Thread: Cast iron?

Learner, here is a method I used, and the results are amazing!!!!!

Originally posted by gssixgun (Glen)

Seasoning a cast iron pan

I found a youtube vid that made some sense about why these are simply "Different" when seasoning then the older smoother Vintage CI

I bought a couple of new pans for Christmas one of which was a Grill Pan and I decided to try a variation of it

First time using Olive Oil for Seasoning a Lodge CI pan

Use High Quality EVOO the Smoke Point is at 405 F

I used a graduated temp also,,

Set oven to 350°

Warm the pan,

Thin coat of EVOO just pour some in the pan then wipe it out using a Rag (not Paper towel)
Place pan bottom up in oven as normal
Once the temp hits 350° set timer for 15 minutes
Raise temp to 375° 15 minutes
Raise temp to 400° 15 minutes
Raise temp to 425° 15 minutes
Raise temp to 450° 15 minutes

Turn off oven and walk away

Repeat 2 more times

I have never had that kind of success that easy with a New Lodge CI piece...
I am sold on it

I’m not crazy about the finish on the new Lodge pans and prefer the smooth finish of vintage CI.

Using a random orbital sander with varying grits of sandpaper to take off the factory finish of new pans or the rust from old pans (use a good filter mask - lots of rust dust) works great to prep the pan before doing the EVOO treatment to reseason the pan.

Originally Posted by Learner

A great restoration and impressive seasoning. Would you share your seasoning method? Thank you.

Thanks Learner. I used to use the olive oil or crisco for seasoning but I recently started using Buzzy Waxx with amazing results and very little/to no smoke in the house.

Method
Step 1 - Soak in lye tank for a week (ratio: 1lbs lye (100%lye) to 5 gallons water)
Step 2 - Give a good scrub'in and rinse - steal wool, soap, hot water, etc...
Step 3 - Towel dry
Step 4 - Place on stove top to dry some more (med low heat)
Step 5 - apply a very light streak of Buzzy Waxx and rub into cast iron. (rub it as tho you dont want it on there)
Step 6 - place in oven at 300 degrees for 15 mins - remove and wipe down iron again to remove more seasoning
then place in oven at 480-500 degrees for 1 hour.
Step 7 - let cool completely
repeat Steps 5 thru 7 for a total of 3 rounds of seasoning.


from this... to this after cleaning and 3 rounds of Buzzy Waxx



This is what has been working for me. I have redone 20-30 pieces of cast iron and i swear by Buzzy Waxx now and will use nothing else. It a small little company of cast iron folks that made a combo of oils and bees wax into a puck. look them up on facebook or online you wont be disappointed if you use it.

Good Luck
ROD

Originally Posted by DZEC

I’m not crazy about the finish on the new Lodge pans and prefer the smooth finish of vintage CI.

Using a random orbital sander with varying grits of sandpaper to take off the factory finish of new pans or the rust from old pans (use a good filter mask - lots of rust dust) works great to prep the pan before doing the EVOO treatment to reseason the pan.

Dzec just reading your post and thought Id share. Sanding the old season (or throwing iron into a fire) of is not the best method for removing seasoning especially from a collectors point of view. it can damage the pan and not allow it to take on new seasoning proper. The best way to remove the old season is in a lye tank. Simply add 1lbs of 100% lye to 5 gallons of water and let cast iron soak in it for a week or 2. When you remove a simple scrub and rinse and you will have bare smooth metal. then dry and begin your seasoning method.
I did not know this when I first started collecting cast iron and ruined a good skillet by sand and wire wheeling. Highly discouraged in the cast iron community! Its like learning about straight razors when you first started out. Hope this is helpful to you and others that maybe interested in restoring cast iron.
ROD

here is a dutch oven that I did in lye tank

then 3 round of Buzzy Waxx for seasoning...

Hell, I'm game!

$16.00 for 4 of their discs and free shipping.

https://buzzywaxx.com/

They offer some with cans but I can't see paying for a can when I have plenty of options for storage.

I'm not Cheap but I am Frugal---

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Hell, I'm game!

$16.00 for 4 of their discs and free shipping.

https://buzzywaxx.com/

They offer some with cans but I can't see paying for a can when I have plenty of options for storage.

I'm not Cheap but I am Frugal---

I'll tell you this... you have to use so little amount of the waxx that I have redone many many pieces (close to 20 with Buzzy Waxx) with 3 round of seasoning each and also use for stove top touch ups and I am still on my first puck. Excellent product!

Originally Posted by DupreesDiamond

I'll tell you this... you have to use so little amount of the waxx that I have redone many many pieces (close to 20 with Buzzy Waxx) with 3 round of seasoning each and also use for stove top touch ups and I am still on my first puck. Excellent product!

Here's a Review--not that I don't take your word, I just thought that I'd see what others had to say before I parted with my precious funds--

https://montanacastiron.com/buzzywax...soning-review/

one more that I did...



after 3 rounds of buzzy waxx...

I had to order some as well, thanks!!!!