build questions

[bigtim665]

I have a few build questions for you guys.
First what should my grates be made from? Thinking in this order cast iron grill grates, stainless steel mesh, steel mesh, coated steel or cast iron.

Leaning toward cast iron as I love cast iron skillets and hate my proclain coated grill grates.

Second is about paint on the 500 gallon smoker. What should I paint it with? Some said powder coat but a local said he had a muffler done on a tractor and it burnt off in a year or so.

[davidmcg]

All I have is stainless and expanded metal. But the cabinet smoker I am building now will have cast iron.

[davidmcg]

High temp engine or oven paint will last. Just be sure the surface is as clean and rust free as possible.

[bigtim665]

I plan on sand blasting it real good. One thing I like about engine paint means I can get the color I want

[GOT14U]

HPC=hightemp powder coating...I had all my turbo manifolds done with this do to it also helped with exhaust flow...Never once did it chip or peal or anything...Your smoker will never get that hot and I doubt it would get as hot as a muffler either so just regular powder coating might work...Average exhaust temps are around 1400-1600 degrees.