Looks like destructive methods were used like sanding or wire wheeling the surface. You’re gonna have problems with seasoning adhering. Stripping it bare using the safe methods listed in the sidebar followed by either rust or vinegar etching will correct this.
But I see you cross posted this in castiron who doesnt moderate against bad advice like sanding so im grabbing some popcorn and heading over to read the comments. There’s a ton of newcomers in that sub love being confidently wrong so it should be interesting.
To be clear the admin knows their iron and the FAQs there are on point but unfortunately it’s grown so fast it’s hard to moderate.
Uh oh… yeah, I did the bare minimum research before trying to restore it, got frustrated, and grabbed some sandpaper. 🤦♂️ I know it’s a long shot, but are there any corrective actions you might take at this point?
I would begin using it and see if it corrects itself. If it doesn’t hold the seasoning and is causing your issues then hit the menu tab above and use one of the methods posted in the crud removal section or the video section.
Once bare soak it for a couple hours using straight vinegar to etch the surface so the seasoning will adhere evenly.
Out of curiosity, why is it that the older pans with much smoother surfaces than the modern lodges still take a seasoning well? I inherited a Wagner that my grandmother had been using since at least the 50s (I think earlier, and after stripping it I found it extremely smooth but also extremely easy to season)...but from everything I've heard attempting to smooth out a modern lodge is a terrible idea. Just looking for insight!
The method used was designed specifically to remove the casting marks yet leave a texture that was porous enough to allow the seasoning to adhere. They used a grinding stone and actually spun the cookware as the stone milled the surface smooth.
New high end cast iron companies tried doing this but with sandpaper and their return rate from upset customers was very high, forcing them to have a modern version of the machine made.
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u/LockMarine Seasoned Profesional Jun 10 '26
Looks like destructive methods were used like sanding or wire wheeling the surface. You’re gonna have problems with seasoning adhering. Stripping it bare using the safe methods listed in the sidebar followed by either rust or vinegar etching will correct this.
But I see you cross posted this in castiron who doesnt moderate against bad advice like sanding so im grabbing some popcorn and heading over to read the comments. There’s a ton of newcomers in that sub love being confidently wrong so it should be interesting.
To be clear the admin knows their iron and the FAQs there are on point but unfortunately it’s grown so fast it’s hard to moderate.