Vent: Took me 3 years to figure out I was using too much oil when seasoning

I always went with the 'more is better' approach and ended up with sticky, gummy pans every single time. Then last month at a swap meet in Austin, a guy named Pete who restores old Wagners told me to wipe the oil off like I made a mistake putting it on. Tried his trick with my #10 skillet and got a glass-smooth finish on the first try. Anyone else fight the urge to use a thick coat?

2 comments

2 Comments

dylanwilliams27d ago

Bruh yes! I did the same thing for way too long. Used to think a thick coat meant better protection but nah it just turned into a sticky nightmare. That "wipe it off like you messed up" tip changed the game for me too, first pan I did that way came out looking like glass.

simonw4127d ago

Man that 'more is better' mindset got me too for the longest time. I had a #8 Griswold that was just a sticky mess for like a year before someone told me basically the same thing - wipe it like you're trying to get it all off. It felt so wrong at first but man it worked perfect. That swap meet guy Pete sounds like a legend, those old timer restorers always have the best tips nobody talks about. I still catch myself wanting to glop on a thick coat sometimes out of habit but nope, thin thin thin is the secret.