For those of you who are comfortable with the process, the following guidelines are presented. To make a clean brand, use a hot iron. Do not allow the iron to get red-hot because that can cause a hair fire and result in a poor brand. A properly heated iron is the color of ashes. Do not use a forge or a coal fire.
Wood is the best fuel for a branding fire.
Use of certain acids or other similar agents that leave a scar instead of a brand often cause a bad sore and result in an unreadable brand. Too thin an iron will cut too deeply or make a thin scar that will cover over with hair and will necessitate clipping to read. Never try to brand a wet or damp animal. The brand will scald, leaving a blotch, a bad sore, or no brand at all. Don't put the iron in the hands of an amateur.