Typical Rookie Build Questions

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tbrtt1

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I just picked up a brand spanking new, UN rated, unlined drum from the good folks at Sooner Containers a few miles up the road from my house in Conroe, TX. Really nice folks. 

Questions:

What should I do about the paint on it? Should I do a burn in and then strip what is left of it? Is it even necessary to do a burn in since it is an unlined, new drum? 

 
I would do the burn to remove the exterior paint. Since it is not high temp paint, it will come off where the charcoal basket is. Then reprint with high temp. A propane weed burner makes fast work of it if you have one. Another option is to have it sand blasted. My powder coat shop I use did mine inside and out for $25. Then for another $50 they powder coated the outside of the drum and the lid with high temp powder coat.
 
I am going to have it sand blasted and maybe powder coated. Haven't decided on the powder coating. Feedback welcomed.

If I sand blast it inside and out, do I still need to do a burn in? 
 
I am going to have it sand blasted and maybe powder coated. Haven't decided on the powder coating. Feedback welcomed.

If I sand blast it inside and out, do I still need to do a burn in? 

Make sure they use high temp powder.

Drill all your holes prior to taking it in for blasting and PC.

Since your drum isn't lined there's no reason to sand blast the interior. Unless it's oily.

No need to do a burn out after sand blasting.
 
I would just leave the paint job go. Unless your are really planning on doing some hot cooks...
I had a drum like that and the original paint has held up pretty good. Usually highest temp I cook is 325.
 
Make sure they use high temp powder.

Drill all your holes prior to taking it in for blasting and PC.

Since your drum isn't lined there's no reason to sand blast the interior. Unless it's oily.

No need to do a burn out after sand blasting.
Awesome thanks. All my research jives with what you stated. I may consider painting with high temp paint as I am considering an LSU theme of purple and gold with Fleur De Lis. Not sure yet. 

I will price the powder coating and I should be able to get high team PC. Just depends on cost as well. 
 
I would just leave the paint job go. Unless your are really planning on doing some hot cooks...
I had a drum like that and the original paint has held up pretty good. Usually highest temp I cook is 325.
See my above post about colors. But thanks. I may call Sooner Containers and see what the temp rating on the paint is. 

It is a nice barrel regardless. 
 
Also, I plan to have multiple racks/grates for cooking. Any recommendations on how far apart they should be spaced? I was thinking between 7-8 inches apart. 
 
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