How safe is buying used cast iron utensils for home use.

[Christopher Miller]

I have been to many estate/garage sales and seen many cast iron cooking utensils that appear to have been spray painted black to make them look new or seasoned.  I have also read a post here where someone said they were going to use a pot for smelting lead.
How do you safeguard yourself from using a utensil that has been misused.   Some issues would be quite evident but many would be hidden.
Sincerely
Chris Miller

[Jim Glatthaar]

Chris, I stip any old seasoning (or paint if there is any) and re-season before I use them.  I season everything I own except for waffle iron bases which are Japaned.

As far as using a pot previously used for smelting lead, I would not use it.

[Cheryl Watson]

I follow a rigorous regimen when restoring....

If I spot lead or solder residue, it will never be used.

I have two pieces right now that deserve to be restored due to their unique qualities and age, but never will be used to cook with.

If paint is involved, I use an industrial strength stripper first. 

I have a high degree of confidence in my restoration abilities, and have never felt the need to even buy a lead test kit, which seems to be all the rage right now.

I strip and restore every single piece that I acquire.. because... you never know where it's been, or what it has been used for over the years....... :)