Why We Don’t Paint Our Rocket Stoves Anymore
Rocket stoves are incredible, powerful tools—no question about it. But, if you’ve ever wondered why our models come bare and unpainted, this post is for you. We’ve gotten a ton of questions over the years about this choice, and today, we’re here to clear things up. You might even learn a bit about why this decision actually makes your stove last longer and look better.
The Painting Problem
So, why don't we just slap a high-temp paint on these stoves to keep them looking fresh? At first glance, it seems like a no-brainer. Paint adds a nice finish, and in theory, it should help protect against rust, right? Unfortunately, it's not that simple.
When we used to sell painted rocket stoves, the most common complaint we got was that the paint would peel, crack, and fail, especially in the hottest areas. You’d get a nice, smooth finish everywhere—except right in that critical burn zone. It wasn't just one or two complaints either; it was a consistent problem. The paint simply couldn’t hold up where the heat was most intense.
Why High-Temp Paint Fails
To understand why the paint fails, let’s get a bit into the science of it. High-temp paints are meant to withstand heat, but rocket stoves bring another factor into play: expansion and contraction. When the stove heats up, especially in the core tube, the metal expands. Once it cools down, it contracts back. This cycle repeats every time the stove is used. Over time, this causes any coating on the metal to weaken and eventually crack.
Even when we tried using top-of-the-line, high-temp paints, we found that after just 10-15 uses, the paint would start cracking in those areas exposed to the highest heat. Once the paint cracked, moisture could sneak in behind it, leading to rust spots—big, ugly rust spots. You’d have this nice, smooth paint everywhere else, and then a patch of rust where the paint couldn’t hold up.
(See also: How to Control Heat on a Rocket Stove)
The Maintenance Nightmare
Once that rust starts, it’s hard to stop. We tried recommending a fix: wire brushing the rusty area, cleaning it up, and repainting. But guess what? After a few more uses, the exact same thing would happen. That meant people were stuck in a cycle of repainting, wire brushing, and repainting again. It was frustrating, time-consuming, and frankly, just didn’t look good.
Our Solution: Keep It Natural
Instead of fighting a losing battle, we decided to rethink the entire process. Rather than relying on paint, we chose to keep the stoves as plain steel. Bare steel comes with its own benefits, especially if you know how to take care of it. No more cracked paint, no more repainting hassle. Instead, you get a surface that develops a natural, cast-iron-like patina with use. This patina not only adds character to the stove but also helps protect it from rust.
How to Protect Your Plain Steel Stove
When we say "plain steel," we don’t mean it’s totally unprotected. There’s a simple and effective way to prevent rust while giving your stove a unique finish: oil it.
After a few uses, let your stove cool down.
Wipe it down with a light layer of oil. This could be regular cooking oil, motor oil, or any protective oil you have on hand.
With each use, that oil layer will get a bit darker and more resistant to moisture, giving your stove a beautiful, natural patina.
This process helps protect the steel by creating a thin, seasoned layer—much like you would with a cast iron skillet. It’s low-maintenance, looks great, and actually strengthens the surface.
Why It’s Better
Let’s be real—no one wants to spend time on maintenance if they don’t have to. With a plain steel finish and occasional oiling, you can avoid the endless repainting cycle. Plus, the natural patina that develops makes your stove unique. Each time you use it, the patina darkens, adding a rugged, well-used look that paint just can’t replicate.
In the long run, this approach saves you time, effort, and money. Instead of having to touch up paint regularly, you can focus on actually using your stove for what it was made for—powerful, efficient heat.
What to Expect from an Oiled Finish
If you’ve ever used a cast iron pan, then you know what we’re talking about. After a while, the oiled finish builds up into a dark, smooth surface that’s resistant to moisture and rust. It’s not as flashy as a painted surface, but it’s a whole lot tougher. The more you use the stove and oil it, the more robust and polished it will look.
Of course, the exact appearance depends on your individual stove, the type of oil you use, and how often you apply it. But in general, you can expect a dark, rustic finish that only looks better with age.
Day-to-Day Life with a Plain Steel Stove
For many people, this approach is a breath of fresh air. Less fuss, less maintenance, and a tougher finish over time. Plus, plain steel stoves have a timeless, industrial look that fits right into a workshop or outdoor space. No paint chipping, no weird touch-ups—just a rugged piece of equipment that does what it’s supposed to do… Including whipping up some great recipes!
We’re all about sharing these kinds of insights with our community, so if you like hearing more about the day-to-day challenges and solutions from our shop, we post plenty of videos that cover just that. Just check out our social media channels if you haven’t already! And, of course, we’re always happy to hear your feedback and questions.
Final Thoughts
We made the choice to stop painting our rocket stoves for good reason. By letting the metal breathe and building up a protective oil layer, we’re giving you a stove that’s easier to maintain, more durable, and that just looks better over time.
For those of you who are used to a painted finish, this might take a little getting used to, but we believe it’s a change for the better. So next time you see a bare, rugged stove, know there’s a reason for that finish. And who knows? You might just grow to love the look and feel of it.
P.S. Did you know we actually wrote the book on rocket stoves? You can find it on our product page, or head on over to the Amazon page to get a paperback or Kindle copy!