Glass bead blasting

[Greg Brunett]

OK, before any of you hangs me, I recently purchased 7 2 gallon pots. Most are badly rusted. I’ve been considering using the bead blaster to clean a few of them up. The ones that are really badly pitted there would be no loss of value to them. My question is, does the blasting process alter the surface of the metal so that the seasoning will not take, or is it just to prevent ruining a pristine surface? Obviously I wouldn’t do this to either one of the Griswolds or the favorite.

 

[Doug D.]

Blast cleaning, with the possible exception of walnut shell or soda, can potentially alter the appearance and patina of both as-cast and polish ground cast iron cookware surfaces. Should not affect seasoning adhesion, though.

 

[SeanD]

What are you going to do with them? Id give it a shot on some of them. Maybe a gentle hand or something........

 

[Greg Brunett]

Thanks Doug and Sean. I’ve got silica sand and glass bead already. The pieces are going to be used and some will be sold. I’m not a fan of methods that aggressive on valuable pieces. These are pitted badly enough on the inside that a little sandblasting is not going to affect the value at all. I just wasn’t sure if the process would have any negative effect on the seasoning. I think I’ll try one today.