Is the onset of spring tempting you to reach out for the old barbecue grill that’s been lying in the basement for years? Or maybe you picked up your neighbor’s grill when they were relocating to a new city and can’t wait to start using it.
But then as you pull the grill out to your backyard, you realize it’s laden with rust and grease. Depending on how long you’ve been using the grill, its smoking chamber might have accumulated plenty of ash.
Also, drippings from all those juicy burger patties and steaks you grilled for those fun-filled backyard parties have left stubborn traces of grease on the grates and grill racks. Before you decide to nix your old barbecue grill and buy a new one, you should consider refurbishing it.
A heavy coat of heat-resistant paint and some rigorous cleaning can do wonders to give your rusty grill a brand new makeover. In this blog, we’ve outlined a simple guide to help you refurbish an old barbecue grill without spending a fortune. Let’s take a look.
1. Remove and Clean All Spare Parts
First things first – you need to remove all the detachable parts, including cooking grates, grease catchers, warming racks, and flame tamers. Wipe them with a soft cloth to remove any dirt and rust.
Next, dip a sponge in a solution of dish soap and water and wipe each part with the sponge. Scrub them clean and wash with clean water. If grease refuses to come off certain parts, try soaking them in the soap solution for an hour or so. Gently wipe the grease off and wash it in running water.
Lay down all the parts in a shaded area and let them dry. This is a good time to consider replacing some parts if they show signs of extensive damage due to rust.
2. Clean the Interiors
It’s now time to work on the internal parts, including the smoker and coal chamber. Start by taking out the bigger chunks of ash by hand and disposing of them in a garbage bag. Next, use a shop-vac to remove the remaining bits of ash and reach inaccessible corners of the internal chamber.
Now that you’ve removed all the ash, use a scraper or putty to get rid of all the hardened grease and charred flakes. Be gentle with the scraping; otherwise, you’ll end up scratching and damaging the surface.
The final step is to clean the rust off with steel wool and soap water. Be prepared for an upper body workout as your try to remove all the rust with your hands. Make sure you don’t use any toxic cleaners that could leave behind harmful chemical residues. Once you’re done cleaning, wipe the surface dry with a cotton cloth or paper towels.
3. Remove and Clean Accessories
Watch out for any accessories, such as handles and wheels, that appear greasy and/or dirty. Remove them from the grill and clean them with soap water. Depending on the extent of damage, you could consider replacing them as well.
Watch out for any rusty bolts and screws near the handles. It’s best to invest in a set of new screws if you’re revamping an old grill. Once the accessories are clean and dry, coat them with a layer of protective heat-resistant paint.
4. Work on the Outer Body
It’s now time to take care of any visible rust or damage on the exterior of the grill. Unlike the rust and grease inside the grill, the exterior rust won’t come off as easily. You’ll need a wire brush or sandpaper to get rid of it. Alternatively, you might have to use an angle grinder for this purpose.
Once you’ve removed the lasts bits of rust, it’s time to paint your grill. Make sure you use durable and high-quality paint that’s heat-resistant. You could consider checking out the wide range of metal paints available here: https://www.promain.co.uk/metal-paint.html.
Let the paint try before you re-attach the handles and wheels. You could also consider installing a thermometer to help you monitor the temperature while grilling.
5. Season and Heat
Can’t wait to start using your revamped grill? Before kickstarting things, it’s essential to season all the internal parts with cooking oil. It’ll go a long way to prevent the interiors from rusting. Heat the grill to let the oil adhere to the internal surfaces. That’s it! Now you’re ready to start hosting your first barbecue party of the season.
Have you ever tried refurbishing a barbecue grill at home? Share your tips in the comments section below.
