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How to Remove Zinc Phosphate from Frying Pan

Q. I am in the process of seasoning a cast iron pan. I overdid the removal of the old , organic coating making the surface too slick for proper adhesion of the seasoning (which will be baked on consumable oil). So I used some metal etch by POR15 [adv: Por-15 MetalPrep on eBay or Amazon] to solve that problem and results are good. However the bottle says a coating of zinc phosphate will be left behind. I washed the pan in soap and water, then baking soda soak and scrub before the metal etch dried. I read that zinc phosphate can decompose in water. Any other suggestions on how to be certain the zinc phosphate is removed, ideally without any more toxic chemicals?

Anthony Siciliano
- Redding, Connecticut
January 18, 2024

A. Hi Anthony,
Zinc dissolves in mild acids, so I would scour it with vinegar.
Luck & Regards,

pic of Ted Mooney
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

I have used muriatic acid to take the galvanized plating off before welding, so I'll try vinegar.

Anthony siciliano [returning]
- Redding, Connecticut
January 19, 2024

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