SOLVING TRAEGER PAINT ISSUES: 3 EXPERT SOLUTIONS

Nothing lasts forever and you might be observing the finish of your grill fading away. If you have a Traeger grill, then Traeger paint issues have undoubtedly happened to you.

Traeger grill paints rippling problems occasionally appear regardless of the model or year type.

But we are here with some tips and tricks to solve Traeger paint issues on your grill!

In this grillcuisines.com guide, you will learn about

— What are common Traeger paint issues

–Causes of grill paint bubbling and flaking

— And tips to solve these and how to paint Trager pellet grill.

Table of Contents

Common Traeger Paint Issues

Traeger grill sits on a top-tier list among different grills for its functionality.

But despite being taken care of, the paint on Traeger pellet smokers is a pain in the neck. This article is for you if you have ever dealt with such Traeger discoloration problems mentioned below:

1. Traeger Paint Peeling/ Flaking

Traeger paint flaking occurs when you have overheated your pellet grill.

As you use your firebox of Traeger grill, the oil and smoke vapors progressively turn into carbon and gather on the inner surface of the top and other firebox components.

It resembles paint in appearance but will eventually peel off.

These carbon deposits don’t cause any harm. But you should frequently clear the build-up.

Traeger grill paint peeling begins in the center of a lid and moves outward. It has a shiny one side and a dull one, and it can flake or peel off in sheets.

Fortunately, it’s simple to get rid of the Traeger paint peeling. Before grilling, use a brass brush to remove any loose debris.

2. Traeger paint Bubbling

The bubbling of paint on the exterior of a Traeger pellet grill is a common issue and is typically caused by a combination of factors.

One of the main reasons for Traeger paint bubbling is exposure to high temperatures for an extended period of time.

The intense heat generated by the grill can cause the paint to expand and contract repeatedly, leading to cracks and eventual bubbling.

When the grill is stored outside, exposure to moisture, either from rain or humidity, can also contribute to the breakdown of the paint and cause it to bubble.

The quality of the paint used on the grill can also play a role, as lower-quality paint may not be able to withstand the extreme conditions of outdoor cooking.

3. Fading

Paint flaking on Traeger grills and other pellet barbecues is typical over time. Don’t worry if you’ve recently realized that the paint on your Traeger is starting to fade, bubble, or wear.

In practice, this happens more frequently than you might learn, and it’s still ongoing.

Physical damage, prolonged cold temperatures, rust and oxidation, moisture exposure, or overheating may cause Traeger discoloration and fading. But don’t worry; you also have some tips and tricks for fixing it.

4. Chalking

Suppose your Traeger grill hopper contains a lot of sawdust. It meant that the powder particles had absorbed moisture or too much ash after a cook.

Ineffectively burning pellets will produce more chalking than usual because they will burn less efficiently.

5. Rusting and Corrosion

The “king of pellet grills” is a Traeger grill. But this king can become rusty if it is regularly exposed to moisture and humid conditions.

Rapid rusting will cause the grill to lose its aesthetic appeal and practical utility.

Therefore, keep your Traeger grill away from harsh environmental conditions to prevent rusting.

6. Aesthetic Damage

Paint problems on Traeger pellet grills, such as bubbling, peeling, or chipping, can seriously harm the grill’s appearance.

People sometimes focus on a grill’s outside first, and one with peeling or cracked paint can appear unkempt, unsightly, and worn.

The exterior of the grill could become uneven and harsh to the touch as a result of paint bubbling, which could add to the grill’s unsightly appearance.

And when there is rust and corrosion on the grill’s exterior it will affect your willingness to use the grill.

A grill that looks unsightly may be less likely to be used.

3 Main Causes of Traeger Paint Issues

You must have heard that prevention is better than cure.

The following are some of the main Traeger grill paint flaking causes:

1. Exposure to UV rays and weather elements

As we know, metal expands in heat and contracts in cold and even when exposed to UV rays.

Cast iron is typically used to make pellet grills of high-quality Traeger grills and easily adapts to these changes in temperature.

Moreover, if your Traeger grill frequently oscillates between the two extremes, the rapid expansion and contraction of the metal will likely cause the paint to become loose and start to bubble or flake.

2. High heat and moisture

Pellet grills can suffer various damages from high heat and other damp circumstances.

Utilizing your Traeger grill in a covered area is essential so that inclement weather won’t affect the cook’s efficiency or longevity.

Additionally, not only does moisture refer to rain. Rain, after all, can result in more problems than merely Traeger paint peeling. It can also penetrate the burning wood and seep into the hopper!

3. Improper cleaning and maintenance

Improper cleaning and maintenance can even lead to wrong health. This simple practice takes only a few minutes but saves you from a lot of hustle.

Maintaining a clean grill is crucial, as is clearing the ash from the fireplace, barrel, and grease tray. However, cleaning the grill may avoid flare-ups, flames, and overstocking the fire pot.

4 Best Tips to Solve Traeger Paint Issues

You have a few possibilities, but ultimately the decision rests with you and how much work you want to put into solving your Traeger grill paint issues.

Along with some advice, we also have a few goods that will aid you with any paint-related problems you may encounter.

Let’s examine the tips and tricks to solve the Traeger paint issue!

1. Regular cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning comes under the basic hygiene of food. Some food waste is left behind when you cook something on your Traeger grill.

Keep the grates clean; you should use a grill brush.
Clean the grill’s interior and outside as well. Instead of waiting for a warning, wipe the ash frequently. Because the ash is so acidic and corrosive, it is wise to leave it away from metal.
The Traeger grill’s exterior has a powder finish. By removing the oil with warm, soapy water, you can maintain the powder coating looking brand-new.
Apply no abrasive cleansers, scouring pads, or oven cleaners on the exterior of your Trager grills.
You can also use special vacuums to remove the ash.
Clean the inside greasy area of the chimney.

2. Applying high-heat Traeger touch up paints

Paint damage typically only affects the appearance and has no functional impact on your grill. Traeger touch up paints might be a preventative action if you have paint damage that could cause rusting.

You can apply high-heat Traeger spray paints such as rust oleum. They are known to be highly heat-resistant paint. It enables corrosion resistance and rust prevention.

Paint For Grill Grates (5 FOOD SAFE PAINT FOR GRILL GRATES)

Traeger Spray Paints

paint for grill exterior — Via- Amazon.com

3. Use grill covers and store in a dry place

Using the grill cover shields your grill from inclement weather, including rain, snow, and ice. The majority of people keep their grill in the backyard uncovered.

Keep your Traeger grill indoors in a dry place during rainy weather. Pellets will expand if wet, and it may choke the augur. Water would seep into the pellet bin and dampen the pellets.

Wet wood cannot be used to cook meals on a Traeger grill, implying that grilling efficiency is also impacted. Therefore, buying a decent Trager grill cover to prevent rust can reduce the effectiveness of cooking on the grill.

Traeger Full-Length Grill Cover

Can You Repaint A Traeger Grill?

Yes, you can easily repaint Traeger Pellet Grill with high-quality heat-resistant paint.

If you have corrosion and flaking-off issues, you can repaint your Trager grill to make it look brand new.

Purchase any Trager high-heat paint or use Rust-Oleum High Heat Paint to repaint grills.

To Traeger paint repair you will need the following materials and tools:

Materials:

Tools:

Wire brush
Scraper
Spray bottle
Gloves
Safety goggles
Respirator

How to Paint Traeger Grill

Here are the steps to follow to repaint a Traeger pellet grill exterior:

Clean the grill: Begin by cleaning the grill using a wire brush and scraper to remove any loose rust or paint. You can also use a rust converter to treat the rust and prevent it from spreading. Rinse the grill with water and allow it to dry.
Remove the old paint: Apply a paint stripper to the grill using a paintbrush. Allow the stripper to sit for the recommended time, then use a scraper to remove the old paint. You can also use sandpaper to remove any remaining paint.
Sand the surface: Use medium grit sandpaper to smooth any rough patches and then use fine grit sandpaper to make the surface smooth. Wipe the surface with a cloth to remove any dust or debris.
Apply metal primer: Apply a metal primer to the grill using a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply heat-resistant paint: Apply a heat-resistant paint to the grill using a paintbrush. Use long, even strokes to ensure an even coat. Allow the paint to dry and then apply a second coat if necessary.
Clean up: Clean your paintbrushes using paint thinner and dispose of any used materials safely.

Following these steps should help you repaint your Traeger pellet grill and give it a fresh look.

Bottom line

If you own a Trager grill and are having a great time cooking, paint issues will not be an issue for you if you take adequate care of your grill.

Despite being composed of stainless-steel material, the Traeger grill is susceptible to rust because of frequent contact with water, a humid environment, improper maintenance, etc.

Now that you understand tips and tricks to solve Traeger paint issues. If it has already begun to flake, rust, or chalk, use these easy tips and tricks to stop it.

It will prevent the grills from Traeger discoloration. Additionally, it will support improved grill cleaning and upkeep, enhancing your grilling pleasure for longer.

Every time you grill, wipe down the grill lid with a dry cloth or a basic soap-and-water solution while it’s still warm, not hot, to prevent accumulation in the future.

FAQ’s

What type of paint should I use to touch up my Traeger grill?

Choose high heat-resistant grill safe paint that can endure high temperatures when touching up a Traeger pellet grill.

Traeger grills typically reach temperatures of up to 500°F or higher, so using regular paint can cause the paint to crack and peel.

You can choose either high-temperature silicone-based paint or high-temperature enamel paint as your heat-resistant paint.

Due to its popularity and ability to endure temperatures of up to 1200°F, high-temperature silicone-based paint is a great option for grills, chimneys, and barbecues.

It is known for its longevity and ability to withstand corrosion and rust. This kind of paint can be applied with a brush or in aerosol spray cans.

Slightly elevated paint that can endure high temperatures quite well is Rust-Oleum. You can use this paint for a touch-up at a temperature of 50-80° of humidity, around 85%.

Can I still use my Traeger grill if the paint is peeling or faded?

No, you cannot use your Traeger grill if the paint is peeling or fading from the interior.

It might be toxic to your health. It is preferable to remove the flaking paint or sandpaper from the interior of your Traeger grill if you have seen paint peeling from it.

Although it’s not likely to flake off and land on your food, it’s best to follow some safety precautions.

How long does an adequately maintained Traeger paint job typically last?

High-heat enamel Traeger touch up paints last for a long time. Traeger grill should last a minimum of five years with the proper upkeep, cleaning, and care.

When damaged parts are replaced with easily accessible replacements, the Traeger will survive fine for ten to fifteen years.

I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!