FAQ

Use a properly-sized, open flame heat source (i.e. a plumber's torch for mini brands; a forge or BBQ for standard size brands) and rotate the brand as it heats. The brand is ready for use when it has a dull, black glow (if it heats to a red glow, it is too hot and may cause blotching). How long to heat the brand depends on the size of the brand, how deep of a burn you want to achieve, and the material you are branding.

You may need to rock the brand to achieve an even burn, especially if branding a surface with imperfections (such as wood). How long to hold the brand on the surface depends on how hot it is, how deep of a burn you want to achieve, and the material you are branding. If it starts to smoke right away, it will burn quickly! We highly recommend practicing on scrap material to get a "feel" for your brand before using it on your final project!

Always use caution when using our branding irons. Don't forget to snag a pair of our heat-protective Cowhide Gloves and do not handle the brand where it is hot.

• Your brands may arrive with black grease on the handles. It’s there to prevent rusting! You can wipe this off with a dry rag.   
• The brands are made of steel and will rust if exposed to moisture. To prevent carbon buildup/rusting, store the brand in a dry location, and oil before storing with WD-40 or cooking spray. The oil will burn off when the brand is heated for use. If rusting occurs, you can clean it off with steel wool, sandpaper, or moving the brand around in a bucket of sand.   
• Avoid dropping or bumping the brand when it is hot - this may cause the face of the brand to become uneven, as the steel becomes more pliable when heated.

Our hat-branding clients typically use 1-inch and smaller. Our Mini Branding Irons are also perfect for branding wallets, cowboy boots, belts, and other small crafts! 

Just about anything! Our customers have successfully branded:

• Wood
• Felt, polyester, and straw hats
• Leather
• Cowboy boots
• Birkenstocks
• Cowhide
• Orange rinds
• Buns
• Steaks
• and more!

Please test your material to make sure it accepts a brand well. Some soft or synthetic materials do not brand well, and unfortunately we cannot accept returns for branding irons that have been used. Feel free to ask us for advice by submitting a contact form at the bottom of this page.

1. CHOOSE YOUR BRANDING IRON FROM OUR WEDDING COLLECTION.
2. DECIDE ON YOUR HEAT SOURCE. This will depend on what your venue allows, and how large the face of your brand is.  You will need an open, clean burning flame to heat the brand, with a flame that is large enough to evenly heat the brand. Most people use a plumber's torch, propane weed burner torch, orpropane grill.
3. HEATING THE BRAND. We highly recommend practicing with the brand before your big day to make sure you have the timing down. Assign a trusted friend or family member with heating and presenting the brand during your ceremony. They will need to begin heating the brand 5-10 minutes before the branding ceremony, turning the brand every 30 seconds to ensure the brand heats evenly. The brand is ready for use when it reaches a greyish glow.
4. APPLYING THE BRAND: When the time comes, press the face of the brand flat and firmly on your material for 2-6 seconds. You may need to rock the brand to ensure that the ends of the design get nicely burned.

The above times are guidelines only. Timing all depends on how hot your fire is, how large your brand is, and how deep you want the brand to be. Practice is the best way to ensure that your brand turns out just perfect!

Always use caution when using our branding irons. Wear heat-resistant gloves and do not handle the brand where it is hot.