi-purpose Hippie Crafter heat gun for crafters. It is suitable for all kinds of small craft projects: painting, epoxy, candle making, heat transfer vinyl, epoxy glitter tumblers, and many more. Removes bubbles easily and has two temperature settings: low and high while being just powerful enough to cover all DIYers’ needs.

Pros

  • Simple, performant, lightweight
  • Has 2 temperature settings – most of simple and cheap alternatives do not have it
  • Extremely versatile, you will be able to use it to create anything and work not only with epoxy resin
  • US brand, family owned business, very friendly team and support. I am myself their customer!
  • Safe to use: not only it has temperature control, but a stainless stand.

Cons

  • I think the cord is not long enough for most crafter – it’s only one meter. I am often working in my studio but I don’t have som many electric outlets and it will be challenging to adapt.
  • Not the cheapest one among 300W heat guns, but I know I’m buying a real brand high-quality tool and not a no name thing.

You can equally shop on their official website and get extra bonuses while ordering, including free shipping.


#3 M-life Mini Heat Gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 300W
  • Temperature control: Dual.
  • Temperature range: 392°F – 572F/200°C – 300C)
  • Run time: under 15 min
  • Cable length: 6.5 ft (2 m)
  • Safety: built in stand, vents, nozzle safety shield. UL-certified
  • Weight: around 11 oz (300 gr)

Mlife simple heat gun works great for embossing and removing bubbles. It works like a pro heat gun within two temperature settings and allows you to move freely around your desk as it has a long cable.

This heat gun’s safety is protected by UL certification, steel stand, and special nozzle shield to make sure it will not damage you, your work, or get too hot. However, keep in mind that it has a pretty short run time, and doesn’t use high speed to remove bubbles.

Pros

  • You can choose between few colors: gray, green, white, pink and yellow. Not a functional thing but a nice style touch
  • Affordable (but not the cheapest)
  • Nicely long cable of 2 m for free moving around.
  • Satisfaction guarantee – you will be fully refunded if you didn’t like the product.

Cons

  • Despite 15 min run time, you may need to stop after every 3 minutes, especially if you’re working on high speed.
  • Don’t be intimidated by “mini” size, it has actual standard size of a tube shaped heat gun.

#4 Homidic Long Heat Gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 300W
  • Temperature control: No.
  • Temperature range: 392°F/200°C
  • Run time: 10 min MAX
  • Cable length: 6.56 ft (2 m)
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents, antislip coating
  • Weight: 200-300 gr

A Homidic heat gun is a versatile tool for crafting in a traditional tube shape with a long cable. It gets hot in a few seconds and can be used continuously for a maximum of 10 min. It will be enough for most small crafts and removing bubbles, including epoxy resin, paint, embossing, shrink wrapping or clay.

Pros

  • Simple design yet powerful tool
  • Longer cable than other alternatives have (2 m)
  • Heats up quickly
  • Removes the bubbles easily

Cons

  • No temperature control system – it gets really hot fast and then shuts off fast too. Tend to overheat.
  • May be a little bit too big for some female crafters
  • It is ok as your first heat gun to try but you will soon need to replace it, if crafting is your serious passion.

#5 SEEKONE Mini Heat GunSmall heat gun for resin art

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 350W
  • Temperature control: No
  • Temperature range: 662F/350C
  • Run time: N/A
  • Cable length: 4.9 ft (1.5 m)
  • Safety: plastic stand, vents, nozzle safety shield, UL-certified
  • Weight: 380 gr

For me, SEEKONE is the best brand for heat guns overall, but most people only know about their high-power heat gun! In fact, they do have a cute mini gun that I absolutely recommend for resin art and any crafts! However, I would expect more from this brand. This mini heat gun is aimed at crafts but has only one temperature, which is pretty high – 662F.

Pros

  • Brand name and quality. The big brother of this mini heat gun – SEEKONE 1800W is the best heat gun for heavy-duty projects, hands down.
  • Extra safety precautions: more durable plastic (impact-resistant PA6+30GF) is used, insulated body. The brand passed UL certification. It looks safe, durable, like a good quality heat gun.
  • Longer cable so you can move around more.
  • One Reflector Nozzle is included. It helps spread heat evenly.

Cons

  • No temperature settings control, so you only have one speed and temperature to work with, and it is high – 662F. Small crafts don’t need such a high temperature, but they would benefit dual control system more.
  • Plastic safety stand. Even less known alternatives have stainless steel stand. Metal is more heat resistant than plastic.
  • Pretty heavy, especially for long time use and hold.

#6 CHUKCHI Mini Heat Gun for DIY Craft Embossing

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 300W
  • Temperature control: No
  • Temperature range: 390F/200C
  • Run time: 3-10 min max
  • Cable length: 39 in (91 cm)
  • Safety: stand, vents
  • Weight: 9.8 oz (270 gr)

Chukchi mini heat gun has one temperature setting, a simple yet stylish design and a quite short cord. It will work fine for embossing and removing bubbles from epoxy. Overall it’s a very basic model and doesn’t have any strong selling points. Keep in mind that it is not quite mini – the body length is 24 cm.

Pros

  • Affordability is the main advantage.
  • Comes in 4 styles: pink, white, black and black with red nozzle.

Cons

  • Short cable is not really convenient for crafts projects.
  • No temperature control, which is fine for simple small crafts.
  • Short run time before it will overheat.
  • Can be loud and noisy sometimes.

#7 Mini Heat Gun CUBEWAY

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 350W
  • Temperature control: No
  • Temperature range: 662F/350C
  • Run time: 10 min max
  • Cable length: 6.5 (2 m)
  • Safety: stand, vent5
  • Weight: 15.6 oz (440 gr)

Cubeway mini heat gun seems to be not a popular choice among crafters, yet, it is an affordable and powerful heat gun for small projects with a longer cord. I like this gun, especially for its unusual design, the brand decided to go further and make the body ergonomic for palm grip. I think it is a good tool for shrinking.

Pros

  • Ergonomic desing: you can hold it with your hand like a pen, or with your palm.
  • Extra long cord of 2m for moving around
  • Additional accesories: 40 heat shrink tubes, one spoon reflector nozzle and a nozzle for replacement.
  • 2-year warranty – the longest warranty among craft heat guns.
  • High temperature suits for versatile projects: from epoxy to electronics repairing.

Cons

  • One temperature only, it is desirable to have dual control.
  • Although it should be portable, it is one of the heaviest heat guns among tube shaped guns.
  • I’m not sure if it is good to have only this high temperature of 662F to just blow the bubbles.
  • First use may provoke smoke – the manufacturer says it’s normal, as some glue was left in the heat gun.

#8 Master Applianceperfect for heat shrinking

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 350W
  • Temperature control: No
  • Temperature range: 640F/337C
  • Run time: N/A
  • Cable length: 6.5 (2 m)
  • Safety: stand, vents
  • Weight: 15.2 oz (420 gr)

Amazing ergonomic and durable heat gun from Master Appliance. It has a 9.9 CFM airflow and gets hot quickly. It is perfect for heat shrinking works, but can also be used on crafts. It comes with a long cord and simple metal stand, but also a shrink tube reflector to target the hot air precisely while shrinking. However, I think it may be too much hot for removing bubbles from epoxy or blowing paint.

Pros

  • Great quality, ergonomic design both for gand and palm hold.
  • High temperature, stable heating.

Cons

  • It is a great tool for shrinking but I think it is excessive heat for just removing bubbles.
  • Around $25 without discounts, which is quite expensive compared to other alternatives.

#9 ZAP Embossing Heat gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: N/A, but 120V
  • Temperature control: No.
  • Temperature range: 650F/350C
  • Cable length: N/A
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents
  • Weight: 14 oz (400 gr)

Simple yet super stylish heat gun from ZAP. It has an AU plug and very scarce description online 🙁 Most crafters who have this gun use it for embossing, and less for epoxy. However, the temperature will allow us to use it for removing bubbles as well.

Pros

  • Simple, yet performant tool. I’ve seen people reporting using this heat gun for 10+ years.

Cons

  • It costs around $25 but the brand didn’t take a minute to really describe the product in details.
  • No US plug included.

#10 Mofa Mini Heat Gun MF 150 – The most lightweight heat gun for epoxy

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 150W
  • Temperature control: No.
  • Temperature range: 302-392°F/150-200°C
  • Cable length: 39 in ( roughly 1m)
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents
  • Weight: 4.9 oz (138 gr)

Mofa heat gun can become a tiny friend of any beginner in crafting. It only weighs 138 gr, and offers 150W but still can be used on a variety of small projects: from epoxy to shrink wrapping

Pros

  • Small and extra-lightweight
  • Comes in multiple colors – you can choose
  • The affordability is impressive!

Cons

  • I think I would go with a heat gun that has dual temperature control
  • Cable only 1 m long, it may be not easy to move around
  • Considering that it has only 150W I don’t think this heat gun will perform equally well with all types of projects. I think it may be a great start or test tool, but it won’t be universal.
  • Comes with US type plug only, if you’re shipping it outside US make sure you have an adapter.
  • Few users reported very short life ( weeks).

Most powerful Heat guns for heavy-duty resin projects

Epoxy tables, countertops, floors, walls, home improvements need extra power. The minimal power for such projects is 1000W and the min temperature will be 750F (371 C). Sometimes you may also need a cordless heat gun and I will give you one option as such too!

Large scale heavy-duty tasks often require some accessories, so I will prioritize heat guns with extra nozzles.

#11 SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W – Best Overall

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 1800W
  • Temperature control: variable temperature control.
  • Temperature range: 122℉-1202℉ (50℃- 650℃)
  • Airflow speed control: Dual. 190-210L/min and 250-500L/min
  • Cable length: 5.25 ft ( 1.6 m)
  • Safety: stand, vents, nozzle
  • Weight: 0.9kg (1.984lb)

SEEKONE is an Absolute bestseller and a leading heat gun for professional use and home improvement. Unique temperature control system: it is a dial where you can set temperature control settings within a very wide range from 122F to 1202F.

Additionally, you can control airflow speed, and you can control it separately! Air control has two modes.

It is only for professional use and mostly for home improvements. It is not a simple heat gun to just get rid of some bubbles. Please, choose wisely and you don’t need such power, save money and get a cheaper and less powerful option.

Pros

  • Dual airflow control plus flexible temperature control for professional use and truly versatile projects – you set the temperature and airflow speed yourself according to your needs.
  • You get not only the heat gun, but 4 complimentary nozzles: a deflector nozzle for a long, narrow heat pattern, two concentrator nozzles for a concentrated heat flow and one reflector nozzle for spreading heat flow evenly.
  • The gun’s body looks extremely durable and the heat gun is easy to hold and use due to scientific SEEKONE design. It helps minimize fatigue! It can also stand on its own.
  • This heat gun has built-in overload protector.
  • Amazing price for such quality – under $40! But if you are not happy with the product, the manufacturer promises 100% refund.

Cons

  • Comes only with US plug
  • I would like to have a longer cord for professional use. But this length is not bad too.
  • Keep in mind, it is a heavy toy – almost 1 kg (2 pounds).

#13 Wagner Spraytech HT1000 Heat Gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 1200W
  • Temperature control: Dual
  • Temperature range: low 750°F and high 1000°F (400℃- 538℃)
  • Cable length: 5.25 ft ( 1.6 m)
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents, corrosion resistant nozzle
  • Weight: 0.7kg (1.5lb)

Wagner heat gun is a great simple tool for home use. It features two temperature settings, low and high, which will help cover all home improvement tasks, including paint removal or pipe throwing. Wagner created a design with two fan speeds to make sure the tool is not too noisy but also to control the temperature. This heat gun should last for several years due to its impact-resistant materials and corrosion-resistant nozzle.

Pros

  • Great durable and low-noise design backed up by a 2-year warranty from Wagner.
  • Simple dual temperature control.
  • Nice little add-on – a simple storage hanging hook built in the body of the heat gun.
  • Incredibly affordable – the price for this full range pro tool is the same as for some heat guns for crafting!

Cons

  • Only US plug
  • For someone it may feel two simple as it doesn’t have full on temperature control, just a switcher between low and high.
  • Despite high temperature settings, few users and repairers say it is not hot enough for repairs and home improvements.
  • No extra nozzles included.

#13 BLACK + DECKER Heat Gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 1350W
  • Temperature control: Dual
  • Temperature range: low 750°F and high 1000°F (400℃- 538℃)
  • Cable length: N/A
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents
  • Weight: 0.7kg (1.6lb)

Another great heat gun for home use is a Black+Decker heat gun, they have a lot in common with the Wagner heat gun, but the Black+Decker one is more expensive and slightly more powerful.

Pros

  • Easy and comfortable grip, stand helps to let the heat gun cool.
  • Pretty light but suitable for all home improvement tasks from removing paint to loosening bolts.
  • Has very high rating on Amazon – 4.8 stars! due its durability and good value for money quality.

Cons

  • Only US plug, no accessories included.
  • Temperature control only with I and II mode switch.
  • Quite pricey (around $40) compared to Wagner or even SEEKONE.

#14 Genesis GHG1500A Heat Gun Kit

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 1500W
  • Temperature control: Dual
  • Temperature range: low and high
  • Cable length: 6.5 ft (2 m)
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents, UL listed and ETL Certified
  • Weight: 1 kg (2 lb)

If you didn’t like SEEKONE but still need a cheaper option with nozzles included, you may look at Genesis Heat Gun Kit. Simple, dual-temperature heat gun for home use. Nothing extra, just an overall good enough tool.

Pros

  • Presented as a kit, Genesis heat gun comes with two Deflector Nozzles, one reflector nozzle, and one air Reduction Nozzle.
  • Easy to hold and use design.
  • Good length cord of 2 m allows more freedom.
  • I find it to be very affordable, and sometimes they have a 30-40% discounts.

Cons

  • The manufacturer markets this heat gun as an easy to hold in one hand. I’m a female and continuously working with a heat gun weighing 2 pounds won’t be easy or light for me. It is heavy.
  • 2 year warranty comes with but it doesn’t cover normal tear and wear what I don’t really know what means in this specific case. Sound like a loophole to me.
  • They don’t mention the temperature range in the description.
  • It is great for home use, but for most customers it is not a professional level tool

#15 Prelude HG0080 Hot Air Gun Kit

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 1200W
  • Temperature control: Dual
  • Temperature range: low and high, 752°F ~1112℉
  • Cable length: 6.5 ft (2 m)
  • Safety: stainless stand, vents, UL listed and ETL Certified
  • Weight: 0.6 kg (1.3 lb)

If you’re removing paint, thawing pipes or heating shrink wrap and just love doing something at home, another good durable choice for you is Prelude Heat Gun.

Pros

  • The manufacturer promises extra durability and safe work for up to 600 hours.
  • The kit comes with a heat gun itself and few additional nozzles: a Spoon reflector nozzle, a Cone nozzle, a Fish tail surface nozzle and a BBQ lighter Nozzle.
  • The tool has all needed safety certificate in US.
  • Long cable and it can rotate 90 degrees to make the work process easier and prevent cable damage.
  • Affordability – you can get the whole kit for under $30 or even under $20 if it is on sale.
  • The most lightweight in this section – only 1.3 lb.

Cons

  • Only US plug
  • Some customers reported smoke.
  • I am not sure about slider for mode controls. I always have issues with broken sliders, but maybe this one is not the case.

#16 ENERTWIST Heat Gun Kit for Paint removal and Wrapping

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 1500W
  • Temperature control: 9 temperatures dial
  • Temperature range: max 932℉ (500℃)
  • Airflow speed: 3 modes (high, low, cool)
  • Cable length: 6 ft (1.6 m)
  • Safety: honeycomb vents, nozzle protection, ETL-certified 
  • Weight: 1 kg (2 lb)

Looking to buy a whole kit for heavy-duty tasks? ENERTWIST Heat Gun may be your choice as this kit includes a heat gun, ‎4 nozzle deflectors, 5 paint scrapers and a storage box. Sounds cool? It will be perfect for paint removal, tubing, shrink wrapping and other works at home.

Pros

  • Enertwist lab tested this heat gun and they confirm it has run time of 500 hours on high temperature. Impressive.
  • Great full kit for paint removal and shrinking as it comes with few additional nozzles and paint scrapers. Good home kit.
  • Good non-slip grip.
  • Good value for money considering added accessories.

Cons

  • Yes, it has 8 temperature settings, but what are they corresponding to? Without good understanding this feautre seems useless, especially when you already have 3 speed settings.
  • Only US type plug.

#17 DEWALT DCE530B – Cordless heat gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: nominal battery’s voltage is 18V
  • Temperature control: No
  • Temperature range: 990 F/ 532 C
  • Cordless
  • Run time: 42 min per charge
  • Weight: n/a

Only one cordless heat gun I will review is the DEWALT heat gun with battery and charger. Cordless heat guns are easy and more comfortable to use, but it comes with a price, literally. You have to buy not only the gun but the battery and its charger! The price will be above $200. I would think twice if the cord is really causing me so much trouble 🙂


Heat guns for epoxy I DO NOT recommend

CALPALMY Bubble Removing Heat Gun

Main characteristics:

  • Power: 300W
  • Temperature control: No
  • Temperature range: 392°F (200°C)
  • Run time: less than 3 minutes
  • Cable length: 38 in (96 cm)
  • Safety: stainless steel stand, vents
  • Weight: around 250 gr

If you are looking for a cheap tool to remove bubbles from your small epoxy crafts or embossing, this Calpalmy heat gun can do the job. If you are not producing a lot of crafts and just want to try how it feels, you are probably not comfortable with spending a lot of money. However, be mindful that it is a very cheap heat gun, and even if it may be good, it can’t fulfill the needs of a pro crafter or last for long.

If you can afford to spend a little more than $12, I would suggest choosing something else.

Cons

  • The whole body is made of durable, but still, plastic, including the nozzle. Do not overheat it otherwise it will melt.
  • The run time is extremely short – less than 3 minutes. It’s barely one time use to go across an epoxy tray and remove bubbles. It will still do the job, but it’s not very convenient time period.
  • It tends to overheat and melt by itself.
  • The main purpose is to get rid of bubbles. However few DIYers say that this heat gun could not do that.
  • Do not last long.

Wellshine Bubble Buster Tool

Wellshine heat gun

I don’t see any differences looking at the pictures of the heat gun above – the Calpalmy one and this one – Wellshine. They are the absolute same for me. The Wellshine heat gun has the same characteristics and I assume quality and I would not recommend it.

The Wellshine brand though tried to add some additional value and included in the package 3 brushes and 6 glitter powders. In my humble opinion, I would prefer a really good performing gun for $10-12 than extra supplies I don’t even need.


CraftBay Bubble Buster Tool

Again, look at this picture – isn’t It the same product under a different name again? For this asking price of 16-20 dollars, you can find a way better alternative from a very good and reputable brand! Don’t buy this!

Not a good run time (under 10 min or even less than 3), cheap plastic body and safety features, useless addons (of the same quality), super short cord…

Yes, you will see around 700 positive reviews on Amazon. It may be a good purchase for a one-time craft or a complete beginner, but it is not the wisest choice nor the safest.


NAIVE BLUE Bubble Buster Portable Heat Gun

This brand has the same quality product as the sellers above. Low-quality heat gun body, only one temperature setting, very short cord, no data about what temperature you have, and, again, extremely short working time.


How to choose a heat gun for resin?

There are a few main factors that you should consider while choosing a heat gun for your crafts projects, including temperature settings, run time, cord length, features, and most importantly, safety and the scale of your project.

1) Scale of the project: light-duty or heavy-duty

Small projects like creating jewelry, trays, wax or paintings, do not require immense power or temperatures – power under 500 Watts and temperature between 200-400 F will be enough. Epoxy resin melts at 300°F and 330°F (149 to 156 C). Any simple heat gun under 700F will work fine!

On the other hand, a large epoxy river table, paint removal, countertop or floor need a heat gun powered by 1000+ Watts at least and at least 800 degrees F (427 C).

The wrong choice, can either underperform or damage the resin.

2) Temperature settings

The temperature is the key feature of using a heat gun. We need to get rid of bubbles on the epoxy surface and the heat will do the job. A good heat gun for crafts has temperature settings between 200 and 700 degrees F, while 300-400 F is the most optimal heat. For heavy-duty tasks, please choose a heat gun generating more than 750-800 F.

​Temperature Recommendations by work:

Low
120-300℉ to thaw frozen pipes
400-440℉ to bend the plastics or soften dry paint or epoxy
440-550℉ to soften the adhesive material
790-830℉ to soften welding material
900-950℉ to loosen rusted material

High
960-1000℉ to remove paint
1000-1200℉ to induce qualitative changes

It is always better to choose a heat gun that has two temperature settings: low and high. But the lowest temperature should still be within the recommended range, otherwise, this heat gun is not worth the money. The lower temperature is good for small crafts and large surfaces ( so you will not risk overheating). For epoxy, you don’t need temperatures above 600-700F.

Airflow speed also impacts the temperature and is measured in CFM (Cubic feet/ minute). For crafts with epoxy resin, we normally need minimal speed/heat. For large scale projects, you may need a heat gun that has airflow control settings.

3) Safety

A safe-to-use heat gun will not have any easy-to-melt plastic parts and will have a kickstand to sit on while you’re not using it. Some heat guns have anti-overheating features, heat dissipation properties and insulated components to make sure the construction itself prevents overheating.

Large-scale projects require a heat gun with a built-in system that automatically shuts the heat gun down if it’s overheated and can cause damages.

4) Run time

A very important consideration is a heat gun’s run time – how long the heat gun can stay on continuously and hot until it gets too hot and you will need to switch it off. Epoxy resin once combined has a very limited working time. Of course, the bigger your project is, the better the quality heat gun you need. Some tools have a run time as short as 15 minutes, some can work for hours.

If you just need to remove bubbles or create cells on epoxy crafts of a small scale, the average heat gun will have enough run time.

5) Cord length or cordless option

Working with epoxy, keep in mind where is your cord will go and how long is it. Make sure you have enough length and you can keep the cord from getting into your way. Otherwise, you can always pick a cordless heat gun – they run on simple batteries. Problem solved!

6) Shape and Ergonomics

A heat gun should have an ergonomic shape and be comfortable to hold, especially, if you’re working on a large artwork. Most heat guns for crafts and epoxy resin have a shape of a tube that works perfectly. However, it is not suitable for larger surfaces as it is simply not easy to hold for a long time.

The classic heat gun’s shape reflects its name – it looks like a big gun, and the switch and temperature control is on the handle, like a trigger. This shape is better for working on countertops, tables, floors.

7) Extra features

Some extra features and bonuses are always nice to have. While you don’t really need them, they can still add value to the product, for example, different nozzles, scrapers, metal stand, extra-long cord, warranty etc.

For most craft projects with epoxy, you don’t really need any extra nozzles or accessories, but a longer cord or safety stand may come in handy.


How to get bubbles out of resin?

If we need a heat gun for epoxy, most of the time we need to remove bubbles or create cells. Heat guns help us soften the epoxy so all bubbles on its surface will disappear. How to use a heat gun with epoxy?

Step 1

Once you poured the first layer of epoxy, turn on the heat gun ( you need a temperature under 400F) and let it heat for 3-4 sec.

Don’t blow the air directly on epoxy, try to keep an angle and move a few inches from the surface. Keep moving the heat gun, don’t stay in one place. You will literally see how the bubbles will pop!

Step 2

Keep in mind the run time. For some heat guns, it is only a few minutes.

If you still have some bubbles on the surface, get slightly closer and quickly pop them with the heat.

*Step 3: How to create cells with a heat gun

It is optional, but if you want to create cells in resin art, you need to get close to the epoxy surface to see the resin move. The closer you get, the more you move the resin creating cells. This technique needs practice!

Read also: Resiners Epoxy Bubble Removal Machine – Bubble Free in 5 minutes!


Using a Heat Gun with Epoxy: 11 Safety Tips

While a heat gun is a pretty safe tool to use, be mindful that it is still something that heats up a lot and not a completely harmless toy.

  1. Working with a heat gun, always choose and use the kickstand of the heat gun, don’t put it on table! It will burn or melt the surface.
  2. Do not ever touch the tip – it is extremely hot. Please wait until it’s completely cool.
  3. Do not block the air flow! First of all, it is extremely hot. It can also result in overheating or even starting a fire.
  4. Use silicone molds and avoid using plastic molds – the heat can melt it. In general, do not keep anything flammable within the reach of the heat gun.
  5. Do not overheat the resin. The combination of the resin and the hardener creates a heated chemical reaction itself. When overheated, epoxy can produce chemical steams and will cure too quickly, crack or ruin the final piece. Move the heat gun to spread the hot air evenly.
  6. Do not blow the hot air directly at 90 degrees. Keep a 45- degree angle and 5-6 cm distance from the artwork.
  7. Don’t try to remove bubbles on the bottom by increasing the temperature or heating one area for a longer time – the heat gun only removes the bubbles on the surface.
  8. Protect yourself: long-sleeved short and if you have long hair, mandatory, do a ponytail!
  9. If you are working with a very large amount of resin, thick layers and you’re additionally using a heat gun, keep a fire extinguisher next to you. Too much resin can create a fire, but very rarely.
  10. Do not exceed the run time mentioned in the manual. It will cause overheating.
  11. Don’t touch the heat gun with water while it’s on.

FAQ

What kind of heat gun do I need for epoxy?

A good heat gun for epoxy resin should have high and low temperature settings, be durable, and have a long cord. It’s also important to find a heat gun that is comfortable to hold. I recommend Chandler and Hippie Crafter heat guns for small and medium craft projects. Check my top recommendations and 17 reviewed heat guns available on the market.

Can you use a heat gun on epoxy resin?

Yes, you can use a heat gun on epoxy resin. It is safer, more effective and quicker to use a heat gun than a propane torch, hairdryer or anything else. Heat guns with lower power and temperatures help to soften the resin and free the bubbles on the surface. Plus, crafters use heat guns to create cells.

Will a heat gun soften epoxy?

A heat gun will soften epoxy, which will help to remove any bubbles that are trapped in the resin. There is nothing wrong with it. However, you should not point the heat gun directly against the resin, it will overheat both the gun and the resin. Be careful.

Final Thoughts

A heat gun is a must-have tool that helps to remove any bubbles that are trapped in the resin. It is a good and safer alternative to a torch as we do not have any open flame.

That is exactly what we need and heat guns rid us of a lot of headaches.

However, please keep in mind that it is a serious tool, and don’t choose the cheapest option as it may not be the safest. I would not (and I don’t) go any cheaper than $12-15. And of course, be careful using it.

And do not use hair dryer to remove bubbles, it won’t be of much help, unfortunately 🙁

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment, I check them daily!