Why has the paint turned white and how do I re-paint my heater?

As a result of the high temperatures reached on the surface of any wood heater, most types of high temperature paint will tend to discolor over time. However, if your paint has completely turned white in some areas shortly after you purchased your heater, it is a sign that it may have overheated. Many things can cause a unit to overheat. Here is a brief list:

• The air intake control has been left fully open and flue temperatures have reached excessive levels for a long period of time;
• The chimney draft is excessive;
• The door was left ajar for a long period with a fire going;
• The door gasket is worn out;
• The firebricks have been damaged or disintegrated and have not been replaced;
• Pressure treated wood or other bi-products of wood were used as fuel;
• An excessive quantity of manufactured logs were used in the heater. It is important to identify why the heater has overheated. Otherwise, it may wear out prematurely. Make sure you use a chimney thermometer and keep flue temperatures within the comfort zone of 250 °F to 475 °F when the heater is operated in the slow combustion mode. It is okay to reach temperatures between 500 °F and 900 °F upon the start-up of the heater. The paint is tested to resist peak temperatures (non-continuous) of up to 1,200 °F. You can paint your heater and make it look brand new. If the paint has not peeled off, you need to prepare the surface with a 180 grit sand paper. Then, repaint the heater with the original high temperature aerosol paint for a more resistant and uniform finish. If the paint has peeled off, you need to prepare the surface with a 180 grit sand paper and remove all the paint until you reach the steel.