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Characteristics of Cast Iron

Cast iron is heavy, hard, somewhat brittle, and may break if dropped. Cast iron will oxidize (rust) if it is not seasoned.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus.

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By
02/11/2009

I found a set of 3 cast iron pans that are rusted. Please tell me how to remove rust and make them useful again.

By
10/10/2007

I have used iron cookware for nearly 60 years and my skillets are a joy to behold. The secret? Bake your cornbread in them. While the oven is preheating, pour just a tablespoon or so in skillet and heat along with preheat. Mix the dry and liquid ingredients only enough to moisten, pop them in the heated, oiled skillet and bake about half the time you usually do. Just wipe out with paper towel and store.

By
12/01/2006

If it is small enough to fit in the oven, here is what I do with iron pans.
Scrub the sign clean (using soap is OK if rinsed well), then towel dry. Place it in an oven at 250 degrees and leave it until a drop of water evaporates quickly. Then treat the iron (also callef "seasoning" with vegetable oil or cooking spray, and place it in the oven for 30 minutes. You mightwant to put an old cookie tray or some tin foil underneath to catch any drippings. Take it out and wipe off any excess oil. Put it back in the oven at the same temp for about 45 minutes. Let it cool som and carefully wipe off the oil, only leaving the basic residue. Then it is ready to use.
Sunce your sign will be outdoors, you might want to check with your local hardware store to see if you should spray some lacquer - or something else - on it to help it endure the changes in the weather.
Good luck!

By kevin56 (Guest Post) 07/18/2006

So how do you clean Cast Iron? I have a welcome sign that is new that I wish to hang outside. It is showing a little rust? Can I just scrub this with Rubbing Alcohol with a tooth brush and then coat it with Varnish?

By kate (Guest Post) 09/10/2005

not much writen about it. needs more info

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