Asked on Aug 08, 2018

How do I paint and seal my outdoors fire pit?

Tali
by Tali

Hi you all, I have been painting my outdoor fire pit with a high heat specialty paint (up to 2000° F) for the last three years following all manufacturer directions, only to have it peel and flake off, about the third fire in. I cleaned it, brushed it, used a grinder to make sure there was nothing left, wiped it clean with mineral spirits, let it completely dry, made sure that the weather condition were favorable, i.e. low humidity, and painted it with paint that is made specifically for it! Uhhh... It is rusting again and I would like to prevent it from deteriorating further. Has anyone ever had this problem happen to them? what works?

  8 answers
  • Toni Z Toni Z on Aug 08, 2018

    You can try engine enamel from an auto store.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 09, 2018

    Tali I just sent Rusteolum an email regarding this. When I hear back from them I will attempt to pass the info along.

    • Tali Tali on Aug 09, 2018

      Thank you. Contacting Rust-oleum was the first thing I did. However, I got instructions that didn't work. That was the last time I painted it. I was thinking there must be something that won't require baking, and still be for a higher temp than 500° F. Thank you again for your response. I appreciate it

  • Phyllis Elliott Phyllis Elliott on Aug 09, 2018

    You might need to use a high heat primer before finish coat . I suggest contacting Rustolium and explain what’s been happening and how unsatisfied you are . There should be a number on the can to call .....

    • Tali Tali on Aug 09, 2018

      Thank you Phyllis. Contacting Rust-oleum was the first thing I did. However, I got instructions that didn't work. That was the last time I painted it. I was thinking there must be something that won't require baking, and still be for a higher temp than 500° F. Thank you again for your response. I appreciate it

  • Reba Reba on Aug 09, 2018

    Nothing you use will last. It will burn off just like the dealer used.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 09, 2018

    Jackson J from Rustoleum just answered the email. Here is his response. "In order for the Specialty High Heat Paint to work properly the paint must be heated. Once applied the product and has cured for one hour the project must be heated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional hour. the lack of this process could be the reason why the paint is not adhering properly. However, If you are not satisfied with your experience we can offer you a refund for the product."

    • Tali Tali on Aug 09, 2018

      Thank you. I am not interested in a refund, I just want to get it repainted properly. Rust-oleum actually sent me a replacement paint, with the exact instructions you received from Jackson. However, how do you bake it to 450° F ? Burn some wood? This thing is huge, and I have no way to know how hot the wood burning will be...any suggestions?

  • Dee Dee on Sep 23, 2018

    I have used the Rustoleum high heat and it works great.

    • Tali Tali on Sep 23, 2018

      What did you use it on? Did it stick, or peel off?

  • Dee Dee on Sep 26, 2018

    Just automobile primer and the high heat spray paint.

  • Deb K Deb K on Aug 03, 2021

    Hello Tali, you can buy heat paint for BBQ and other "hot" items, The high heat enamel spray paints are specifically designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and are rust preventative, ideal for wood stoves, radiators, barbecues, and fire pits. Krylon makes high heat paint in several colors

    https://www.amazon.ca/Rust-Oleum-241169-Ultra-Enamel-12-Ounce/dp/B001UE7MW4

    • See 1 previous
    • Deb K Deb K on Aug 04, 2021

      Hello Tali, you may have to sand it down to the metal prior to applying the newer paint, the only other thing I can thing of is to let it have the patina rust color which is popular with many nowadays