How to Paint Fire Grates

A fire grate can be seen in the foreground of this picture.

According to Michael Vogel, a Housing and Residential Energy Specialist of Montana State University, most wood burning fireplaces burn wood around 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on this information, a temperature resistant paint up to least 1200 degrees fahrenheit should be used when painting fire grates. The color most commonly used to paint the grates that hold the wood in a fireplace is flat black. This paint can be found at most paint supply stores in an aerosol can. Over time these grates can rust from the moisture that cooks out of the burning wood, but painting them can help prevent this .

Things You'll Need

• 4-foot by 4-foot piece of cardboard
• Gloves
• 1 spray can of high-temperature resistant paint

Instructions

1. Lay the cardboard down flat on a hard surface such as a driveway or patio.

2. Put on gloves and remove the grate from the fireplace. Place it in the middle of the cardboard upside down so the legs are sticking up.

3. Shake the aerosol can up and down until you can hear the mixing ball inside rattling back and forth. Spray the entire bottom of the fire grate. Wait until the paint dries and then flip it over and paint the top.

4. Follow the instructions on the spray can to determine how long you need to wait before building a fire on the newly painted fire grate.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear appropriate eye protection and paint respirator when spraying paint.

References

• Heating with Wood: Principles of Combustion; Michael Vogel; Oct. 2005