two cast iron pans, lightly rusted image of the smaller of the cast iron pans image of the larger of the two pans

Hi all, thought a nice thing to do for my dad for his birthday would be to restore the two cast iron pans he uses. I’ve attached pictures of the two, which basically show rust wearing through, particularly on the smaller of these. I’ve read conflicting advice (abraid back with steel wool on the specific areas Vs strip with lye all over and fully reseason). I have minimal experience, so was wondering what the right approach is likely to be? Thanks in advance!

  • Today@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    3 months ago

    I have my great grandma’s pans. I’ve always just used steel wool to fix rough spots.

  • buycurious@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    3 months ago

    If the seasoning is looking good everywhere else on the pans, I’d just steel wool and season the new patch.

    You could strip to bare metal and start over, but the downside is that you’ll undo all the other years of seasoning that’s taken place.

  • Geometrinen_GepardiEnglish
    5·
    3 months ago

    I would first scrape the chunks off with a steel spatula or scraper, then finish with fine-ish sandpaper before reseasoning.