Can you oxidize stainless steel mesh with a lighter?

[Thrasher]

these are @ $10 at harbor freight

thats what my boss uses for a cigar lighter lol

 

[RPM_Redline]

Silly question from a newb, what's the purpose of oxidizing the coil first? I've made a few micro coils and haven't "pre heated them", how does that help?

Thanks