Cast Iron Restoration Accessories
Restoration Supplies
Supplies for Restoring Your Cast Iron
Before you can begin restoring your cast iron back to its original beauty, you must first strip off all the old crud and remove the rust. Here is a list of supplies you should have on hand before you begin the restoration process.
- ThxToms Heavy Duty Latex Gloves - When stripping cast iron using lye, you need to have gloves to protect your hands.
- Protective Safety Glasses - It's important to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from the lye as well. They come cheap--less than $5. You should also grab one of your COVID masks as well so you don't breath in the fumes.
- Plastic Wash Basin - Because you are using lye and other chemicals to clean your cast iron, you shouldn't be inside the house and using your kitchen sink. Using a plastic wash basin is a cheap and easy solution
- Homax 00 Steel Wool - Steel wool comes in handy after you have soaked your cast in a water and vinegar solution to help remove any remaining rust.
- Scott Shop Towels - These work much better than regular paper towels. These are great for applying and removing seasoning product, like Crisco.
- Silicone Oven Mitts - Once your cast iron os clean and you move on to seasoning, you'll be handling a lot of hot iron. These goves protect your hands up to 500 degrees!
- Easy-Off Heavy Duty Oven and Grill Cleaner - Make sure you buy the Easy-Off in the yellow can. It uses lye as its active ingredient and seems to work the best. Easy-Off Fume Free in the blue can, won't work well because it doesn't contain lye.
- Crisco, All-Vegetable Shortening - This is what I use to season my cast iron. There are other products on the market as well, including BuzzyWaxx, Crisbee and Easy Beezy. Please read my comparison of cast iron seasoning products for more detailed information on cast iron seasoning products. Or just keep it simple and go with Crisco...
- White Vinegar - After cleaning the crud off your pans, soak them in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes. You don't need anything fancy, just buy the cheap stuff.
Having the proper supplies will make the whole restoration process a lot easier, and a lot more fun. You'll be amazed at the transformation in your cast iron!
