Asked on Oct 23, 2015
Any way to keep a fire pit screen from rusting?
by Caconiam
+5
We just put an in ground fire pit in the yard and I'm probably going to buy this screen for it. Most of the reviews talk about it rusting really quickly :/ I bought Rustoleum Heat resistant spray paint as suggested in one of the reviews and am hoping that will help. I'll also change out all the screws and nuts to galvanized so that won't be a problem. Anyone have any other ideas, or maybe a screen that won't rust? I did find some that claim to not rust but they are $350 and up and I am not looking to spend that much on a screen. I am in Florida near the Gulf so there may be no way to keep it from rusting (?) Thanks for any thoughts you may have.
Fire Pit Screen
I purchased this product and used the rustoleum brand heat resistant paint. Still lasted one summer and metal actually melted. Bought a $28 dollar mesh cap from Menards, did nothing to it and on my 3rd summer. Just wanted to since the one shown is expensive and I was very disappointed.
It sounds like you've done a lot to help. I'd be careful of using any oil with an open flame and it may attract bugs.
Hi Caconiam, you can put a coating of vegetable or coconut oil on it yearly but if you use it enough the rust just kind of burns off. They make heat resistant spray paint but using it is the best measure to prevent rust, also store it in the shed or garage when not in use like in the winter.
For best results, only cover your fire pit when the unit and surrounding area are dry to ensure no moisture is trapped underneath the tarp cover. Alternatively, you can preserve your steel fire pit by moving it to a dry storage area like a garage, shed, or outdoor structure when not in use or during the winter months.