FAQs
Why is the paint coming off of my branding iron? I don’t want paint flakes on my food
Paint – our paint is applied in our shop to prevent rust until used the first time. This paint is vegetable oil and carbon based and is not harmful. We do recommend that the iron when red hot is steel brushed and cleaned before applying to make the best mark.
I received my branding iron, but it has welded bumps on the face of it. Will this affect the brand?
Bumps/uneven spots on the branding iron – All of the welding on the branding iron is on the back side of the letters. We run the brand over a sanding belt to insure that the branding surface of the letters is even. We paint our branding irons by dipping them in the paint and hanging to dry. As they dry the paint will sometimes collect and dry making the appearance of a bump on the face of the brand. This will burn off when heated and will not affect the performance of the branding iron.
My branding iron doesn’t work properly. Is something wrong?
Heating of irons – open flame is ideal for heating of irons. You can heat your brand on a gas or charcoal grill by placing the brand as close to the flame/coals as possible. You will probably need to remove part of the grate or open the door on your grill to get into the heat source. Holding the handle as horizontal as possible will help to keep the heat from rising up the handle, but ALWAYS use a thick pot holder or oven glove. Best practice is just when the iron begins to turn red is when to apply the iron and make your mark.
How can I keep my branding iron from rusting? How should I take care of the branding iron?
Care and Cleaning - Your branding iron is made of steel and should prove very durable. However, from time to time it will rust or get dirty. To clean, just take a piece of steel wool or scrubber, wire brush, or sandpaper and rub lightly. Be sure to dry the iron thoroughly after cleaning to prevent further rusting. If you are going to store the iron for some time, a few drops of cooking oil spread over the iron will provide a good protective coat. A spray of cooking spray works as well. The oil will be completely burned off when next used.
What is the best method to brand or make your mark?
Branding – Caution! Always use a hot pad for hand protection and make sure that all branding is supervised by adults.
Recommend that a practice piece always be reserved to perfect your mark.
Steaks. Chops and other meats – Cook your meat as normal while heating the iron and apply the mark when meat is cooked.
Soft and hard woods – we brand rough cedar daily and heat the iron to just when it becomes red hot and apply the iron pressing firmly and gentle top to bottom and side to side rocking motion. Careful not to leave iron to branded service for too long as to not burn out (letter or images not clear). Soft and hard woods do brand differently so be sure to get the feel and touch down.
Practice – our recommendation is to practice making your mark on a piece of scrap material to perfect the “feel” and art of branding your steak, wood or leather products.
How big are the branding irons?
Letter size – our letters are block style and approximately 1-1/4” tall and width proportional. A three letter brand averages about 3” wide.
Numbers – we make numbers and the size is approximately 1-1/4” tall and width proportional. Roman numbers and Greek letters are typically also available. Please contact our shop for quotation.
Symbols – ampersand (&), heart outline, + sign for no extra cost. Use the notes field to designate. These will count as a character.
State outline - Most state outlines are available. State outlines will be about 2” in size. Please contact our shop for quotations.
Complete sets of letters and numbers are available to purchase with volume discounts applied. Freight will be charged as separate line item.
Domestic shipping – Domestic shipping typically is delivered in lower 48 states in 5 days or less.
International shipping – actually costs are charged as a line item on all invoices. Typically we use USPS to route international shipments. We have shipped to 30 plus countries outside of the United States.
Can you make a branding iron of my company logo/family brand/college logo?
Custom irons – we are happy to replicate family brands, logos or your custom designs keeping in mind we use strips of steel through manual benders. We are not licensed to reproduce trademarked items unless specific permission is granted by the trademark owner. Please contact our shop for a quote.
I would like a branding iron with my first and last name on it
Maximum amount of letters – we limit the number of letters and our numbers combined on brand head to 5 or less. This insures a nice even burn on your branded item.
What are the dimensions on your products?
Handle length – our handles are design to hang as we have a loop bent at the top of the handle and are 12” in length
Rough Cedar Board dimensions – 13” x 4”
Birch Cutting boards – 16” x 11” x 1”
Bird’s eye maple Cheese Board dimensions – 15” x 7” x .75” with waney edge
Branding iron Box dimensions – 14” x 4” x 4”
Cowboy dimensions – 10” tall x 6” wide
Do you offer any volume discounts or other offers?
Volume discounts – volume discounts are available. Contact our shop for details.
Corporate gifts – we serve corporate clients via our branding irons and combinations of all of our products including laser engraving on our wood products.
Laser engraved – we offer these services in conjunction with our irons and related products.