Heat gun vs butane torch for acrylic pouring which is better?
As a resin artist, you’ll need a heat source that you can use during acrylic pouring. It also comes in handy after pouring the resin if you want to create some beautiful effects.
This is because the heat source helps to break the top layer’s surface tension. Thus allowing the lighter-weight colors to rise through the denser colors. Apart from that, epoxy heating helps to get rid of any bubbles that may form in your crafts.
Read More: Epoxy Resin or UV Resin
Which is the Best Heat Source for Acrylic Pouring?
Well, there are various methods that you can use to heat your poured acrylic. For instance, you can adjust the room temperature of your studio area. Doing so will reduce surface tension and make the epoxy flow more rapidly.
That’s not the most commonly used approach by artists though. Instead, most people love using a heat torch or a gas-powered torch! Leading us to today’s main point of discussion, between these two, which is the best option?
But before we get there, let’s start by demonstrating how these devices differ!
What is a Heat Gun?
A heat gun is a specialized blow dryer with less airflow and generates more heat. For this, it can push the surface paint more than a torch. It’s ideal for use in acrylic pouring applications.
The unit has a fan system that pulls air into its heating element. That air is then blown out onto the surface through the nozzle. Hence heating the epoxy fast and effectively.
What is a Butane Torch?
A gas-powered torch is an effective heat tool that uses flammable gas to create a very hot flame. A regular butane torch can create flames with temperatures of up to 2,610 degrees F (1430 degrees C). Such temperatures can vaporize various organic compounds or melt metals like copper & aluminum.
Regardless of the high temperatures, these devices are simple and safe to operate. Besides, they have an ergonomic design including a comfortable non-slip handle. Therefore, using them for your epoxy resin applications with being quite simple.
Moreover, butane torches have a childproof security lock system. For that, they’ll not ignite accidentally when they are not in use.
Differences Between Heat Gun and Butane Torch
Although both devices can be used in heating epoxy, they’ve some notable differences. Some of those differences include;
1. Power Source
Most hot air guns for epoxy applications are electric. They have a power cord and must be connected to a power outlet to function. This means that they’re not that portable and require electricity to operate. However, there are cordless options that are powered by batteries.
It’s also worth noting that heat guns have varying power needs. The power rating of most units is between 1000 and 3500W. The latter is ideal for handling heavy-duty tasks. While the former is ideal for light-duty tasks like jewelry making.
Contrarily, as the name suggests, butane torches are gas-powered devices. To be precise, they’re powered by butane fuel. As you know, butane is relatively inexpensive and readily available. These devices generate more heat as compared to their electric counterparts. More importantly, they are cordless, which makes them more portable than heat guns.
2. Temperature Range
Mini heat guns have a temperature range of about 120 and 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. To control the produced heat, they have convenient temperature control knobs. Hence making them suitable for various applications. The wide temperature range also enables them to avoid overheating issues.
Unlike hot air guns, torches produce higher temperatures. Most units produce flames with temperatures ranging from 1600 to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, they have a gas flow regulator that enables you to control the flame size to suit your needs.
3. Safety Features
Both heat guns and torches operate and are sensitive at high temperatures. So, they should be temperature resistant. Otherwise, the produced heat will cause their components to melt. For that, both devices have various safety properties.
In the case of heat guns, the most common feature is the inclusion of inbuilt protection systems. Such that, when the device overheats, the system cuts out power automatically. Another notable safety feature is that heat guns have cooling systems. This helps the device cool down the unit for about 2 to 3 minutes when it’s overheated.
As for torches, the most important safety feature is the inclusion of a security lock. This helps to prevent accidental ignition of the device when it’s not being used. It’s such an important feature for novices and homes with children.
Furthermore, butane torches have a sturdy base to keep them stable during use. Some even have a finger guard to protect your hand when you turn on the torch. If the unit doesn’t have a finger guard, look for a torch with an angle nozzle design. That way, the flame will stay away from your hand as far as possible.
4. Versatility
Torches and hot air guns are highly versatile tools. So, apart from epoxy heating, there are many applications you can use them for. Since these devices have different temperature variations, they’re suited for different tasks.
Heat guns are ideal for tasks like removing adhesives and scraping paint. While butane torches are ideal for culinary applications, welding, and camping. Besides, both of these devices are long-lasting since the power sources are easily available.
To keep the heating gun working, you just need to plugin with electric power. On the other hand, torches can be refilled with additional butane fuel gas.
Conclusion
Seeing that both devices can be used in epoxy heating, it’s hard to settle on one particular option as the best. Besides, that will depend on personal preference and the task at hand. For instance, hot air guns are suitable for handling light-duty epoxy crafts.
However, they don’t produce enough heat to pop deep bubbles efficiently. In that case, a torch would be a better option since its flame is hotter.
On the downside, if you’re not careful, a torch can easily cause a fire accident. So, bear that in mind when you’re using one.
