Restoring a Rusty Grill

For those dealing with a grill that’s begun to rust, this do-it-yourself guide on restoring a rusty grill will prove useful. While the restoration might take longer than purchasing a new grill, and the appearance may not be pristine, its functionality will remain intact. The crucial part is to find the perfect shade to blend with your grill’s existing rusty hue.

This blog is a complete guide about how to restore a rusty grill. So, read it completely for proper guidelines. 

How to Restore a Rusty Grill      

The best way to restore a rusty grill is with a commercial rust remover and then by applying a thin layer of black spray paint. Use the rust remover in an area bigger than the piece that needs to be treated and let it soak in for five minutes, then use a metal scraper to scrape off any remaining rust. 

Pay careful attention not to scrape through the surface of the metal; you want it nice and smooth. The final step is to use a fine steel wool brush to apply black spray paint evenly over the entire piece.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Restore a Rusty Grill

Step-1 Gather the Supplies:

You’ll need steel wool, sandpaper, a wire brush, liquid metal remover, and black spray paint. For this project, you will probably want to gather the supplies and tools in advance rather than running out to buy them as you go.

Step-2 Take Apart the Grill:

If your grill has removable pieces like a removable grate or cooking surface you’ll likely want to get that together before trying to do any painting or cleaning.

Step-3 Prepare the Rust Remover:

Put on some rubber gloves, use a plastic or glass container, and stir in the liquid metal remover until it is thoroughly dissolved. And then add hot water so you have a solution that is about as strong as hand soap. Put your grill pieces into the solution and let it soak for five minutes.

Step-4 Use a Scraper to Remove Remaining Rust:

Use a metal scraper to remove the remaining rust if necessary and then wipe down your grill with warm water. 

Step-5 Apply the Paint:      

If you bought a new grill, you’ll want to apply black spray paint over the entire surface so that you can use the grill for many years to come. If however, your grill is rusty, it will likely not look exactly as it did when it was first purchased and all of that rust will be removed. That’s okay though because once else has completely covered over that rust no one will ever know what color your old rusty grill used to be.

Step-6 Reassemble the Grill:

Reassemble the grill and you’re good to go! You can also use paint or spray paint to give your grill a whole new color.

Frequently Asked Questions        

Q: How can you prevent the grill grates from rusting?

A: There are a lot of different ways you could prevent your grill from rusting. The First would be getting new grill grates, as they’re fairly inexpensive, and don’t require as much maintenance. Another great tip would be to put acid on the grate to prevent rust. Some great choices are citrus-based, like lemon juice or orange juice mixed with citric acid or vinegar and salt. 

You can also get stainless steel stove trays for your grill that will repel and protect the grates from rusting. Finally, you could use stainless steel foil or rubber gloves to prevent them from rusting, but then again you would have to wash them off between each use.

Q: What are some other ways to clean rust off your grill?

A: Basically, there are two main things you can do to remove the rust. The first thing is a mild steel cleaner that is much easier and safer than using acid. The second would be super simple, get a wire brush and scrub away at the grill with it.

Q: How can you remove rust from the grill?

A: When it comes to removing rust from a grill there is a simple option by using an acid like vinegar or lemon juice and salt. You can then either wash the rust off with a rag, or you can save it if you want to put it back on later.

Q: What are some other tips for keeping a clean grill?   

A: Another simple way to keep a clean grill is to just put it on the outside of your house. These days most grills can be put outside and won’t rust, but if you have a very old charcoal grill that’s not made with those features you’ll still want to take precautions. If you don’t have an outdoor grill then wash at least once every two weeks to keep it looking nice.

Q: How can you remove rust from stainless steel?

A: If your stainless steel is rusty, then you will have to get a clean spray and some sort of paste. You’ll also need a brush to do that which you don’t see any type of cleaner for or anything like that. You’ll have to put the paste on the rust and then use the brush to go over it.

Q: Will vinegar clean rust from a grill?

A: Yes, it will. You just have to put the vinegar on the grill and then use a wire brush to scrub it off. You can then either throw the rusted piece away or re-use it.

Summing Up 

Now you know how to restore a rusty grill on your own. So do not throw them away and with a little effort make your rusty grill perfect for the next use.