Are you searching for ways through which you can simply and efficiently use a heat gun on the vinyl or remove the vinyl from different surfaces? Whenever you make an attempt to remove them using typical methods, it seems difficult, and you don’t get the results.
Here, we suggest you use a heat gun to remove vinyl flooring, tiles, or even decals. Heat guns are devices that resemble a hairdryer and produce hot air for different applications such as for paint stripping, removing adhesives, roasting coffee beans, etc.
There are different types of heat guns – gas-powered, electric, infrared and industrial. It depends upon you which one you choose. However, an electric heat gun is considered the best for all kinds of projects and works extremely well on vinyl.
They offer strong power, more efficiency, and durability at a reasonable price. Basically, a heat gun is a device whose presence in your home can make a lot of things easier for you.
Vinyl is considered a strong material that can withstand years of wear and tear without any problem, and therefore it is a common choice of most people.
Vinyl flooring offers style, durability, and simple maintenance. However, this does not mean that they don’t get worn or dingy and need to be removed.
Things Required-
Before you actually begin removing your vinyl, there are certain specific things that you need which are listed below-
- Garden Kneeler or Knee pads
- Safety glasses
- Fan
- Work gloves
- Dust mask
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Different sizes of metal blades and putty knives.
How To Remove Vinyl Flooring Using a Heat Gun?
Step 1- It is best if, while doing this task, you wear a long-sleeved shirt and full pants as well as gloves, mask, and eyeglasses for protection. Though a heat gun does not produce heat, it can still be quite dangerous and cause harm to you.
Further, open all the windows to provide ventilation and prevent breathing of toxic fumes. If possible, you can set up fans that are portable in the room for ventilation.
Step2- Plug the device set the temperature, and allow the heat gun to get warm. You need to set the heat gun at the lowest temperature and begin on the area where the vinyl is damaged or broken. Also, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for operating the heat gun.
Step3- Next, hold the device at a distance of six inches from the adhesive. Focus on one section of the adhesive by foot and diffuse hot air into it in slow movements. Move the heat gun back and forth carefully and swiftly.
Plus, if you want to take a rest and put the gun down, then switch it off before doing so. If by chance you put an on the machine down, it can start the fire and other damages.
Step4- Make use of a knife or blade to scrape the adhesive which has softened. Simply hold the blade in one hand, the heat machine in the other, and slowly move the gun over the adhesive while scraping it side by side.
Keep on removing as much adhesive from the floor as you can with the help of the heat gun and the blade. The rest of it will be removed with the help of a vacuum.
How To Remove The Vinyl Decals?
Vinyl from the windows and paint can be removed without causing any damage to the surface. If you have the right device, it does not matter how old the decay is and harder it is to remove.
- First, gather the following essential things- Heat gun Plastic scraping blade Decal removal wheel (optional) Adhesive remover.
- Second, warm the decal surface with the help of a heat gun until you see that the vinyl has become flexible.
- Third, use a plastic blade on the surface to remove the vinyl. If vinyl is new, it will come off in bigger sections; however, if it is old, it will come off in small parts or pieces.
- Once all the vinyl has been scrapped out of the vinyl from the surface, clean the adhesive with the help of adhesive removal.
Things To Keep In Mind While Using Heat Gun
Heat guns have become a must-have tool as they offer wide applications. You can use them for a lot of things such as soldering, curing resin, removing paint, shrinking tubes, and many others. Most people use a heat gun for home improvement projects.
A heat gun is basically made from a motor-driven fan that blows hot air. They offer both high and low-temperature settings and offer the 1200F highest temperature.
Though they are quite a helpful device that does not produce flame, there are still specific things that you should keep in mind while using them. Because if you don’t use them safely, they can cause a profound amount of damage.
When using a heat gun, plug it directly into the socket and avoid using an extension cord. The reason being the high current from the heat gun can cause the extension cord to overheat and start a fire or cause an electric shock.
Plus, while using the heat gun, keep a safe distance between the nozzle and the surface. Never cover the air inlets present on the heat gun because if the airflow is decreased, the machine will probably overheat and catch fire.
Moreover, don’t put the heat gun down until you have switched it off or put it on cool mode.
- Avoid using the heat gun near materials that are flammable or combustible.
- Let the device cool down before storing.
- Remember and keep in mind the direction and presence of the produced heat.
- Avoid touching the hot nozzle with cloth or skin.
- Never put an on heat gun towards the direction of your body.
- Never insert anything inside the nozzle of the heat gun.
- Do not look down at the heat gun while it is still on.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a heat gun is the best device to own as it offers numerous benefits. It is an efficient tool that allows you to fulfill different tasks.
When it comes to vinyl, a heat gun works really well on this hard-wearing substance which is difficult to remove. The only thing that you need to do is be safe and follow all the necessary precautions you need to while working with the heat gun.
