Summary for high temp paint for metal fireplace Discussion
high temp paint for metal fireplace comes up as a question of both appearance and heat exposure. Peggy Shaffer asked whether her gas fireplace’s brass doors needed a clear coat because they were discoloring. The reply explained that bright brass is normally lacquered or clear coated, and that brass turns brownish when left unfinished; if she wants it shiny, she should use brass lacquer or clear coat, applied away from the operating fireplace because lacquer is flammable. Later questions from Marcia Heuer, Jim McCarthy, and Barbara Keyes asked about marbleizing or finding light tan/beige heat-resistant paint. C. Kollett said fancy finishes like marble are not known in high-temperature paint, and that whether high-temp paint is needed depends on whether it is a wood stove or just a metal surround. He also noted that high-temperature engine paints may offer suitable colors, and that aluminum usually needs a self-etching primer first.
Q. I have a gas fireplace with brass doors. The brass doors discolor terribly.
Does this mean I need a clear coat?
What should I use?
I’d appreciate any help.
Thanks.
Peggy Shaffer
– Tullahoma, Tennessee
2003
A. Hi, Peggy. Bright brass is always lacquered or clear coated. It turns brownish if it isn’t. Some people prefer the brown look, but if you want it shiny you must lacquer or clear coat it. Brass lacquer is designed for use on brass and is easily removable so you can re-do it or change your mind. Lacquer is flammable, so don’t do it near an operating fireplace, and let it dry.
You can buy single rattle cans of brass lacquer
⇦ on
or
Amazon [affil link]
, but if your needs are special or for larger volumes, please contact
G.J. Nikolas [a finishing.com supporting advertiser].
It may be that black paint is more appropriate though 🙂
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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Q. I would like to faux finish (marbleize) my metal fireplace. Is there a heat resistant paint that I could use?
Marcia Heuer
home owner – St. Louis, Missouri, USA
2003
Q. I have the same questions as to… is there any color heat resistant paint for fireplaces on the market. Looking for light tan.
Thanks for any help.
Jim McCarthy
– Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
2006
Q. We have recently had a gas fireplace installed and they vented it with a fan that goes onto our patio. It is currently shiny aluminum in color, and I would like to know if there is a light beige or tan color in a heat resistant paint available.
Barbara Keyes
– Colorado Springs, Colorado
A. Hi, folks.
Marcia, I’m not aware of “fancy” finishes like marble being available in high temperature paint. But whether you need high temperature paint may depend on exactly what you mean by metal fireplace. If it’s a wood stove, you’d definitely need high temperature paint; but if it’s a metal surround around a fireplace, fancy paints like “American Accents” might survive it fine.
Jim, I think you’ll find high temperature engine paints come in a color that you find satisfactory.
Barbara, paint doesn’t stick well to aluminum, so before your high temperature paint you probably need a self-etching primer. Good luck!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
Q. I operate a gas fireplace service company and have a need for a high-temperature, black paint that will stay black.
Water vapor is a by-product of the gas combustion process within direct vent gas fireplaces and these units are, in turn, beginning to rust after 3-4 years of use. The run-of-the-mill, high-heat, black Rustoleum paint oxidizes within the firebox when the unit is used and turns white. So, the recommended method of fighting the rust in direct vent gas fireplaces by sanding and repainting is resulting in unhappy homeowners when the new black paint on the black metal firebox turns white. Any ideas?
Sincerely,
Steve Carr
– Sunman, Indiana, USA
2003
A. Sounds like an application for a black oxided stainless steel.
Ken Vlach [deceased]
– Goleta, California
Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
A. There are many types of high temp paints on the market. Unfortunately, they all have one common problem. The corrosion resistant part of the paints are affected by heat and they lose their ability to resist corrosion after heating. What’s the answer? A barrier type high heat coating. Use a coating with a high Mica content as a primer and topcoat with a good high heat enamel. An aluminized high temp primer will serve the same purpose.
Steve Nisewander
high temp paints – Eugene, Oregon
A. Maybe high temperature paint
[affil link]. Good to 1200 °F
C. Kollett
– Tempe Arizona