A system for decorating cylindrical cans each having one open end including a curing section which receives the decorated cans with the decorations uncured. In the curing section the cans move through a preheat chamber where can temperature is elevated. The heated cans then move through a drying chamber where flames from gas and air fed burner heads impinge directly on the exterior of the can for curing of the decorations. Thereafter the cans pass through a cooling chamber and then exit from the curing section.The preheat chamber is heated by the burners in the heating chamber. These burners are disposed so that the flame jets are directed downstream at an angle of approximately 13.degree. with respect to lines normal to the path of travel for the cans. The burners are arranged in two parallel arrays disposed one above the other. As the cans travel between these arrays flame impingement on the cans is interrupted. Also provided are insulated tunnels within the heating chamber with these tunnels being arranged so that the gas burners are disposed therein.