Why bother? Doesn't affect the cooking and will eventually come off on its own. Also, helps to identify the brand if you have problems with it, or like it so much you would like to recommend it to a friend. If you just have to take it off, I find that WD-40 is always very helpful. As for cooking in your Texas style smoker, cook low and slow. Its a great way to cook, but you must master the art of heat regulation. Good luck and enjoy.