Learn the step by step processes to successfully remove paint with a heat gun

       First you want to have the right tools for the job. 

Heat Gun

Lint Free Cloth

Scrubbing Sponge

Metal Paint Scrapper

Safety Goggles

Fine Grain Sand Paper or Steel Wool

and a Bucket of Warm Soapy Water

Step 1

       Put on your safety goggles and prepare to scrub. The first thing you are going to do is clean the surface you are planning to work on. Use your sponge to scrub off any chipping paint, rust, or any other loose particles. It is very important that you use water and not cleaning chemicals. Don't even mix the water with chemicals as they may react negatively with the heat from the gun later on. You can however mix simple hand soap with your water. Once you have given your surface a good cleaning, dry it off with the lint free cloth.

Step 2

       You can now plug in your "hairdryer on steroids" I mean your heat gun. Please remember to place it in a secure location. Make sure it is somewhere its not going to fall over or be knocked around. Also be sure that it isn't near anything it can burn or catch on fire. 

Step 3

        Once the heat gun is ready make sure you are situated and properly positioned to work. The last thing you want while dealing with a heat gun is having to switch hands while working or having to stop and start all the time. Once in position and ready to go, hold the heat gun in your less dominate hand and the paint scrapper in the other. This may seem funny at first but its a lot easier scrapping paint with your dominate hand than with your less dominate. 

Step 4

       It is best to set your heat gun to low or medium. Slowly move the heat gun up and down your item's surface. It is important that you don't do the whole thing at once. Choose an edge or an area paint is already coming off. Get really close but don't touch the surface with the gun. As the paint loosens begin scrapping it off. Work in small patches and slowly make your way across the surface. Please note that you won't get EVER bit of paint off. However, once most of the paint is off use a piece of fine grain sandpaper to remove the remaining flakes. You can also use steel wool if you'd rather. Sandpaper is the best choose, however, as it helps ready your newly cleaned surface by providing a better texture for future coats of paint or other wood finishes.

Step 5

       Turn off the heat gun and let it cool off before you pack it up. All that is left now is clean up.