The little screen thing that sits atop a chimney blew off a couple months ago and I’d like to paint it before the chimney sweep puts it back up for me. It’s just a basic steel and somewhat rusty.

Is there a product I can use to paint over the mild rust with, or do I need to remove the rust first?

How hot do these get? Will any basic spray enamel work as a final coat, or is a high-temp paint needed?

You can paint it first with a rust converter and then top that with Rustoleum or other paint meant for metal. Just wire brush any loose rust before you start.

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Originally posted by thumperfbc:
Is there a product I can use to paint over the mild rust with

Yep. Rust converter turns rust into black primer. Available in spray-on or brush-on.

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rust converter

That's a trip back in time, and memory of Loctite Extend! In my more fastidious days I used that on visible parts of brake rotors, purely for appearance.

I did mine with high heat BBQ paint about six years ago. Still looks great.(oil burner flue) I did wire brush sand the surface beforehand though.

I'd replace it with a stainless steel one, then you never have to worry about it again.

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Originally posted by pace40:
I did mine with high heat BBQ paint about six years ago. Still looks great.(oil burner flue) I did wire brush sand the surface beforehand though.

This is what i used on mine and its still looking nice all these years later.

I could probably use a wire brush on a drill to clean it up first. I didn’t consider that.

Edit to add: just knocked off all the loose rust with a grinder and wire wheel, only took 10 minutes or so. Still a rusty red color so I’ll pick up a rust converter.

Then topcoat goes on that? I have some of the premium paint+primer spray from one of the big names… so I can use that or a bbq paint I suppose.