Seasoning help with an “open wound”

[KHazelwood]

I have the lid to a Lodge 4-in-1 that was sitting outdoors for years before I got it. Soaked it in the E-Tank for a few days, hit it with the 0000 steel wool and have applied a few coats of seasoning. I have one area that looked rough coming out of the tank and thought I could heal it over with repeated seasoning. You can see from the pics it has proven resistant, looking for some advice (see pics with “before & “after”) and thanks.

 

[CraigA.]

I'm afraid to say, at least in my experience, that you can't season away physical damage. Rust and time are evil destroyers.

 

[Doug D.]

It would have a better chance of filling in if it was in the primary cooking surface and cooked in regularly.

 

[KHazelwood]

Thanks Craig, what’s the best way then to repair the damage and reseason?

 

[CraigA.]

I would probably try to smooth the rough edges with 0000 steel wool and proceed with seasoning. As Doug said, regularly using this pan will smooth it more in time but I think you'll always know where the damage is.

 

[Doug D.]

Since we use 0000 (and coarser) steel wool to remove rust and carbon without marring the iron, it won't really be much help here. Letting it fill in over time or just using it as-is as a lid are about all you can do.

 

[LVaughn]

Agree with Doug D. That small set of warts won't be a problem. Just season it normally and use it. No worries.