Discoloration, is this a defect? Bad smell

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
  • Hope everyone has a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
  • Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here

Jdsmith0401

New Member
Nov 1, 2022
2
Virginia
Just installed my stove thanks to many tips on this site. Did the curing process . Maybe it’s still curing . I’ve only done 5 fires . But the smell I get is not any better than the first burn and I noticed a discoloration around the door giving the finish a very glossy look to it . You can see it on the actual door and on the stove . I think the smell I’m getting is more of a smoke smell than a paint curing smell. Any ideas to fix this?

[Hearth.com] Discoloration, is this a defect? Bad smell
 
The paint patina will change over time with baking in. It needs to get up to around 550º on the face of the insert, over the door. Load the stove up about 3/4 full with 4-5" splits. Open some windows. After a few hot fires the paint should be entirely baked in and the smell gone. The glass will stay cleaner with a hotter fire.
 
Just installed my stove thanks to many tips on this site. Did the curing process . Maybe it’s still curing . I’ve only done 5 fires . But the smell I get is not any better than the first burn and I noticed a discoloration around the door giving the finish a very glossy look to it . You can see it on the actual door and on the stove . I think the smell I’m getting is more of a smoke smell than a paint curing smell. Any ideas to fix this?View attachment 301823
What is your chimney setup? What temps have you hit?
 
That discoloration is inside the impression of the gasket. Hence, if the gasket passes the dollar bill test, I think it's unlikely that's what you are smelling.
The discoloration could be creosote.

If the gasket is leaking, that could be the cause of the creosote (cold air, cooling down gases there that then condense).
 
I have the stove set up to a 25 ft single wall liner . I guess I need to get a gadget to read the temps . What do you recommend to get the temperature reading?