Hi Guy, one more suggestion..after the pan gets to 250 degrees, crank the oven up to 500. When the pan is that hot, hit it with your oil of choice. I don't think 250 is hot enough to carbonize. And if you had a bare spot or spots after washing, you'll need to put the pan back in the oven and repeat a few times, or you'll only have one coat covering the bare spots, which isn't enough. Another thing I've been doing that's working well is, once the seasoning is good, after washing I'll heat the pan on top of the stove. Low at first, then medium, then med high. Once it's good and hot, hit it with a short burst of Pam. Wipe it all around with a paper towel, trying to wipe it dry. Use the same oily towel on the bottom and outsides. Nice shiny, black iron when your done. 8-)