Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - How to Black a Woodstove?

What do you recommend for a product? I tried a liquid stove polish and didn't like the way it spread. It looked uneven and the product didn't go very far either. (Maybe I should try another brand.)Is there a generic way to do it? When I've done it in the past, I have had a problem with the stove smoking during the first burn in the fall. Not good! The label says to remove the wax with paint thinner to prevent that problem. Paint thinner?... In my living room?...Is that my only option? Thanks for the help!

I would:
a. Rub down the dry stove with paint thinner and steel wool, and then wipe off with rags. Open doors or windows for ventilation (no smoking, open flames, etc. unless you like mushroom clouds and major fires).
b. Apply an old type stove black. Shop around. (OR you might try BBQ grill black spray paint with the highest temp rating that you can find.
It will smoke a bit when first heated up, but just ventilate the room.
Good Luck!

Thank you for the helpful information. The computer has been down and I finaly decided to check our mail at the library, so that is why I haven't thanked you sooner. Will give it a try...
mlminin