Grill Paint

Did you paint the cooking grill? If so, toss it. 

I would never cook on anything painted.

can you sandblast and just oil it up?

O I C

I would just burn it off with a good hot fire and not worry about it, if it is the fire grate.

but thats just me!

or sand blast it.

   Berningham87,  to the SMF. I admire your willingness to listen before striking.It is my opinion that 'NO' paint should be used where food will be cooked.  The appearence of the grill is of no concequence(unless you are a 'Fuss Budget' about the looks of things).

   The heat inside a fire box gets very hot(maybe not as hot as the paint you got can handle,but a safer way to do those grates is to either get new ones orjust use cooking oil to re-season your grates.Example ;when you are finished cooking on the grill,wipe it down with an old rag(I use old towels and socks that have given thier all) and wipe down the grates and close it up.The heat from the next fire will kill any Bugs on the surface and you're guaranteed a non-toxic surface.It will take on a patina and be safer for you and the family.

   I even wipe down the outside of my Smoker with an oily rag to control the rust.Does just fine and cost is less too.

   I am even MORE impressed that you have chosen to not want that Petroleum taste in your food. I am a "Stickburner" and use no starter fluid or charcoal...wood only(although I do use propane to start my wood -usually in a different container so I can get only glowing embers in the Firebox).I am getting older and the bones are getting stiffer,so ...but the eventual fuel I use is only the heat and nice thin blue smoke.Plus it has such a nice mild smokiness.More steps,yes,but easier temp. control and no billowing white junky smoke.

   In my drinking days I would have compared the taste to a Fine Expensive Wine and  Boone's Farm.The difference being one of excellence to something to just get a High from.

   You said you have done some Mods.,for that Smoker it will take a hefty learning curve and remodding to get as good an end productas you would with a fancy big smoker;but that's not a bad thing; it will help develope patience,the biggest secret to doing any outdoors cooking on your equipment.

   If you would like some hints on wood burning,PM me and I will gladly discuss any problems you may have.Again,welcome to the forum and...