Fire pits are a fantastic addition to your landscape. But the problem is—as you likely know—they’re incredibly prone to rust and other moisture or heat damages.
If yours is already way past its glory days, you’re probably considering painting it over. You know, just to give it a little makeover.
But is it safe? Can you spray paint a fire pit? Let me answer all your queries below.
Is Spray Painting a Fire Pit Safe?
Thankfully, it is entirely safe and possible to spray paint a fire pit. There are practical and safety measures you should remember before pressing that aerosol bottle, though.
What Spray Paint is Safe to Use
First, ensure to use a suitable paint. Regular paint won’t work, like the ones you use for your walls and DIY projects.
Typical enamel or acrylic dyes do provide decent protection against indirect heat. But they’re simply not made for constant high temperatures and will certainly peel or crust.
You’ll need a spray paint specially made for scorching surfaces, such as in a fire pit. These paints can endure over a thousand degrees Fahrenheit—even direct contact with flame.
Using high-heat spray paints ensures you won’t need to repaint that fire pit immediately after the makeover!
When to Use Spray Paint Safely
Second, do not spray paint your fire pit while it’s burning (obviously). Or even if there are only embers or charcoals remaining inside the bin.
See, spray paint is exceptionally flammable. That’s why experts highly discourage using it around areas with burning flames or other heat sources.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classified spray paint as a category one flammable liquid with a flash point of 73.4°F. It means the spray vapor ignites incredibly easily—even at room temperature.
This rule applies even to fire-resistant paint. Although advertised to resist heat, the pressurized liquid inside the can still contain butane and propane, which are both highly flammable.
With those in mind, remove fuel materials and clean your fire pit before paint spraying to avoid accidents. Then, after coating, allow the paint to dry completely before reusing.
Moreover, wear gloves, masks, and goggles to prevent the toxic aerosol from entering your eyes and lungs or contacting your skin.
Restoring Your Fire Pit with Spray Paint
All safety measures checked out? Then follow these instructions to spray paint your fire pit and give it the makeover it deserves:
Step 1 – Clean the Fire Pit
First, remove any remaining residue from the fire pit. Then, clean the interior and exterior using soap, warm water, and abrasive brush.
Ensure to remove stains and debris and scrub the rust off. Once done, rinse the item and let it dry for 30 minutes.
Step 2 – Sand the Fire Pit
Sanding is an excellent technique to create a smooth finish for spray paint later. It also removes deep-seated rust and debris that may protrude after the coating.
Now, there are two ways to remove metal rust. You can use an orbit sander for faster sanding or use 180 to 220-grit sandpaper.
Either way, you’ll want to cover every part of the fire pit, from its interior, exterior, frame, and base. After sanding, you can use a blower to remove the dust.
Step 3 – Paint the Fire Pit
Once clean, take your fire pit in a well-ventilated area. If you prefer spray painting indoors, open the windows and turn your fan on.
Most importantly, wear protective gear to avoid contacting or inhaling the fume.
Place your fire pit on top of a sheet to catch dripping. Then, shake the can for at least 60 minutes before spraying.
You’ll want at least two coats of paint for better heat protection. But let the first coat dry for at least 10 to 15 minutes before applying the second.
Two coats applied? Leave the fire pit to dry for at least six hours before kindling another fire party.
Final Thoughts
There you go! Using aerosol spray paints to refinish your rusty fire pit is totally safe.
But of course, remember that you’re dealing with a flammable and toxic material. So, to err on the side of caution, it’s best to follow the safety guidelines and wear protective gear while you work.
That said, enjoy your renewed fire pit!
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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