10 Best Embossing Heat Guns In 2023
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Heat embossing is an excellent craft to learn if you want to add a professional flair to your crafts. But to achieve a beautiful look, you need the best embossing heat gun.
This article gives you an honest insight to help you choose the best embossing heat gun for your needs. We also covered some frequently asked questions so you can understand how to use this embossing equipment correctly.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall - Chandler Dual-Temp Embossing Heat Gun• Two heat and speed settings |
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Most Fast-Heating - Homidic Handheld Embossing Heat Gun• Heats up in less than 10 seconds |
Most Versatile - SZLTZK Embossing Heat Gun• Suitable for different crafts |
1. Chandler Dual-Temp Embossing Heat Gun - Best Overall
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What Customers Have To Say
Many crafters described the Chandler Dual-Temp Embossing Heat Gun as perfect for their various crafts, such as heat embossing, painting projects, gift-wrapping, even candle art.
For someone who hasn’t had an embossing heat gun before, it quickly became the best embossing heat tool for her since it doesn’t blow off her embossing powders, melting it quickly without leaving a burnt look on her card.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Chandler Embossing Heat Gun is slightly larger than the other heat guns on this list, weighing 360 grams and measuring 8 ⅞ inches long, 2 inches diameter near the top, and 2 ¼ inches on the rear end. It is UL-certified, so you’re sure of its safety with its insulated body and nozzle safety shield. It also comes with a nozzle cap that you should remove before turning it on.
It operates on 120 volts and is perfect on various projects, including heat embossing, shrinking, paint removal, decal application and removal, soldering, and other similar crafts requiring dry heat. The stand allows you to work on these crafts without holding them the whole time, so you have more freedom to work on other things.
The 1.5-meter long power cord lets you work on your crafts without causing any impediments while moving around your crafting table. This embossing heat gun has dual-temperature settings. The 390°F setting is for detailing, removing paint and decals, and removing air bubbles from your epoxy resin crafts, while the 572°F setting is for shrinking, soldering, heat embossing, and other similar jobs.
Who Should Buy It
The Chandler Dual-Temp Embossing Heat Gun is the better alternative to larger heat guns and hairdryers when doing small crafts like cards, shrink wrapping, and creating a rippled effects on your epoxy resin projects.
2. CalPalmy Embossing Heat Gun
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What Customers Have To Say
According to one user, the CalPalmy Embossing Heat Gun is an efficient tool every crafter must have in her possession. It works fast and easy to maneuver because of its size. However, some customers wished it had a longer power cord, so there’s no need to use an extension line. Overall, it’s a handy embossing tool to have in the craft shop.
Numerous shoppers refer to it as the best embossing heat gun they have tried because it is very sturdy. It doesn’t get chipped or broken easily after getting dropped from the craft table.
Why We Think It’s Great
This is an excellent embossing heat gun that can do other crafts. It has a white body with a translucent blue nozzle cap, a heat stand, a heat sink to prevent it from overheating, and a one-flip power switch for easier control. The nozzle cap protects the user from unnecessary burns when using the tool and has a caution printed in white.
It measures 8 ¾ inches long and 1 ¾ inch in diameter. It is a lot bulkier to hold, but it guarantees to do the job every time. The body is made from heavy-duty ABS plastic and has a textured finish for better grip. It also comes with a 38-inch long power cord.
Unlike other embossing heat guns that you can operate for 10 minutes only, this one can work for up to 20 minutes before you need to let it cool down. It heats up in seconds, so preheating is not necessary. It can reach as high as 390°F in just seconds.
You can use it for various crafts, including drying a clay sculpture, removing air bubbles from resin epoxy projects, and manipulating acrylic paint and resin acrylic pour art. While other crafters swear that a hairdryer does the job, using an embossing heat gun removes the issue of hair and dust on your crafts. Besides, these crafts need heat, not hot air.
Who Should Buy It
The CalPalmy Embossing Heat Gun is an excellent tool for an avid crafter, and we’re pushing you in that direction if you want to get things done in half the time.
With its 20-minute work time, it’s a great help for embossing more extensive areas, such as those found on proposal boards, bulletin board pin-ups, and other large-format crafts.
3. Mlife Embossing Heat Gun
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What Customers Have To Say
One crafter used the Mlife Mini Embossing Heat Gun for adding and removing decals from his truck, and he loves the dual temperature setting and instant heating. However, it cuts off by itself, assuming that it helps regulate the internal temperature.
Other crafters recommend it, saying they can use it longer than the usual ten minutes on other embossing heat guns. It is the best heat embossing tool to add to their crafting table, according to some reviews.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Mlife Mini Embossing Heat Gun has a dual temperature setting that you can control from the red switch near the power cord. The switch has one line for the 390°F and two lines on the other side for the 572°F setting. All the parts are UL-certified, meaning it passed all necessary tests and is proven safe to use at home.
When the heat gun gets too hot, the internal heat stabilizing mechanism cuts off the power to allow the heat gun to cool down, probably for 10-15 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature. This mechanism protects your family from accidental fires or damage to your tools, as observed in embossing heat guns without this safety precaution.
Unlike other embossing heat tools with less than a meter power cord, this one has close to two meters. The purple body is smooth, and the white safety nozzle shield has the precautionary “Noozle can get too hot” warning on it.
Who Should Buy It
The Mlife Embossing Heat Gun is a welcome addition to any crafting shop, especially if you want to turn the heat up or down according to your project’s requirements.
4. Mofa Embossing Heat Gun - Most Compact
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What Customers Have To Say
Many crafters agree that the Mofa Embossing Heat Gun made their crafting life easier with its efficiency and affordable price. It is smaller than most embossing heat guns, making it the perfect tool for crafters on the go.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Mofa Embossing Heat Gun is an excellent crafters’ tool for its size. At just 140 grams and measuring 7 ½ inches long and 1 ⅜ inch in diameter, it is the smallest embossing heat gun in this list. It works at 100 volts and consumes 150 watts. However, it still delivers a mean 300-390°F, just like any full-sized embossing heat gun.
The white body has a slightly textured feel for better grip, and the translucent blue nozzle covers the stainless steel internal nozzle to provide primary protection for the user. Two screws secure the nozzle to the body, so it does not accidentally fall off during operation. However, the power cord is shorter than we want at only 1 meter long, so you’ll need an extension cord if you like a more unrestricted movement.
The rear of the heat embossing gun has heat vents on both sides to manage heat production. However, if it gets too hot, the motor shuts itself off to let the gun cool down. It won’t work until it is cooled down properly, so you need to wait 10-15 minutes. To prevent this from happening, turn it off every 5-10 minutes.
You can use it for various crafts, such as embossing, shrink wrapping, melting wax for stamp sealing, shrinky dinks, rippling resin epoxy arts, etc.
Who Should Buy It
The Mofa Embossing Heat Gun is compact, making it the best embossing heat gun for traveling crafters or those who have a small space on their crafting table.
5. Amenker Embossing Heat Gun
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What Customers Have To Say
The Amenker Embossing Heat Gun is a must-have tool for every crafter, according to one crafter. It is easy to use, even for a newbie.
Instead of getting stuck with huge heat guns that can do only a few projects because they can get too hot, this one is the best embossing heat gun for various crafts, another crafter added.
Why We Think It’s Great
We’re smitten with the Amenker Embossing Heat Gun as soon as we saw it. The all-black ABS textured plastic casing gives you a slip-free grip and has a high-temperature resistance. It weighs a little more than 300 grams, measures 8 ¼ inches long, and 2 ⅜ inches in diameter. The power cord is long at 1.8 meters, works at 110 volts, and consumes 300 watts.
It can reach up to 392°F on the low setting and 572°F on the highest setting, controlled by a switch. The company designed this embossing heat gun to shut off when it gets too hot or on for more than 8 minutes. To get the proper temperature for your craft, move your heat gun about 1 ½ to 2 inches away from your work, moving it a little closer if it doesn’t get the job done.
It also comes with heat dissipation vents on either side of the heat gun, well away from your hand, to protect you from unnecessary burns or exposure to heat.
Who Should Buy It
For a professional crafter looking for the best embossing heat gun that can handle a ton of crafts, the Amenker Embossing Heat Gun is the perfect solution. Besides crafts, you can also use it for automotive and electrical DIYs around the house and in your garage.
6. Homidic Handheld Embossing Heat Gun - Most Fast-Heating
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What Customers Have To Say
Many crafters think of the Homidic Embossing Heat Gun as a game-changer for all heat crafting projects. It works on various projects and is very affordable. The two-meter power cord is another plus since it gives the users enough freedom to work around their workstation.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Homidic embossing heat gun features a black, textured body made from high-quality ABS plastic, which is heat-resistant and gives a good grip. A slightly translucent red ABS plastic protects the user from the metal embossing nozzle that can heat up to 392°F.
What we love most about it is the fast-heating capability. Unfortunately, this feature also causes problems when you leave the embossing heat gun working for more than 10 minutes. To avoid this issue, be sure to turn it off at the 8-minute mark. Let it cool for 5 minutes before using it again.
Another thing why we prefer this embossing heat tool is the two-meter power cord. Unlike other embossing heat guns with shorter power cords, Homidic's know the importance of range to move around when you're doing crafts.
Who Should Buy It
If you're looking for an affordable but reliable embossing heat gun, the Homidic Embossing Heat Gun is the best choice for you.
7. Mofa Embossing Heat Gun
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What Customers Have To Say
The Mofa Embossing Heat Gun is an excellent tool, according to some satisfied crafters. One user got this for embossing 50 cards at one time without encountering any issues. She reminded other crafters to turn it off between cards, and you’ll have no problems about overheating.
It has a burnt smell on the first use, but it dissipates fast, another crafter observed. It’s a decent embossing heat gun for its price. An artist said she used it on her mixed media projects, art journals, and scrapbooks.
Why We Think It’s Great
The white and gray Mofa Embossing Heat Gun is a top-of-the-line embossing heat gun with a high-quality ABS plastic casing. It’s is roughly 8 ¾ inches long, 1 ¾ inch in diameter, and weighs 270 grams. It can go as high as 662°F, so we recommend taking it a few inches away from the card you are embossing to give it a nice melt without blowing away the powder. It uses 300 watts and runs on a 110-volt current.
Turn it off every 10 minutes of use because the high temperature and prolonged use may affect the quality of the ABS plastic housing. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before turning it on again to prolong its life.
It has a one-speed setting that works in various crafts. Besides being the best embossing heat gun for all your heat embossing projects, you can use it instead of an oven or toaster to harden your polymer clay crafts. You can also use it for shrinky dinks, epoxy resin tumblers, shrink gift wrapping, shrink packaging, wax stamping, and other artworks that need dry heat.
Who Should Buy It
Every DIYer should have one of these embossing heat guns in their craft shop or garage. It is very versatile that you can use it for various purposes, including automotive and electrical jobs.
8. SZLTZK Embossing Heat Gun - Most Versatile
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What Customers Have To Say
According to some crafters, the SZLTZK Embossing Heat Gun is much smaller than expected, but it does the job well. The cord is also shorter to their liking, so they still need to use an extension cord.
Why We Think It’s Great
Although this heat gun works best for removing bubbles from resin epoxy crafts, it still works for heat embossing projects.
The SZLTZK Embossing Heat Gun is a lot smaller than most embossing heat guns at 1 ¾ inches diameter of the body, 1-inch diameter of the nozzle, and 8 ⅝ inches long. The hot pink body has a slightly textured feel, and an opaque white funnel-shaped part covers the nozzle. The nozzle also has black text written on it warning the users that it can get overly hot.
It is also very lightweight at 220 grams, so you can work with it without causing hand fatigue. However, you can prop it on its stainless steel stand if you feel that you don’t need to hold it while embossing. We just wish it has a longer power cord for better reach.
Don’t keep it running for more than 10 minutes because it can get too hot. Even if it has a heat sink to prevent it from overheating, you still need to turn it off to cool it for a while using the power switch found near the power cord. You also don’t have to preheat it since it gets hot in just 10 seconds.
Who Should Buy It
The SZLTZK Embossing Heat Gun is a versatile embossing heat tool that you can use for various crafts, including resin epoxy tumblers and other resin epoxy crafts. Any crafter who works with these crafts and heat embossing will surely love it.
9. Wagner Spraytech Embossing Heat Gun
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What Customers Have To Say
One mom bought the Wagner Spraytech Embossing Heat Gun to package her bath and body products and she highly recommends this heat gun for similar uses. Another DIY-er used it to restore the plastic cladding on his car.
Another user efficiently removed air bubbles from her epoxy resin tumblers using this embossing heat gun.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Wagner Spraytech Embossing Heat Gun is what you need if you’re looking for a versatile heat tool for your various DIY projects. You can apply heat on wide and concentrated areas with the versatile palm or pencil grip. If you need both hands to work on your project, use the retractable stand for hands-free operation.
The embossing heat gun also comes with two nozzles for customizable heat application. The built-in concentrator nozzle is perfect for tight spaces, while the free flare nozzle spreads the heat evenly. The reflector nozzle, on the other hand, protects the surrounding surfaces from heat. This heat gun comes with a silicone mat that will protect your surfaces from any potential damage.
The heat gun operates on high 680°F (360°C) and low 450°F (230°C) which is easy to access from the heat gun’s handle. You can use this heat gun for making candles, embossing cards, drying your cookie frostings, shrink wrapping for handmade soaps and gifts, and DIY projects at home.
Who Should Buy It
This heat gun is the perfect choice for individuals looking for a versatile heat tool for various crafting, art projects, and DIY repairs at home. It also works for jewelry makers, acrylic pour artists, and home repair enthusiasts.
10. CraftBay Embossing Heat Gun
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What Customers Have To Say
Users are satisfied with the efficiency and performance of the CraftBay Embossing Heat Gun in several crafts. One proud mother-in-law posted a photo of the car decals that her son-in-law did on a car he was working on, using this embossing heat gun.
Many users also agree that it is an excellent product. It also heats up fast, so there’s no need for preheating it.
Why We Think It’s Great
The CraftBay Embossing Heat Gun has a pink and white casing made from high-quality ABS plastic that’s heat-resistant and well-insulated. It also has a textured body that helps for better handling.
It operates on a 110-volt current and uses 300 watts. It measures 6 inches long and 1 ⅝ inch in diameter, making it smaller than most embossing heat guns on the market. However, it is heavier at 300 grams. Plus, it has a 1-meter power cord, so you’ll need an extension cord to increase your mobility.
The air vents are very effective in dissipating the heat when the embossing heat gun is on. It can reach up to 392°F and gets too hot, so make sure to turn it off every 10 minutes to lengthen its work life.
You can also use it for various crafts that need heat application. It also comes with three silicone brushes that you can use for several projects.
Who Should Buy It
This is the best embossing heat gun for crafters who love mobility and portability. It is beneficial if you love to travel with your crafting tools.
Best Embossing Heat Gun Buying Guide
Here are the top factors you need to consider when buying the best embossing heat gun.
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Purpose
Are you frequently traveling? Do you have hand arthritis and can no longer hold something for long periods? These are some of the questions you need to answer before investing in an embossing heat tool.
Of course, there are lots more reasons, but the gist here is to find the best embossing heat gun to suit your specific purpose.
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Materials
Since an embossing heat gun can get too hot, there is a tendency that some parts will melt if your heat gun doesn’t use the best materials. The casing and the nozzle shield should be heat-resistant, so it won’t melt when the heat gun gets too hot.
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Design
Design covers the physical and internal features of the embossing heat tool. Most embossing heat tools have an insulated, textured casing for easier grip, heat vents, switch, and a power cord. The power cord should be long enough to work without restrictions on your movement.
It also features a stand to put the heat embossing gun on the table during use to lessen the fatigue on your hand or after use, so it does not touch the surface you are working.
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Temperature setting
If you’re a multi-crafter, go for an embossing heat gun with a dual-heat setting. This feature lets you choose which heat setting works best for a particular craft. Melting UTEE needs more heat than melting embossing powder, so one heat setting won’t work for you.
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Heat management
Running an embossing heat gun for a while produces lots of heat, melting some of its parts. Find a brand with a good heat dissipation system or an internal thermostat that tells the motor to shut off before it gets too hot.
Embossing Heat Gun FAQ
1. What is an embossing heat gun for?
An embossing heat gun is for melting embossing powder previously applied on a card or any surface you want to emboss. The embossing powder, made from thermoplastic polymers, sticks to the embossing ink, melting and slowly raising as the heat dries it.
Besides melting and drying embossing powders, you can also use the embossing heat gun to dissolve ultra-thick embossing enamel (UTEE) and sticky embossing powder for different uses.
Projects that also need an embossing heat gun include removing air bubbles from epoxy resin tumblers, adding a rippled effect on your acrylic paint or epoxy resin art, shrink gift wrapping, and adding art on your candles.
2. How do you use an embossing heat gun?
When using an embossing heat gun, keep it at a 45° angle. Keep it 3-5 inches away from your card, gradually bringing it nearer if you don’t observe any changes on your embossing powder.
Move the heat nearer and away alternately when using a material that can melt when subjected to prolonged heat while closely observing any changes.
3. What can I use instead of a heat gun?
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Hairdryer. It is an excellent alternative to an embossing heat gun, but clean it up before using it. Hair and dust may affect the finish of your embossing powders. Also, use tacky embossing ink and set the hairdryer to high heat to maximize its temperature without blowing away the embossing powder.
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Flat iron. Preheat the flat iron to the highest setting. Turn it over, then put your card on top of the flat iron, moving it around to melt the embossing powder.
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Light bulb. You can use a 100-watt incandescent light bulb as an alternative to an embossing heat gun. However, it might take a long time before you can achieve the result you want. Attach a makeshift platform over the bulb to lessen the distance between it and your card.
- Grill or oven toaster. Heat your grill or oven toaster for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place your card over it and wait until the embossing ink melts. Let it sit for a while before removing it to prevent the melted powder from running.
4. Can a heat gun start a fire?
Yes, an embossing heat gun produces dry heat that can start a fire when used on flammable materials. It usually has an ABS plastic body that is heat-resistant but can still get too hot when allowed to run for a long time.
It helps if your embossing heat gun has an internal heat mechanism that auto-shuts off the motor when it gets too hot. When using the heat gun, move it around your paper so it does not catch fire.
5. How long can you run a heat gun?
Always look for the manufacturer’s recommendation as to how long you should run your heat gun. However, the best way to gauge how long it should run is to feel how hot it goes after a few minutes.
Don’t wait until it’s almost too hot to touch. Turn it off if it doesn’t have an auto-off mechanism. But even if it does, it is always better to trust how it feels on your hand, especially those embossing heat guns that run on temperatures higher than 300°F.
Conclusion
We highly recommend the Chandler Dual-Temp Embossing Heat Gun for its two heat and speed settings. It also operates on low noise and features an insulated body and protective nozzle.
The Homidic Handheld Embossing Heat Gun is our first runner-up because it can heat up in less than 10 seconds. Plus, it has a longer power cord than most embossing heat guns and efficient heat dissipation vents.
Our second runner-up is the SZLTZK Embossing Heat Gun. It is fast-heating with an ergonomic design that’s suitable for different crafts. It is also very lightweight so that it won’t cause fatigue on your hands.
Are there any embossing guns that can be charged on computer?