What are the advantages of removing paint with a heat gun compared to IR heat?

Of course, the first question is: will both tools help you remove paint? Yes, indeed, but there are many reasons why it’s both safer and more effective to use Speedheater’s IR system. These are a few of the reasons why we recommend Speedheater over a heat gun.

  • Precision: The specific infrared wavelengths used in Speedheater™ IR systems only heat the area directly in front of the heat source and none of the surrounding area. A heat gun blows very hot air unevenly across a wider surface, which increases the risk of fire and reduces efficiency. A heat gun also requires constant motion, which makes it difficult to control where and how long the paint is heated.
  • Lower temperature: Speedheater™ only needs to heat paint to 110-160°C/400-600℉ to separate the bottom layer of paint from the wood. Heat guns need to heat paint, layer by layer, to 400°C/1000℉ in order for the surface to be scrapable.
  • Reduced fire risk: Speedheater’s™ infrared technology only heats the paint and upper part of the wood, thereby minimizing the risk of fire. The hot air from the heat gun goes between and under boards and into cracks where dust and debris can easily ignite. The high heat penetrates through the back of the wood and into whatever material is behind it. Hidden behind the wood surface, that material can catch fire even after all the paint has been scraped away.
  • Amateur-certified: Speedheater™ IR systems require less prior knowledge for safe heat monitoring. With Speedheater™, you can quickly remove all paint layers down to the bare wood suface in just a few strokes. With heat guns, reheating and additional scraping are often necessary to remove the paint. Without the right tools and experience, you run the risk of damaging the wood.

SPEEDHEATER VS. HEAT GUNS

Speedheater Standard paint removal with IR

Speedheater IR System

Värmepistol, Varmluftspistol, heat gun, hot air gun

Heat gun

Did you know that you can buy and rent Speedheater products from retailers all across Sweden?

Several of our retailers offer both purchasing and rental options for our IR technology. Find your nearest retailer here.

Why should I choose Speedheater if I am a professional?

Our products make for a non-toxic work environment, are engineered with high quality and are ergonomically designed to make your work fast and easy! Our products offer a long service life and use very little energy, making them increasingly affordable the longer you use them. We design versatile machines that can be used for projects of all sizes and offer a safe alternative for both you and the surface you’re working on. Take care of yourself and your environment!

Why should I choose Speedheater if I am an amateur?

Our products are extremely simple and safe to use, even for beginners. We have developed our products to provide a safe work environment where no harmful amounts of toxins are released during use, which is especially important in, for example, a home environment and in families with children. By using our products, you minimize the risks of burning yourself and the surface, and our products’ versatility means that you can use them on almost all of your renovation projects, including on exteriors, windows and furniture.

Scrape off old paint with Speedheater
Paint stripping with infrared heat

When is it better to choose Speedheater over a heat gun?

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Speedheater IR systems are safer, faster and more user-friendly compared to, for example, heat guns.

  • High quality
  • Fast
  • Flexible
  • Safe
  • Non-toxic
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Low energy consumption
  • Long durability
  • Great repair options

When is it better to choose a heat gun over Speedheater?

In the short term, price is the biggest advantage of heat guns. The selection is large, and there are many models to choose from that are cheaper than a Speedheater. In the long run, however, a heat gun is not financially advantageous as it consumes more energy and is difficult to renovate and repair.

  • Cheaper
  • Wide selection

Want to try out a Speedheater but not quite ready to make that investment? Contact your nearest retailer and rent a Speedheater instead!

Retailers

“The design is incredible! It works incredibly fast, offers great balance, and it’s easy and convenient to use, not to mention the fact it’s completely silent.”

Håkan Pettersson / P&A Byggmåleri AB, Trollhättan

“The Cobra is in a class of its own, and it’s fast and versatile.”

Mats Magnander / GBG Måleridesign AB, Göteborg