Fire pit kits get a lot of use outdoors. Overtime weather and regular use can make it look old and worn out. If your fire pit looks faded and dirty, you might want to spray paint it to make it look new again. But most spray paints cannot handle the heat of a fire pit. So the big question is — can you use spray paint on a fire pit?
The answer is yes, as long as you use a special high heat spray paint made to resist high temperatures. This type of tough paint can renew old fire pits. This article explains how to properly prepare and spray paint a fire pit to give it a fresh new look.
Only use special high heat spray paints made to withstand temperatures up to 1000°F when painting a fire pit. Standard paints will bubble, peel, or burn off.
Properly clean and aggressively sand the fire pit first to remove all residue and create the strongest paint bond. This extends the paint job's longevity.
Expect high heat spray paint to last around 2-3 years on an average fire pit with proper initial prep and occasional touch-ups. Frequent use causes paint to fade sooner.
Higher-quality brands like Rust-Oleum and Krylon make durable spray paints specifically for high-temperature metal surfaces. They resist fading and flaking.
If you're looking to update the look of your existing steel fire pit, spray painting it with fresh color is one effective option. Spray painting is relatively quick and delivers even, consistent coverage. It also allows you complete control over the color choice. For example, you could paint a basic black metal fire bowl bright red or opt for an eye-catching metallic copper finish.
Here's why spray painting is great for giving a fire pit a makeover:
It’s an affordable and approachable DIY home improvement project. Spray paint is widely available and comes in many color choices. Before taking on a DIY spray paint job, read our fire pit selection advice to determine if a replacement or upgrade may better suit your needs.
The spray application method delivers smooth, consistent coverage compared to brush painting. This helps achieve a sleek, professional-looking finish.
Modern spray paint dries quickly, allowing you to apply multiple coats in just one day. This speeds up the refurbishing process.
Spray painting is effective at restoring faded, rusty fire pits or covering up flawed finishes. It essentially gives them a fresh start.
However, there are also a few things to keep in mind with spray painting any fire pit:
Only special high-heat spray paints are suitable, as they can resist temperatures up to 1000°F. Standard paints may bubble, peel, or burn off.
Proper surface preparation is vital prior to painting a fire pit. You’ll need to thoroughly clean and sand the existing finish first.
Spray paint may fade over time with continual heat exposure. Occasionally refreshing the coat after a year or two will help maintain its look.
As long as you use the right type of durable spray paint and adequately prep the surface first, there’s no reason you can’t give your old fire pit a simple spray-on makeover.
If you want your DIY fire pit paint job to last more than a few uses, only special high-heat spray paints must be used. Standard art spray paints and house paints simply cannot resist the extreme radiating heat given off by fiery embers. Using those could be flammable or hazardous.
Instead, look for these types of heat-resistant spray paints made specifically for high-temperature applications:
No matter which brand you choose for upgrades, always read the label first to confirm temperature resistance levels before painting near a fire. Once you use the right high-heat spray paint, your customized fire pit makeover will look amazing and last.
For the best results, high temperature spray paints applied properly to a fire pit should last between 2-3 years on average before needing to be touched up or redone. However, the longevity ultimately depends on several important factors:
How well the original fire pit surface is prepped before painting has a big impact on how long the fresh paint lasts. If you only quickly wipe or lightly sand the surface, there may still be grime, soot, oils, or loose paint present. These can cause loss of adhesion and earlier paint failure down the road.
That's why thoroughly cleaning the fire pit first using degreasers, and then aggressively sanding with 80-100 grit paper are vital steps. This strips everything down to the bare metal for the strongest paint bond possible. Proper prep removes the guesswork and extends spray paint durability.
Cheaper generic spray paints often have lower resins and pigment levels compared to premium brands designed for high heat applications. That frequently means lower quality paints will deteriorate faster when continually exposed to flames, grease, and weather elements.
Investing a few extra dollars upfront on Rustoleum or Krylon high-heat spray paint that better blocks UV rays while resisting fumes, oils, and extreme temperatures usually pays off with longer-lasting paint results.
How often a fire pit gets used will determine how quickly the paint shows wear and tear over months and years. An occasionally burned fire pit may only show minimal fading after 2 years. But one used multiple times per week will require paint touch-ups sooner.
If you notice the colors looking dull or the paint flaking after a season of use, applying a fresh coat then keeps everything protected. Catching paint flaws early better preserves the metal too compared to waiting until rust develops again.
Preparing the surface properly, using quality spray paint suited for high heat applications, and touching up when needed are the best ways to make DIY fire pit paint jobs stand the test of time.
Refer to this comparison chart to estimate how long your spray paint job may last:
| Variable | Lasts 2+ Years | Lasts 1-2 Years | Lasts < 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proper Surface Prep | ✅ | ||
| High-Quality Paint | ✅ | ||
| Light Usage | ✅ | ||
| Heavy Usage | ✅ |
Not all paints are suitable to withstand continual exposure to open flames. So, be sure to always use specialty high temperature paint only, prepare the surface thoroughly first, apply multiple light coats, and touch up occasionally for best results.
With the right heat-resistant spray paint and some simple preparation, even rusted fire pits can be given extended life and look fantastic for years to come.
Step 1, before painting, make sure to clean your outdoor propane firepit thoroughly. Use a cloth and some warm soapy water to remove any dirt and residue. For stubborn stains or debris, use a wire brush to gently scrub the surface. Also, if the firepit has seen better days and there's a sticky residue, dish soap can handle it.
Yes, it's an essential prep work. You need to sand the fire pit before spray painting to get a smooth finish. You can use a 1200-grit sandpaper for the best results. It helps to remove any old paint and creates a good surface for the new paint to adhere to.
While spray painting, it's possible to get overspray around your working area. To protect your patio, make sure to use a barrier such as a drop cloth or tarp around your fire pit. This also helps the cleanup process after you finish painting.
While painting your modern fire pit, it's essential to work in a well-ventilated area. This is because the fumes from the spray paint can be harmful if they build up. So, even if you have an enclosed patio, make sure to create as much ventilation as possible.
After spraying your fire pit, allow the pit to dry completely. It's best to leave it overnight. Once it's completely dried, you can reassemble any parts if needed and place it back on your patio or your desired spot in the backyard.
While spray painting is one of the best options to refinish an outdoor fire pit, you could also consider options like faux finishes or even a fresh coat of matching brick or aluminum paint. It all depends on your patio décor and the ambiance you want to create.
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