The 8 Best Heat Guns for Resin in 2024 - Guide Select and Tips

by Adam Harris Oct 25, 2023

Searching for the best heat gun for resin isn’t always an easy task. With the sheer number of options now available, finding the best choice for your project can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that we’ve got you covered with a breakdown of top contenders. We’ll give you the scoop on each to help you find the best gun for resin projects of different shapes and sizes.

What is a heat gun?

A heat gun is a hand-held tool that emits a hot stream of air. While a heat gun may initially sound a lot like a blow-dryer, it’s capable of creating much hotter temperatures and allows for far better control.

Heat guns are also commonly mistaken for torches, as the two often look very similar. The difference is that while a heat gun only produces a hot stream of air, a torch produces an actual flame.

Torches can also be used for working with resin, but many artists prefer heat guns because they offer more predictable temperature control. They also tend to be safer and help reduce the risk of burning your project.

How are heat guns used in epoxy resin projects?

When it comes to household projects, heat guns can be used for anything from thawing frozen pipes to stripping wallpaper or paint. But they’ve also become an incredibly popular tool for working with resin among the arts and crafts community.

In case you’re unfamiliar, resin is a type of liquid compound that can harden into a durable, plastic-like finish. Artists often use it as a type of coating to produce beautiful effects on everything from jewelry and coasters to sculptures and paintings.

So, where do heat guns come into play? A good heat gun can be used to not only remove unsightly bubbles from wet resin but also to move it around to produce geode-like cells and intricate lacing effects.

Is a heat gun necessary for resin?

While you technically do not need a heat gun to work with resin, you’ll have a much harder time controlling the effect the resin produces. Resin is notorious for producing small surface microbubbles that ruin the clear, glossy effect that resin is capable of producing. A heat gun will go a long way toward helping you remove these bubbles as the resin cures.

What heat gun is best for resin?

To find the best heat gun for resin projects, there are several factors you’ll want to consider. Keep in mind that some may be more important to you than others, depending on your individual needs.

• Temperature Control. If you work with different types of resin projects or want the ability to experiment with different temperatures, then make sure you select a heat gun that offers temperature controls.
• Temperature Range. Additionally, you’ll want to explore the temperature range each gun offers. Some offer relatively low temperatures that are suitable for popping bubbles on a canvas painting, while others get hot enough that they could set your canvas on fire!
• Weight. If you want to use your heat gun to create resin effects, then keep weight in mind. A larger, bulkier gun will be much harder to control.
• Safety Features. If you’re working with a more heavy-duty heat gun, you may want to select one with built-in safety features like vents, nozzles, and stands.
• Ratings and Reviews. While almost every product will have a handful of negative reviews, make sure they’re the exception rather than the norm. Reviews from other customers can also be a great way to seek out the best heat gun for resin projects similar to those you plan to work on.

The 8 Best Heat Guns For Resin

American Crafts Zap Heat Gun

• Temperature Control: Single setting
• Max Temperature: 650 °F
• Weight: 14.1 oz.
• Safety Features: Nozzle, vents, stand

If you’re looking for a straightforward but reliable heat gun for resin, then the Zap Heat Gun from American Crafts is a solid choice. Don’t be fooled by the reasonable price tag - this little hand-held tool heats up fast and produces a nice, even stream of heat.

It’s a particularly great choice for smaller epoxy resin work such as jewelry projects, molds, or coasters. But you’ll quickly discover that you can also use it for other projects such as scrapbooking, journaling, embossing, and more.

Chandler Mini Dual Temp Heat Gun

• Temperature Control: Two setting options
• Max Temperature: Low setting: 392 °F/ High setting: 572 °F
• Weight: 15 oz.
• Safety Features: Nozzle, vents, stand

The small but mighty Chandler Heat Gun is a compact dual-setting option made specifically for crafts and DIY projects. The lowest speed and heat are ideal for detailed or delicate work, while the high setting can handle more heavy-duty projects.

Not only will it take care of resin bubbles in a flash, but it can also be used for shrink wrapping, jewelry, candle making, vinyl, decals, and more. Unlike some cheaper options, the Chandler Heat Gun won’t overheat in your hand and can be used for up to 1–2 hours without a break.

Cubeway Mini Heat Gun

• Temperature Control: Single Setting
• Max Temperature: 662 °F
• Weight: 15.6 oz.
• Safety Features: Nozzle, built-in over-heat prevention, protection cap, stand

Measuring in at just over 9 inches, the Cubeway Mini Heat Gun is a great option for small projects or detail work. The pocket-sized tool offers a lightweight, pencil-like grip that’s perfect for applying even heat over precise areas.

With an ultra-long cable that extends over 6 feet, you’ll have no problems with maneuverability. Not only is it an excellent choice for acrylic resin paintings, but you can also use it for everything from candle making to tube shrinking.

Resiners Heat Gun

• Temperature Control: Dual-temperature settings
• Max Temperature: Low setting: 482°F /High setting: 662°F
• Weight: 12 oz.
• Safety Features: Silicone finger caps, ABS plastic stand, multiple nozzles

When it comes to the best heat gun for resin moving, the Resiners Heat Gun is a strong contender. While the strong airflow isn’t always ideal for simple bubble removal, it’s an excellent option for moving resin to create designs.

It also comes with three different nozzle options for creating different effects. With a lightweight design that measures less than 10 inches long, it’s a handy tool for resin effects, paint drying, shrink wrapping, and more.

Maxwel Heat Vinyl Shrink Gun

• Temperature Control: Advanced dual-temperature settings
• Max Temperature: Low setting: 212 °F / High setting: 896 °F
• Weight: 1.3 lb
• Safety Features: Built-in circulation system, auto cooling after switch-off, multiple nozzles

If you’re looking for a heat gun that offers plenty of temperature control options, then check out the Heat Vinyl Shrink Gun. Easily control and monitor both wind speed and temperature from the control panel, which comes complete with an LED screen.

You’ll also enjoy multiple nozzles, which come in handy for directing heat flow over various surface areas. While a bit pricier than other models, this highly versatile option is ideal for a wide range of projects.

Hippie Crafter Heat Gun

• Temperature Control: Dual-temperature settings
• Max Temperature: Low setting: 212 °F /High setting: 392 °F.
• Weight: 10 oz.
• Safety Features: Built-in stand, safety tip

If you’re looking for a lightweight, reliable bubble buster, then check out the Hippie Crafter Heat Gun. With a maximum temperature of just 392 °F, it’s a nice choice if you’re looking for a gun that will get the job done without going overboard.

The compact design measures less than 10 inches and the dual temperature settings allow for even better control. Aside from bubble removal, it can also be used for embossing, alcohol ink art, and pour painting.

Seekone Heat Gun 1800W

• Temperature Control: Variable-temperature control
• Max Temperature: 1202℉
• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Safety Features: Built-in stand, overload protector

While a mini heat gun may do the trick when it comes to smaller projects, you’ll need something a little more heavy-duty if you plan to tackle a project like an epoxy table or countertop. Look no further than the best-selling Seekone Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit, which comes with four nozzles.

With a temperature range of 122℉ - 1202℉, just be aware that it can get incredibly hot on the highest settings. But if you’re willing to take the time to master the different temperature options, then this is one gun you’ll be able to use for virtually any project.

Enertwist Heat Gun

• Temperature Control: Variable-temperature control
• Max Temperature: 932℉
• Weight: ‎4.17 lbs
• Safety Features: Built-in stand, overheating protection, four different nozzles, air vent, ETL-certified

With a heat range of 140℉ - 932℉, the Enertwist Heat Gun offers nine different temperature controls and three different fan speeds. But it also comes with a nice carrying case, multiple nozzles, and even a five-piece paint scrapping kit.

If you’re looking for a highly versatile heat gun that can handle big and small projects alike, the Enertwist Heat Gun is a solid option at an unbeatable price.

Tips for using resin safely

No matter which heat gun you decide to go with, make sure to use proper safety precautions to avoid accidental burns. Additionally, it’s important to note that resin can be toxic until it’s fully dried. Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with resin.

• Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area.
• If you’re working on a large project, you may even consider using a respirator.
• Wear protective clothing and disposable nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact.
• Clean up any spills right away.
• Never dispose of liquid resin in a sink or sewer system - it should be treated like any other toxic chemical unless dry.
• Make sure any liquid resin you have around the house is clearly labeled.

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