The high-temperature paint on your Dwarf stove needs to be cured prior to use. The paint consists of two parts: an air-dry resin that 12 cures at room temperature and burns away at 600-650 degrees F, and a silicone resin that cures at 400-450 degrees F. The air-dry resin produces some non-toxic (but unpleasant-smelling) smoke when it burns away, so this is best done outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Once the stove is assembled, move it outside and insert 40-60” of pipe into the flue flange for the initial burn.
NOTE: The stove will not draft properly without a flue system. You must place 40-60” of vertical pipe on your stove during the outside burn or you will have difficulty bringing your stove up to temperature.
Gradual heating of your stove’s finish will produce the best results. Heating uncured paint too quickly can “shock” the paint and cause premature failure.
First, make a small kindling fire, and keep it burning for 10-15 minutes.
Second, add fuel to build a medium-sized fire and bring the entire stove surface temperature to 450 degrees F and keep it there for about 60 minutes. During this stage, the silicone resin in the paint will soften and may even appear wet as the paint cures. Do not touch the paint during this stage.
Finally, add fuel to bring the temperature up to 600-650 degrees F and keep it there for another 60 minutes. At this stage, the air-dry resin is burning off and you will likely notice some smoke and odor. After 60 minutes, there should be no more smoke or odor produced, and your cure is complete