I love a grill that sports a color, especially if I can customize it. But, we beat on our grills. Aside from the obvious flame-treatment, we leave grills outside all year long to endure baking sun or, when summer party ideas are a distant thought, winter snow. So for something so central to the party—have you ever had a cookout where people aren’t gathered by the fire?—it’s awesome for it to look awesome.
It’s also awesome, says Captain Practical, when you can spend a little time, instead of a lot of money, improving what you have already paid for once.
First thing you need is high-heat paint. There are lots of high-temp paints, but not all of them hold their color. I like Krylon’s High Heat Max. It both holds its color—even against 1200-degree flare ups—and goes on easily. It seals corrosion too so I know any spots that have rusted in the past are taken care of.
Whenever I paint anything metallic, I scrape, wire-brush, or sand any loose material like rust flakes. My mom taught me (in a more elegantly Mom way than this) you can’t paint dirt. If it’s not securely attached to the thing you’re painting, it’s never going to be.
Then I scuff existing paint with sandpaper and wipe it down to make it like the party guest you don’t want: Clean, dry and dull (well, maybe just the dry and dull part).
Next, tape off anything you don’t want painted, then go to town. Hold the can 6-8 inches away and spray in smooth sweeping motions. And when it comes to spray paint, less is more. Krylon High Heat Max is dry to touch in 10-minutes, so I like to apply several light coats.
Quick note: Don’t paint the inside of the grill or the grates.
Now you’re customized and fired up to bring your summer party ideas to life with a grill that’s comin’ in hot.
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