How to Get Paint Stains and Rust Off Stove Burner?

It’s quite common to leave pots and kettles on the stove longer than they should be.

This results in the paint melting and then bonding to the surface of the stove.

And while you may need to purchase a new pot or kettle, you are still left with the task of cleaning the paint from the stove.

The truth is that removing the paint from a burner or glass cooktop is not that difficult if you have the right tools and take the proper steps.

It is true that a glass cooktop is easier to clean compared to a burner, but in both cases, you can remove the paint if you know what to do.

What follows are the steps you need to take in removing paint (melted plastic, rust, or other stuff) from a burner, glass cooktop, and metal grates.

Plus, the items you will need to do the job properly.

Removing Paint Stains from a Burner

The first step should be to remove the burner from the stove.

This will make it easier to clean if you are in the garage, shed, or outdoors on a sunny day.

Let the burner cool completely first before removing it.

If you have an electric burner, you will need to disconnect it from the stove and slide it away, so the connection is broken.

Start by using a razor blade to remove as much paint as you can.

In most circumstances, the vast majority of the paint can be removed in this manner.

However, you can make the job somewhat easier by spraying the surface with white vinegar.

Remember, this may not remove all the paint, so you will need to employ two more tools.

Steel wool and baking soda or scouring powder will lift up the remaining paint and leave your burner clean.

But what if you still have paint on the burner?

In that case, you will need to get a more powerful solvent such as lacquer thinner.

If you use a strong solvent, you will need to get a respirator, so you do not inhale the fumes.

Use the steel wool to scrub the burner lightly as you apply the lacquer thinner; this should do the job. 

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Removing Paint Stains from Glass Cooktop

A razor blade should be able to clean away the paint from the cooktop.

However, you will need to check with the warranty of the manufacturer to see if this is allowed.

If not, you will need to use an approved tool or scraper for the job.

Pour vinegar on the cooktop first and let the paint loosen up before you start scraping.

Be sure to hold the razor at a flat angle to avoid digging into the cooktop.

If the glass has corners, avoid digging into them.

If any residue remains, spray more vinegar to loosen it away.

If the razor is not allowed by the manufacturer, then you will need to use a microfiber cloth.

Again, pour vinegar over the top and allow the paint to loosen up before wiping with the cloth.

If that does not work, then you will need to use the lacquer thinner and don the respirator again.

Since you are probably still in the kitchen, be sure there is plenty of ventilation to pull away from the fumes.

If you want to avoid using any chemicals, then a heat gun may be the answer.

Apply the heat gun to the areas of the paint to loosen them and allow for scraping.

Just be sure to never use a heat gun around flammable chemicals such as lacquer thinner or you will have much bigger problems than just having paint on your glass cooktop. 

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Can You Repaint Your Stove Top to Make it Look Better?

Repainting your kitchen stove is a great way to revitalize its appearance while spending only a fraction of the money compared to purchasing a new one.

However, it will require a special type of paint to be used – one that is specifically designed for appliances such as your stove.

Such paints have an epoxy base. And when it dries, the finish will be much hard which will resist the heat.

The finish is normally so strong that you can use cleaners without issue as the paint will resist them.

What follows are the steps to take in repainting and refinishing your stove…

Step 1 – Turn It Off:

Not only turn the stove off at the source but also flip the breaker switch.

Once the breaker is thrown, gain access to the power cord below the stove and pull that from the wall outlet.

If you have a gas stove, then shut off the gas line and have a professional disconnect it from the stove.

Step 2 – Clean:

Next, use a window cleaner to properly clean the stove.

You can use another type of cleaner, but only if it is not oil-based.

Otherwise, the appliance paint you use will not work.

Step 3 – Ventilate:

Open up the windows and doors to let the fresh air inside.

Set up a fan to blow air out the kitchen window so that any paint fumes will be drawn out with the airflow.

Next, remove the burners or grates from the stove along with any knobs.

Step 4 – Cover:

Now, you can cover all areas of the stove that will not be painted.

This will include the burners, chrome handles, and oven glass.

Use newspapers and masking or painter’s tape to cover the areas that will remain unpainted.

Step 5 – Sand:

Next, use medium-grit sandpaper and sand over the exposed surface.

This will add enough roughness so the paint will adhere to the surface area.

Now you can mix the spray paint by shaking the can until at least one minute after you hear the metal balls inside start to rattle.

Step 6 – Spray:

Hold the spray can about 9 inches from the stove and spray a light coat of high-temperature epoxy spray paint across the surface.

Use long strokes that are even.

Remember that you are not trying to cover the entire stove on the first pass.

But cover the entire surface and let it dry for at least an hour.

Apply the second coat in the same manner as the first and let it dry.

Step 7 – Let it Dry:

Once dried, look over the results and decide if another pass is needed.

Remember to keep the coats thin to avoid any large buildup of paint in a single area.

If not, then let the paint dry for at least three hours.

Remove all tape and newspapers.

Re-attach all the knobs and now reconnect the power to the stove.

Your stove should look brand new if you have covered it properly in paint.

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How Can You Refinish the Stove Grates to Look New Again?

Using uncleaned rusted grates on your stove is dangerous.

So, you will need to get your grates cleaned and refinished properly for a complete stove makeover.

The drawback is it can be sometimes tricky to clean the cast iron grates because depending on the style, there can be little nooks and crannies where the dried rust particles can be formed.

Luckily there are non-toxic household products such as baking soda, ammonia, vinegar, and dish detergents that can be used to clean and remove the rust.

• Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or white vinegar
• Apply this paste to the rust spots and allow it to sit for about 20-25 minutes
• Then with a scrubbing sponge or an old toothbrush scrub off the rust spots and stains

If needed, you can finally put your cast iron gas stove grates in the dishwasher to remove any remaining rust and grime.

Do not put it for too long as the water can cause further damage to the iron stove grates.

Painting the Stove Grates:

After you have removed the rust and cleaned the grates, it’s time to get them painted to make them look shiny black.

Pick a food-safe grill spray paint that can withstand high temperatures.

Before applying the paint make sure you smoothen the grates with 100-grit sandpaper.

Stopping the Grates from Rusting:

To stop your stove grates from rusting again in the future, wash and clean them, properly at least once a month.

After cleaning, apply some cooking oil to the bottom of the cooktop grate using a rag.

This will help prevent the rust from forming.

The Bottom Line

While painting the stove burner and top in your kitchen is somewhat tricky, it’s not a kind of task that’s impossible to accomplish.

Make sure you clean and prepare the stove well before painting.

Likewise, use the right type of paint that is meant for stoves, burners, and appliances.