Rusty cast iron to heirloom cookware

The renovation story

Surface rust scares people off cast iron, which is exactly why it's the best margin in the kitchen category. Twelve euros of steel wool and flaxseed oil, three seasoning rounds in the oven, and a set that looked like scrap came out slick and black.

DIY guide

1. 1

   Scrub the rust

   Steel wool plus coarse salt cuts surface rust without damaging the iron underneath.

2. 2

   Wash and dry hot

   Quick wash, then dry on a hob burner so no moisture is left in the pores.

3. 3

   Oil thinly

   A teaspoon of flaxseed oil, buffed until the pan looks dry — excess oil makes it sticky.

4. 4

   Bake upside down

   One hour at 230°C, cool in the oven. Repeat three times for a hard black finish.