It is this layer that gives well-seasoned cast iron its non-stick properties - a patina of polymerized oils and fats that are tightly locked into the natural pores of the metal.Ī well-seasoned cast iron cookware has a black shine and is very smooth. In a well-seasoned cast iron pan, a pan that has been rubbed with oil and heated repeatedly, the oil has been broken down into a plastic-like substance that has bonded to the surface of the cast iron. Seasoning is actually not just a thin layer of oil, it's a thin layer of polymerized oil. Flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil are good oils to use when rebuilding seasoning, but olive oil also works well.Seasoning is the process of treating the surface of cast iron cookware with a stick-resistant coating made of polymerized fat and oil. If you’re just looking to rebuild seasoning you can skip the sanding steps and use the seasoning and baking steps listed. This also includes a sanding guide if you have received a piece of cast iron that is pre-seasoned. We have created a free guide to help rebuild a good seasoning base.If so, simply go over it lightly with 80-grit sandpaper just until you get a smooth surface. Your cast may be a little rough since you removed all the old seasoning. If you didn’t have to go through severe rust removal skip to Step 3.First step- give yourself a pat on the back because you just saved your cast iron’s life with a little love and elbow grease!.For severe rust, use the steps outlined for medium rust care using the baking soda and vinegar.For minimal rust follow the steps outlined for minor rust care using salt.Now that all the seasoning is removed, you can fully assess the rust damage. Dry with a clean rag and place on a heat source to dry fully. With a wire brush, clean the cast to remove all the debris.This will burn off all the old seasoning and build up and leave you with a bare piece of cast iron. Place the cast iron in the middle rack of a conventional oven with a baking sheet underneath. Begin with Steps 1 and 2 (from minor rust care), if you haven’t already done so.For stubborn rust you can also let it soak 6- 8 hours. If you still notice rust (or your elbow grease is running low) you can warm the piece and let it soak in vinegar for 10 to 30 minutes.You can slightly heat the cast iron while doing this to penetrate deeper, but do not boil the vinegar. While the piece is warm add baking soda and vinegar. Begin with Steps 1 and 2 (above), if you haven’t already done so.The lubricant will help the salt buff out the rust. If needed, add a little vegetable oil with the salt for a lubricant, while the piece is warm.Rinse, heat and repeat as needed to pull out the rust and buff any surface area. With a half of a potato or piece of leather scrub the cast. While the piece is still warm (but able to handle) pour a coarse grain salt or sea salt in the piece.Wipe with a clean rag and place on a heat source to dry. Rinse the piece well with warm/hot water.With a wire brush, or drill with a rotary wire brush attachment, thoroughly brush the cast iron piece to remove as much surface debris and rust as possible.Get the printable guide here: rust care for cast iron And if you haven’t seen it yet, check out our how-to video at the end of this post. We’ve laid out some steps to get your cast iron back to cooking. But whether you inherited a rusty piece, found one at a garage sale or accidentally left one out in the elements – as long as it’s quality cast iron made in the USA and there aren’t any cracks or chips… you can bring it back to life
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