My 18" kettle has bare spots inside the bowl and their locations correspond to the leg pocket welds on the outside. Outside of keeping the bowl clean and maybe rubbing some cooking oil on the bare spots, is there anything that can be done? I'm hesitant to use paint or anything similar for obvious reasons. Thanks!

Brad

High temp BBQ paint would be fine to use.

What kind of bare spots? Where the porcelain has came off. Matt, I though you were never suppose to put paint on a Kettle grill???

I've never seen anyone state you can't put paint on a kettle, people do it to their WSM's and such here to touch up nicks in the porcelain.

If there is a valid reason not to, I'd like to know so I don't suggest it again.

Matt; It was this link posted by Chris that made me think you are not suppose to paint webers.....but it says never HAVE to. I digress.

So high-temp paint won't give off fumes that might affect the food? That's my biggest concern more than anything else.

Brad

Well hello Brad Olson. Long time No see.

All the volatile compounds in the paint should evaporate the first time you get a good hot fire going. Unfortunately, most high temp paints won't last too long when exposed to the kind of temps one uses for high temp grilling.

Cancer is cancer, and in most cases the most you can do is slow it's progression.

There is a product made by Loctite called Extend. It will convert the existing rust to a different chemical compound (a slower progressing form of cancer)and slow things down, but you'd want to burn it off well before you cooked.

Tim

i got a used kettle that the top handle was bent a little. this caused the porcelin to chip off as stated. just oil it. the oil and smoke will purty much eliminate any chance of rust.
mine hasn't yet.