How To Paint Your BBQ Grill? (5 Simple Steps)

What You Need To Know About Painting Your BBQ Grill?

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, it’s important to know a few things about painting your BBQ grill. We want to quickly answer some FAQs and offer some safety tips. 

Can You Paint The Inside Of Your Grill?

Although you could use some automotive paints that would work, it’s best if you do not paint the inside of your grill. 

Painting the inside of your grill can lead to chipping paint that can get into your food and lead to some serious health issues. 

Can You Paint The Grill Grates?

It happens to everyone. You’re using your grill often, it sits outside in the elements, and the grates are eventually going to look less-than-perfect. 

Most paints will say directly on the can that you should not use the paint anywhere that will come in direct contact with food.

So do not apply paint on the grill grates. If they’re rusty, knock off the rust debris with a wire brush and then coat them with oil before cooking on them. If that doesn’t do the trick long-term, buy new grill grates. 

Read Also >> What's the top flat top grill?

Can You Refurbish A Rusty BBQ Grill?

You spent good money on a quality grill, the last thing you want to do is toss it out, right? Good news! You can absolutely refurbish a rusty grill and get it back to its former glory. 

Once you clean it as clean as it can be, and removed as much rust as you can remove, then you’ll follow our steps below to painting your grill and making it look as good as the food you’re going to grill on it.

Remember To Be Safe When Painting Your Grill

As always, when painting you’ll want to keep safety top of mind. Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and not inhaling paint fumes.

I’ve seen some folks take their entire grill apart to paint it. If you follow our step-by-step guide below you won’t need to do that.

But if you do, ask for help if you need it. The last thing you’d want is to hurt your back or dent up the grill you’re about to restore. 

If you’re restoring an old rusty grill, make sure you’re wearing nice gloves. Getting cut by rusty metal not only can cause damage to you, but it can delay you getting back to manning the grill!

Supplies You’ll Need To Paint Your BBQ Grill

• Safety Gear - Gloves, Mask/Respirator, etc
• Oven Degreaser
• Metal Sandpaper or Wire Brush
• Rags
• Painters Tape
• Drop Cloth
• High-Heat Grill Paint

Read More >> What're our recommended respirators for spray painting?

How To Paint Your BBQ Grill (5 Simple Steps)

Now that you've got your supply list ready, let's run through the 5 steps to putting an awesome coat of paint on your BBQ!

(You can click any of the links below to jump ahead to that step.)

1. Prep Your Painting Area
2. Strip Any Rust
3. Clean Your Grill
4. Tape Off Areas
5. Paint Your BBQ Grill

Step 1 - Prep Your Painting Area

The first thing you want to do when painting your BBQ grill is to figure out where you’ll be painting. Use a well-ventilated area with plenty of room to walk all the way around your grill. 

You’ll also want to put a drop cloth down to make clean up easier and to prevent the area you’re painting from having a lot of overspray.

Step 2 - Strip Any Rust

Use your wire brush or metal sandpaper to get as much rust off as possible (if any). In addition to rust, any rough areas of paint that appear to be the beginnings of peeling or chipping paint should be knock off here. 

You can also use this step to knock all of the charred food particles off the grill. We’ll clean them up in the next step. 

Step 3 - Clean Your Grill

This step is critical. It’s often the most overlooked step. Remember - paint won’t last if you’re putting paint on top of dirt, grease, or grime. You don’t want to have to paint the same grill twice, right?!

Use your degreaser here on Step 3. Spray it on and let it sit for a solid 5-10 minutes.

Use your rags to get as much of the grease and food particles as possible. I always recommend doing this process again. Get it as clean as possible. 

Use another rag to make sure all of the degreaser is removed and the grill is clean and dry.

Step 4 - Tape Off Areas

You’ll want to tape off your grates, handles, and any other areas you do not want to be painted. 

In this step, you can also start taping off any areas for designs or logos. I’ve seen several people use paint schemes on their grills to match their favorite sports team. 

You’ll need to decide on that now before moving to the final step. 

Step 5 - Paint Your BBQ Grill

Using your high-heat grill paint, you’ll want to hold the paint can 6-8 inches away from the surface of the grill. 

Use a smooth swiping motion from one side of the grill to the other (with some overlap). You’ll want this first coat to be a thin coat, so don’t worry about anywhere that may look off. 

With this grill paint, you likely won’t need to wait much longer than 1-2 minutes before it is dry enough for a second coat. You will want it to be dry before reapplying coats.

Repeat the smooth swiping process with another thin layer of paint. Do this as many times as it takes to get your desired result.  

Now let the paint dry overnight and you’ll be looking at an almost new grill!

Final Thoughts On Painting Your BBQ Grill

Now that you know how to paint your BBQ grill, you can show off your own personal style or keep your grill looking fantastic for decades to come. 

Consistent care of your grill is going to keep it cooking for you and your family, which is exactly what we want. 

Remember to follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll have a grill that looks as good as new. 

For more information on grilling, check out TheGrillingDad.com.