Is It A Process, Or Is It Paint?

R

Roland B.

Member
I just had to ask: I see CI for sale on some websites, where the sellers are consistent not only with inventory, but with the appearance of their inventory. Having made a few rounds at swap meets, flea markets and yard sales, I respect the work that is put in to turning an iron trough into kitchenware, and admire the results. But there's something that just doesn't jibe with me, and that is "their" uncanny ability to take items with disparaging flaws and conditions, and make them appear consistently black and beautiful. That takes SOME work, and time is money. I've asked several of them about their process, and received one response, to wit: "Thank you for your interest in my cast iron.;-)", so I ask for your learned opinions - is it process or is it paint?
 
Thank you for that link, Eric.:tasty: I've been over that several times in my quest for a solution. You see, I've been over quite a few pans lately practically applying what I can gleam from there, and I still come up with inconsistencies in color, and that stands in contrast to the near-perfectly identical results I see from some of these sellers - matte-black finishes that seem to have come from a spray can! There's one particular seller on Etsy who exhibits several pans at a time, all looking identical except in size, and one on eBay. They're beautiful! This is what gets me - they're in the business of restoring cast iron for profit, ergo they must keep an eye on overhead, the biggest cost coming from labor. How are they processing that iron so as to achieve near-identical results while staying profitable?:shootself: I want my iron to look as beautiful as theirs - am I wrong to want such a thing?!?:-P
 
As carbon residue-free as possible using lye, electro, vinegar, Evapo-rust, elbow grease. High heat ~500F to darken iron before applying seasoning. High heat to carbonize seasoning oil and artificially darken it. Repetition of multiple applications.

You also might note, if it's the site I think you're referring to, there's a hefty profit margin in those prices.
 
EDIT - removing what I said in this post originally because it doesn't add value over Doug's post, which was made while I was drafting mine.
 
With respects to The Rolling Stones -
"I see my skil-lets and I want them coated black!"...
I knew I'd seen it somewhere before, but didn't mention it:redface: because I'd have no reference if asked: Posted on 9-23/2017 titled "Good Day At The Auction" by Greg Brunett, you'll find more than one reference to paint.:p So, it does happen, even if 99% of dealers/sellers are reputable.;) Thank you Doug, for your synopsis!:-) Now it's back to the oven for me, and more layers of oil for my pans!
 
Roland B. said:
With respects to The Rolling Stones -
"I see my skil-lets and I want them coated black!"...
I knew I'd seen it somewhere before, but didn't mention it:redface: because I'd have no reference if asked: Posted on 9-23/2017 titled "Good Day At The Auction" by Greg Brunett, you'll find more than one reference to paint.:p So, it does happen, even if 99% of dealers/sellers are reputable.;) Thank you Doug, for your synopsis!:-) Now it's back to the oven for me, and more layers of oil for my pans!
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Yes sir! I strip almost everything and start over with it any ways. I fried 2 eggs in the puritan I bought at the same auction as the griswold crispy corn pan at. Why? I felt good about it. I scrubbed it and washed it then made lunch in it.

More than one thing I have bought has been painted.
 
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