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Author Topic: That dreaded carbon  (Read 6188 times)

Offline Donna Manion

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That dreaded carbon
« on: February 18, 2017, 04:56:08 PM »
If, after a thorough bathing in a lye tub, there is still some carbon on my pan, what to do?  I have no E-tank.

1--Use a ss pad and elbow grease (I have less elbow grease than some of you brawnier types)
2--Scrub and then season over it?  Would I have an inferior result if there was still some carbon on the pan?

Thanks!
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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2017, 06:13:03 PM »
Quote
If, after a thorough bathing in a lye tub, there is still some carbon on my pan, what to do?  I have no E-tank.

1--Use a ss pad and elbow grease (I have less elbow grease than some of you brawnier types)
2--Scrub and then season over it?  Would I have an inferior result if there was still some carbon on the pan?

Thanks!

[size=14]Restoring a piece of Cast Iron Cookware is a Two (2) Step Process:

1.   Removing old seasoning/crud/ and other gunk with a Lye Bath

2.   De-rusting a piece. (Electrolysis OR a 50/50, White Vinegar / Water soak, with checks every 30 minutes, as vinegar is acidic and will eat the iron if left in too long).

In many instances, the 'black' spots may really be hidden rust (black converted rust on top layer, bad 'red' rust underneath.)

To test a spot:  After scrubbing, spray 100% White Vinegar on the spot, allow to sit for 2 minutes or so.  Scrub over it with SS Scrubbie and cold water trickle.  What Color is washing off in the rinse water?

[/size]





« Last Edit: February 18, 2017, 06:13:32 PM by lillyc »
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Offline Russell Ware

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2017, 08:45:23 PM »
I agree with Cheryl that black flecks of old seasoning can indicate some hidden rust. If your lye bath is still not removing all of the old seasoning, try using a stainless steel dental pick to remove the spot. Some of them just pop right off. Some just need more time in the lye or a stronger concentration of lye.
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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2017, 09:53:50 PM »
 Or... Auto Pick Tools, gently used of course...

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Offline Donna Manion

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2017, 11:47:21 PM »
I think I didn't explain myself very well.  I have removed all gunk in the lye tub.  There is no rust.  The iron is clean and gray all except for a few black smudges that I understand are carbon.

After quite a bit of scrubbing with a SS pad and Dawn, if the black smudge doesn't give way, is there something else I should try?

Or--is it OK to go ahead and season it?

Thanks...
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Offline Stuart Lowery

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2017, 01:16:50 AM »
Quote
I think I didn't explain myself very well...
Donna, a picture is worth a thousand words... ;)
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Offline Donna Manion

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2017, 03:42:42 AM »
I already seasoned it but will post a pic the next time it happens, which I'm sure it will!
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Offline Donna Manion

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2017, 05:45:22 PM »
OK, I've been working one two more that have carbon on them. 

I soaked all the residue off them in my lye tub.
I scrubbed and scrubbed with an SS pad and Dawn.
I soaked in my vinegar solution 30 minutes; no rest evident.
I scrubbed some more with SS pad and Dawn.
I scrubbed with some straight vinegar.
I scrubbed with a fine SS pad and soap.
I used a Magic Eraser and got more color off until it ran clean or is a little green.
More Dawn.
I dried with a towel quickly.

I took these photos after drying and before slapping a little Pam on them to prevent flash rust.
Photo 1 and 2 are of an old Victor.
Photo 3 is a WW with size # only at 6:00.

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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2017, 06:18:16 PM »
I only see one picture.. :)
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Offline Donna Manion

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2017, 06:42:09 PM »
Trying again...
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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2017, 06:54:01 PM »
What type of "lye" are you using, and how did you mix it? (ratio)...
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Offline Donna Manion

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2017, 07:45:28 PM »
100% sodium hydroxide mixed 5 gal. H20 to 1 lb. lye.

These pans were caked with gunk, but it all scraped off with a spatula after a few days in the lye.  The carbon patches felt smooth to the touch even before the scrubbing (and scrubbing and scrubbing).  There was nothing left to scrape off....

I'm told that sometimes carbon will not come off except with an e-tank...is that right?
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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2017, 08:08:19 PM »
That is why I luv my electro's. I rarely see that amount of carbon on my pieces. (There is always the rare exception)

In fact, the weather has turned so balmy, I will probably fill one up tomorrow and start 'really' cleaning some iron... :)

I mix my lye tanks double strength... but also practice rigorous safety precautions with chem gloves, apron and full face shield at all times.
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Offline Donna Manion

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2017, 09:20:36 PM »
Cheryl, if I added more lye to my tub, would it remove carbon?  No sense doing it if it won't help.

Not balmy here!  I finally bought an immersible aquarium heater for my lye tub, and it helped a lot!


Also, what happens if you go ahead and season over some carbon that won't budge?
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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2017, 10:19:32 PM »
Shouldn't hurt a thing... will cook just fine! :)
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Offline Jim Glatthaar

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #15 on: February 22, 2017, 11:41:44 PM »
Donna, I would add the extra lye.  Like Cheryl, I generally can clean any cast iron emerging from my double strength lye baths with minimal scrubbing. ;)
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Offline Donna Manion

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #16 on: February 23, 2017, 01:52:03 AM »
Thanks, Cheryl and Jim.  I'll go get some more lye tomorrow.  All this scrubbing is wearing me out!
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Offline Jeff McGrady

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #17 on: February 23, 2017, 12:05:04 PM »
Quote
Donna, I would add the extra lye.  Like Cheryl, I generally can clean any cast iron emerging from my double strength lye baths with minimal scrubbing. ;)

[size=12]Donna, and all,
Hope you won't mind my posting a question on this existing thread:

When adding additional lye to an existing bath, does it require any mixing/agitation to incorporate and yield desired results, or can one simply dump it in?[/size]
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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #18 on: February 23, 2017, 06:05:38 PM »
Yes.  I always stir while mixing.  Clumping sometimes occurs.

I have several lengths of PVC that work well for stirring.

I also have a large SS paddle that I can use.  (needed that for my electro)

« Last Edit: February 23, 2017, 06:09:14 PM by lillyc »
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Offline Jeff McGrady

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Re: That dreaded carbon
« Reply #19 on: February 24, 2017, 04:51:38 PM »
[size=12]OK, thank you!

(Quite a nice set-up you have, there!)[/size]
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