Lye after electrolysis OK?

[Chris Sogge]

I am restoring a pan that seems to have mostly rust issues.  I am hopeful that I can just use electrolysis to remove the rust, as well as the carbon that's on it.

I want to make sure that there are no issues about possibly using lye after electrolysis.  I've gathered that a lot of people do lye followed by electrolysis.

In the past, I've sometimes had problems removing a few stubborn small patches of old seasoning just using electrolysis.

Thanks!

[C. Perry Rapier]

Hello Chris. Electro will remove rust and it will remove carbon, and it will do a good job. But using electro to remove carbon is overkill, IMO. If your piece has carbon use the lye bath to remove the carbon and then use electro, just like you pointed out that you have read here. The lye process is cheaper, takes a little longer but it is very thorough and does an excellent job. Its kinda like killin flies, you can use a 12 gauge shotgun and it will do an excellent job, or you can use a fly swatter, they both do the job well. Its up to the user.  :)