DIY Preparation for Outdoor Fun - Paint Your Barbeque Grill
It's that wonderful, sunny and warm time of year again when we head outdoors with friends and family for pool parties, picnics, and barbeques. But before you invite people over to your place, have a close look at your barbeque grill. If it's been sitting outdoors all year uncovered and exposed to all types of weather, then it's likely looking fairly battered, rusted and worn.
You could always go buy a new grill, but this can be costly and time-consuming. If the one you have still works fine, and especially if it is only a few years old, why not give it a thorough paint job to get it looking good as new again.
Purchasing Specialty High Temperature Paint
Because of the high temperatures that a grill experiences, you can't use just any paint for this job. Normal paints would blister, peel, and melt off in no time. And in fact, they might even result in putting out dangerous toxic smoke. Instead, you'll need to apply a high heat paint that is specifically created to withstand extreme heat situations.
These types of heat resistant paints come in a spectrum of heat tolerances. Some handle up to 350 degrees, some 500 degrees, and others even as high as 1200 degrees. Since a barbeque grill can easily exceed temperatures of 700, you'll want to look for a paint that can handle this level of heat. Carefully check the label on the paint you select before making your purchase, to confirm that it is recommended for use on grills.
There are several manufacturers of this type of paint, with two of the most popular being Rust-Oleum and Krylon. Paints come in either a traditional paint can for brushing on, or a spray paint can. For smaller jobs like your grill, a spray paint can will be the easiest and most efficient.
These types of paints come in a variety of colors and finishes. Matte black is the most common, but if you're feeling bold, you might opt for a glossy red or blue to create a whole new look for your bbq.
Multiple Uses
When selecting your paint, you might also want to think about other items around your home that you could also paint while you're in this diy mode. Some common high heat items this paint is great for include:
How to Use This Type Of Paint
Below is a list of useful tips to keep in mind when applying spray paints:
Use in highly ventilated area - Prepare a large, open area to paint in. Outdoors is best for maximum ventilation, but be sure there is no wind.
Area should be clear of children, pets, and (edible) gardens. Spray paints are flammable, with dangerous fumes.
Wear protective goggles and gear to cover any exposed skin.
Lay out a large tarp or newspapers under and around the area you will be painting. Use masking tape to secure these, as well as to mask off any areas of the grill that you don't want painted (such as a wooden handle or exposed side burner).
Make sure the grill is cold, with gas off or charcoal cool and dry.
Carefully lean the area you plan to paint in order to eliminate dirt, grime, grease, and soot. (Do NOT use a flammable cleaner of any kind. Simple dish soap and water applied with a rag or old sponge are best.)
Follow the instructions provided on the label of your paint. Usually this includes shaking the can vigorously, spraying on one or two thin even coats, then a brief process to cure the paint before use.
Painting your own gas or charcoal grill is a quick and easy do it yourself project that will leave you satisfied and looking forward to having friends over for some nice juicy burgers.
You could always go buy a new grill, but this can be costly and time-consuming. If the one you have still works fine, and especially if it is only a few years old, why not give it a thorough paint job to get it looking good as new again.
Purchasing Specialty High Temperature Paint
Because of the high temperatures that a grill experiences, you can't use just any paint for this job. Normal paints would blister, peel, and melt off in no time. And in fact, they might even result in putting out dangerous toxic smoke. Instead, you'll need to apply a high heat paint that is specifically created to withstand extreme heat situations.
These types of heat resistant paints come in a spectrum of heat tolerances. Some handle up to 350 degrees, some 500 degrees, and others even as high as 1200 degrees. Since a barbeque grill can easily exceed temperatures of 700, you'll want to look for a paint that can handle this level of heat. Carefully check the label on the paint you select before making your purchase, to confirm that it is recommended for use on grills.
There are several manufacturers of this type of paint, with two of the most popular being Rust-Oleum and Krylon. Paints come in either a traditional paint can for brushing on, or a spray paint can. For smaller jobs like your grill, a spray paint can will be the easiest and most efficient.
These types of paints come in a variety of colors and finishes. Matte black is the most common, but if you're feeling bold, you might opt for a glossy red or blue to create a whole new look for your bbq.
Multiple Uses
When selecting your paint, you might also want to think about other items around your home that you could also paint while you're in this diy mode. Some common high heat items this paint is great for include:
- Wood stove
- Fireplace and fireplace screen
- Garage or basement heat stacks, vents, pipes, and exchanges
- Auto parts
How to Use This Type Of Paint
Below is a list of useful tips to keep in mind when applying spray paints:
Use in highly ventilated area - Prepare a large, open area to paint in. Outdoors is best for maximum ventilation, but be sure there is no wind.
Area should be clear of children, pets, and (edible) gardens. Spray paints are flammable, with dangerous fumes.
Wear protective goggles and gear to cover any exposed skin.
Lay out a large tarp or newspapers under and around the area you will be painting. Use masking tape to secure these, as well as to mask off any areas of the grill that you don't want painted (such as a wooden handle or exposed side burner).
Make sure the grill is cold, with gas off or charcoal cool and dry.
Carefully lean the area you plan to paint in order to eliminate dirt, grime, grease, and soot. (Do NOT use a flammable cleaner of any kind. Simple dish soap and water applied with a rag or old sponge are best.)
Follow the instructions provided on the label of your paint. Usually this includes shaking the can vigorously, spraying on one or two thin even coats, then a brief process to cure the paint before use.
Painting your own gas or charcoal grill is a quick and easy do it yourself project that will leave you satisfied and looking forward to having friends over for some nice juicy burgers.
