Can You Use a Heat Gun to Remove Wallpaper? Wallpapers from the 1960s and 1970s are no longer appropriate for use in current interiors. If you’ve tried a variety of pricey and low-cost methods to remove obstinate wallpaper from your home, you should give a heat gun a shot this time.
Yes, using a heat gun to remove wallpaper is a viable option. As It dissolves the glue and makes removal easier. But, just like with vinyl stickers and wraps, can you use a heat gun to remove wallpaper? The answer is a NO, as this time the procedure will be slightly different.
Many people discuss this highly effective and low-cost method of wallpaper removal on various home decor forums. Nevertheless, even if you have no prior crafting experience and have never used a heat gun, you will be able to remove wallpaper after reading this article’s guide.
One of the most efficient ways to remove wallpaper is to use a heat gun. The heat gun method will be able to remove the most obstinate piece of wallpaper in any room or space, no matter how old it is.
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To Remove Wallpaper, Should I Use a Heat Gun or a Steamer?
When it comes to removing wallpaper, many professionals turn to steamers. In a few ways, it’s better than a heat gun. However, the question remains as to which is the most effective wallpaper removal method
Nonetheless, if you’re painting the interior yourself to save money, you’ll want to find a cheap solution to remove the wallpaper as well.
If you don’t have one, you’ll have to buy one, just like the steamer. At the very least, you’ll need to hire from someone else or an appliance store. You would still have to spend money in any case.
Meanwhile making use of a steamer to remove wallpaper is time-consuming. But, removing wallpaper using a heat gun is a much more cost-effective option. You can take your time if you’re not in a hurry and remove the wallpaper with a heat gun.
It’s much preferable to using a steamer because you’ll have to pay attention to every single detail while removing the wallpaper.
How to use a heat gun to remove wallpaper
There are a few safety precautions that must be followed before you begin the removal process. they include:
1.Ensure that the room where you’ll be working has ample airflow.
2.To increase air circulation, make sure you keep the windows open and turn on the fans.
3.Wear a pair of leather gloves.
4.Do not contact the heat gun’s nozzle.
Best Heat Gun for Wallpaper Removal
Heat guns widely available in the market for removal of Wallpaper include;
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SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun -the best overall.
You’ll need a heavy-duty heat gun, such as this one if the wallpaper fragments are resistant. This 1800W glue gun can easily and quickly remove wallpaper. You may use it for light-duty jobs because it has variable speed settings.
With two modes, it has a lot of power. SEEKONE 1800W heat pistol has a powerful heating element that swiftly heats up to 1202°F (650°C) in seconds. There are two settings available: I: 50-450°C, 190-210L/min; II: 50-650°C, 250-500L/min Overload Protection & Variable Temperature Control
Seekone heat gun also features a scientific ergonomic design handle that can help prevent repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders. They are ideal for shrinking heat shrink tube, shrinking wrap, heating PVC, electronics, cell phone repairs, removing paint or floor tiles, loosening rusted bolts, and other heating or thawing tasks.
Furthermore, this heat gun, unlike other dual-temperature heat guns, provides variable temperature control. The black dial controls rheostat-style heating, while the high/low button on the handle controls airflow.
Pros
- The SEEKER ONE heat gun is very safe
- It is also lightweight and easy to control
- Its a classic utilitarian device with a solid, decent quality appearance and feel.
Cons
- The metal clamp is listed as a stand
- As the stand doesn’t really work, you will have to find a heatproof surface to place this on. It should include one.
- There is no description of the attachments.
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Master Appliance HG-501D Industrial Heat Gun is the best commercial heat gun
If you are in search of a commercial-grade heavy-duty heat gun for professional tasks including wallpaper stripping, this 1740W tool will provide the much-needed heat for you to effectively finish projects.
The HG-501D industrial heat gun is a heavy-duty heat gun of industrial quality. It contains a tough die-cast aluminum housing with an integrated adjustable 90-degree rubber-backed stand. This stand is utilized on bench tops without having to use your hands.
This heat gun also features an updated long-life, with a high-speed universal motor that provides 2x the run time of previous models. However, it maintains an airflow of 27 CFM at 3400 fpm which exceeds industrial norms. Allowing for speedier completion of difficult tasks.
However, for maximum heating effectiveness, a new quick-change plug-in heating element with balanced airflow across the element has been included. User comfort has also been improved with a redesigned ergonomic soft-grip handle.
Pros
- Long lasting with a universal high speed motor
- Features an ergonomic sift-grip handle
- Has an integrated adjustable rubber-backed stand
Cons
- Has a weak heat and airflow
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Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Heat Gun – Best Cordless (DCE530P1)
The maximum output temperature of the DEWALT cordless heat gun is 990°F/532°C. Per charge, it may run for up to 42 minutes. It features a Lock-on button for simplicity of use, a Lock-off trigger for manual operation, and an LED to illuminate dark regions when the tool is in use.
When you have a powerful cordless heat gun in your hand, wallpaper stripping will be much more convenient for you. You’ll be able to remove wallpaper from a room without having to worry about cable management thanks to the up to 40-minute duration.
Pros
- The heat gun works great for helping to remove paint and it is very convenient being cordless
- It features two settings, a low and a high
Cons
- The gun heats up too slowly
- Does not blow heat as hard as a corded heat gun
Steps to follow when using a Heat Gun to Remove Wallpaper
The following are several methods which can be employed in removing wallpaper glue with a heat gun.
- Remove as much as you can
Before you use the heat gun, try to peel the wallpaper away from the wall, seizing any loose corners. To make it easier, use a paint scraper. The more wallpaper you can remove this method, the less you’ll need to use the heat gun.
- Adjust the Temperature to the Appropriate Level
To begin, allow the heat gun to warm up. Before continuing, make sure the heat gun is adjusted to 325°F. You can lower or increase the temperature depending on how the adhesives react.
- Heat it.
With your dominant hand, hold the rifle 6 inches from the wallpaper. Slowly move the heat gun around the room. To prevent the wallpaper from burning, make sure it doesn’t apply heat to one location for too long.
- Remove the Wallcovering
Applying heat for 15 seconds should be enough to get the job done. Pull the wallpaper away from the wall gently while providing heat to the area where you’re pulling it. To accomplish it precisely, use the scraper.
Don’t rush, or the glue won’t melt. You may rip it, and it will be quite frustrating like peeling off a stick.
- Water should be used
If there is still something stuck on the wall, moisten the paper with water and scrape it off with the scraper. Because you’ll be painting the walls anyway, it’s fine to remove the wallpaper and paint a bit.
- Allow the gun to cool down.
Allow the heat gun to cool completely before storing it. Place it on a non-flammable surface.
- Use only the heat gun and a paint scraper/wallpaper scraper to remove the wallpaper. (Scoring will only exacerbate the problem.)
- Hold the heat gun about 6 inches away from the wallpaper and move it back and forth constantly. If you leave it on a piece of wallpaper for too long, it will begin to burn. (I learned the hard way… luckily it simply smolders and doesn’t catch fire!)
- Start slowly removing the wallpaper away after about 15 seconds of heat, while keeping the area you’re about to pull warm.
However, This applies to all types of wallpaper removal, but keep a trash bag on hand so you can throw the wallpaper away instead of letting it fall on the floor or attempting to build a pile. It makes cleaning up a whole lot easier!
- If there is still something stuck on the wall, moisten the paper with water and scrape it off with the scraper. Because you’ll be painting the walls anyway, it’s fine to remove the wallpaper and paint a bit.
Finally, open the windows and let some fresh air into the space. I’m not sure what’s melted in that wallpaper adhesive, but I don’t want to inhale it.
Conclusion on Can You Use a Heat Gun to Remove Wallpaper?
For wallpaper removal, you can make of use a heat gun or a steamer, as these are the most cost-effective and convenient options. On the other hand, a heat gun would be the best alternative if you want to spend as little money as possible. Is it safe to remove wallpaper using a heat gun? If you’ve read this far, I hope you’ve already received the answer.
However, Before you start removing your wallpaper with this method, ensure you take precautions.