How to Repaint a Grill Grate

Grill grates experience great wear and tear.

When this happens, you can either replace or repaint the grill grates. The latter option is less expensive and time consuming.

1. Turn on or fire up your gas or charcoal grill. Let it reach its maximum heat to burn off food particles and grease. After reaching its maximum temperature, flip the grill grates with tongs to heat the other side.

2. Shut off the grill or let the charcoal burn out. Put on gloves. Remove the grill grates from the appliance and brush the grates with a wire brush to knock off any remaining food particles.

3. Liberally spray on a degreaser and scrub the grill grate with steel wool until the grate is free of any baked-on debris. Repeat as necessary to get the grate completely clean.

4. Sand the grill down to the original paint with medium-grit sandpaper. Sand until you remove the old paint and you are down to bare metal. Periodically rinse with a hose to get all the original paint off the grate.

5. Rinse off with water one final time and let dry in the sun. Apply a thick but even coat of stove and grill paint to the grate thereafter. Let dry for two to three hours, then apply a second coat of stove and grill paint.

6. Allow the stove and grill paint coats to dry for at least 24 hours before placing the grate back on the grill and using the grill to cook.