Author Topic: New flea Market find (Read 2036 times)

Lee Bowen · « **on:** January 05, 2020, 05:23:44 PM »

Went back to The Old Security Square Flea Market today and found this Turk's Head Pan with a glossy, dark brown coating that looks like someone applied with a can of spray paint, because of some runs around the outside edge. Really does not look like a factory-enamel piece.
The pan itself measures 9-15/16" X 13-3/8" with 2 tabs measuring 7/8" X 2-1/8". The cups are 2-11/16" in diameter and approximately 7/8" deep. There is a 1/4" lip running around the perimeter of the pan. Close inspection reveals no identifying marks, names, numbers or gate marks.
Attached should be top and bottom photos. Any info about this piece would be greatly appreciated.

Christian Andersen · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2020, 07:09:44 PM »

Nice find! I was just looking around for a cheddar/jalapeño biscuit recipe.
But good grief, who spray paints cast iron?!
(Probably happens more than I realize)

Duke Gilleland · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2020, 06:05:58 AM »

Spray Paint...You would be surprised :-/ Not all folks prize old iron like we do. Heard more than once gives that wall hanger decor the "old used look"! :'( Am sure that more than once food has been fried or baked on paint thinking it was patina/seasoning :'(

Lee Bowen · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2020, 07:51:32 AM »

Working on the assumption that this is paint, what would be the best method of removing it? I hesitate using a chemical stripper, not knowing if that would soak into the pores of the pan itself. Steel wool and a putty knife with lots of elbow grease, while tedious, might be the best route.
Other than the layer of paint(?), the pan as a whole appears to be in good shape, and should be a good user, if there are no toxins from the non-standard coating.

Russell Ware · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2020, 03:37:43 PM »

If you have a lye bath, start with that. A putty knife will only damage the pan. Cheryl (here on WAGS) has used a certain brand of paint stripper before. Maybe she'll see this thread and chime in.

Lye has worked for me several times. Yes, people love to paint cast iron.

Lee Bowen · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2020, 04:31:14 PM »

Lye will be my first avenue to pursue. After a scrubbing with warm water and a Scotch-brite scouring pad to clean it up a bit, the coating actually appears to be a low-temperature or short time seasoning attempt. The bottom of the pan is glossy and the top, where the batter is poured, is a duller finish. The scrubbing removed stuck-on batter, so it was used at least once after whatever process was utilized..

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2020, 06:13:22 PM »

Lee, first off.... Magnet test this pan... my eyes are seeing something 'strange'.

Make certain it is CI, not Aluminum (Magnet will NOT stick)...

If Aluminum, give a holler because cleaning would be VERY different.

If verify Cast Iron, then my first step would be the Lye Bath.

Note: NO GREEN SCOTCHBRITE PADS!!! <cluck,cluck......>

Depending on coatings (type of paint, clearcoat, etc), if the lye bath does not strip it, then it is time for the 'Big Guns' ! ;D

I use ZipStrip with MC (Methylchloride)....

So far, that has worked on all kinds of paints to date....

Use only in well ventilated area, preferably outdoors. May need to coat more than one time. I usually wipe off bubbled paint with paper towels before scrubbing with Soap and Water.

Cast Iron will Not absorb anything.

It is not pourous like a sponge. The surface is sealed / solid.....

I would not be surprised to see some markings/clues, once it is cleaned up!

:) :)

Lee Bowen · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2020, 07:31:43 PM »

Cheryl, the magnet sticks. This thing weighs 7.25lbs/3.287 kg. I might have been a little hasty seeing a painted surface, but the external coating is not normal, thus the quandary.
Please advise. :)

Lee Bowen · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2020, 07:42:42 PM »

Cheryl, what should I use instead of the Scotchbrite pads? After we wear them out in the kitchen, I use them on my cast iron, because they are really soft and don't scratch the surface. I swore off stainless steel pads a long time ago, shortly after finding this wonderful storehouse of information concerning my favorite addiction-Cast Iron.!!

Russell Ware · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2020, 08:28:13 PM »

Lee, about the only thing I use on cast iron is stainless steel wool pads. What have you heard that makes you not want to use them?

Scotchbright pads have aluminum oxide particles in them. That is the same component found in fine sandpaper and polishing cloths. We do not recommend using them, especially on old iron. Preserve the original casting surface. Don't scrub it away with abrasive pads.

Lee Bowen · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2020, 08:56:22 PM »

Nothing against them, just concerned with the hard edges of the pads leaving scratch marks in the CI. Did not know that the Scotchbright pads contained aluminum in any form, but really appreciate the info and advice. Thanks heaps.

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2020, 12:20:23 PM »

Quote

Cheryl, what should I use instead of the Scotchbrite pads? After we wear them out in the kitchen, I use them on my cast iron, because they are really soft and don't scratch the surface. I swore off stainless steel pads a long time ago, shortly after finding this wonderful storehouse of information concerning my favorite addiction-Cast Iron.!!

Lee, I use the 3M SS Scotch Brite Scrubbies....

Duke Gilleland · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2020, 03:29:24 PM »

Lee, just noticed Old Security Square Flea Market. Texas 105...The route of perpetual yard sales, flea markets and JUNK in general. Years ago hunted with hounds all over that country, especially in the National Forest around Bear Creek. Many fond memories [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Lee Bowen · « **Reply #13 on:** January 09, 2020, 03:54:09 PM »

Cheryl, thanks for the tip. I'll use them in the future. You mentioned seeing something 'strange'. Could you elaborate, please?
Duke, every once in a while, a blind hog does find an acorn, but you hit the nail on the head with the JUNK part of it. I see the same stuff almost every time we go there, but occasionally, I find a Magnalite pot, a Hull Oven Proof platter or bowl, an Old Hickory wooden handled knife, or a good deal on an old CI skillet. A couple of weeks ago, I scored a recently restored Lodge solid heat ring #8 in great shape for $5. Gave it to my nephew for Christmas. :)

Duke Gilleland · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2020, 07:46:45 AM »

We have a flea market 15 miles east of Ft Hood. Because of the great influx of people from all parts of the world to Hood, you see all kinds of stuff. A few years ago on a cold morning I broke through ice in a tub to look at some cheap silverware. There in among the cheap was a heavy pewter handled knife. A close look revealed a tiny Nazi swastika stamped on it :o! .25 cents. It about the hunt!

Lee Bowen · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2020, 10:37:18 AM »

A good friend of mine, Larry Wilson< calls it "Looking for Treasures." My personal attraction/addiction to Cast Iron started in the Hill Street Thrift Store in the Lakewood, CA area in 2006 when I spotted a small piece of CI sticking out from under several layers of Pyrex, Fire King and Corning Ware. When I pulled it out, I discovered a Griswold "ERIE" large logo 712 oval griddle marked $5. After the purchase we looked it up in either the Red or Blue Book, and it was priced at $150. Instant addiction. I was offered $10 for it before we reached the checkout, but I still have the griddle. Happy hunting!! ;D

David Burns · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2020, 09:37:20 PM »

Replying to a slightly old thread here, but it's worth remembering that electrolysis will remove almost any kind of coating including paint.

Electrolysis is also non-toxic. At least, if you choose the right components.

The methylene chloride referenced above is an excellent paint stripper. It is also so toxic it is now banned from consumer sales. It caused dozens of deaths over the years, and these were not Darwin-award style goofballs. If you use it ventilate well and avoid any kind of confined space - people have been killed stripping a bathtub, for example.

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2020, 10:48:05 PM »

Only a few weeks old, this thread... :) :)

Anything with Methylene Chloride should be used with the understanding that ventilation is critical.

I see the "ban on all Consumer Sales" has only just occurred on Nov. 2019.
I have found that many of the non-MC strippers simply don't work, so I guess I will be scrambling to try to stockpile some. Since this covers consumer products, hopefully I will still be able to get Industrial Products.

I prefer to NOT potentially contaminate my electrolysis units with unknown paint compositions. I have encountered some paints that electrolysis was... well, not 100% effective, so I employ alternative measures.

Russell Ware · « **Reply #18 on:** February 07, 2020, 08:25:05 AM »

Don't forget that in order for electrolysis to work, you still have to make a clean spot on whatever you are trying to clean. If you don't, it either will not work or you will get a light show of sparks that can potentially leave marks on the item to be cleaned or short out your charger.

David Burns · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2020, 02:24:12 AM »

Quote

I see the "ban on all Consumer Sales" has only just occurred on Nov. 2019.
I have found that many of the non-MC strippers simply don't work, so I guess I will be scrambling to try to stockpile some. Since this covers consumer products, hopefully I will still be able to get Industrial Products.

I prefer to NOT potentially contaminate my electrolysis units with unknown paint compositions. I have encountered some paints that electrolysis was... well, not 100% effective, so I employ alternative measures.

Hi Cheryl,
You might be able to buy the methylene chloride stripper at McMaster-Carr or another industrial supplier. Anyone who is squared away on ventilation and PPE, as you obviously are, will be fine with this stuff. Get a gallon or two, the nanny state will only get worse.

WRT contaminating the electrolysis setup, I have always used fresh solutions for each electrolysis session. The concentration of electrolyte is so low that cost is not an issue, so contamination would not bother me.

Anyway, the OP was concerned about toxicity, and electrolysis is a non-toxic solution that may work for his problem. Which raises the question ... Lee, how has it turned out???

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Author Topic: New flea Market find (Read 2036 times)