What temperature do I need to strip paint?

600-800°F for latex paint on wood. 800-1,000°F for oil-based and multiple layers. Start at the lower temperature and increase if paint is not softening. Never exceed 1,100°F — temperatures above this can ignite paint vapors. Always work in well-ventilated areas and wear a respirator for pre-1978 paint (lead risk).

Can I use a heat gun instead of a hair dryer?

Heat guns produce 300-1,100°F. Hair dryers produce 100-150°F. A heat gun will melt, burn, and damage anything a hair dryer safely handles. They are NOT interchangeable. Never use a heat gun on hair, skin, or heat-sensitive materials. For heat shrink on low-temp materials, use the lowest setting with maximum distance.

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