i light it preheat the valve cover for 5 minutes then place it on the rack. to control the temp i get it to 400 then i got a lcd display that i can watch the temp when it get to 400 i crack the lid with a chunk of angle iron and lower the gas. doing it this way it get's cured and i never over baked or had any problems .. but the bbq will hit temps over 500 within minutes if you don't keep an eye on it . the flame is burning from the start to the finish. i got 2 to do monday and a few other little parts. i hate to fire up the big oven for a few valve covers