Tips:
• Keep the face of the iron smooth and free from scale.

• When hot, do not drop the branding iron or bang it on anything. The hot steel brand gets soft and somewhat pliable. You may accidentally cause the face to become uneven.

• The surface that is to be branded must be dry. A wet or damp surface will result in blotching and a messy brand.

Heating the Iron:
• Aside from using a burner specifically made to heat branding irons, wood is the best fuel for a branding fire.

• Branding irons should be heated to a dull glow, gray in color. If it is black it will be too cold and won’t burn deep enough. If it is bright cherry red it will burn too deep and cause blotching.

Applying the Brand:
• Make sure the item that is to be branded is secure and remains still.

• The length of time the brand is applied varies from 3 to 5 seconds, depending on how hot the iron is and the amount of pressure applied.

• Press firmly and rock the iron slightly to get a uniform brand. Be aware that steam is produced and can cause the branding iron to slip.

• There should be only one application of the iron. If it is necessary to retouch the brand, do so with extreme care to avoid blotching.

Care & Maintenance:
• Keep your irons free of carbon buildup. Use a wire brush or move the brand around in a bucket of sand to remove the buildup.

• When you are finished branding, the iron should be cleaned and coated with oil to be stored.