Removing marker off a vintage Wagner

[trigger02]

I just grabbed a #6 Wagner Sidney-O skillet at a yard sale last month and it was mostly in good condition. But after a few weeks in the lye tank and lots of scrubbing to get the old seasoning off, I found a problem. Someone wrote some numbers on the bottom, probably with a permanent black marker, and the lye didn't touch them. The rest of the pan is clean now except for these markings. Is there a safe way to get that marker off my skillet without hurting the metal, maybe some rubbing alcohol or a gentle abrasive pad? I really want this pan to be completely clean before I season it.

 

[baileyking]

Just use rubbing alcohol, it can remove the permanent marker. That's what I use at home.

 

[BigBob75]

You can also try acetone-"AKA Nail Polish Remover".

 

[Alan]

How about hair spray? They remove inks although not sure if it will remove permanent markers on cast irons. It might. Just spray it very cloise and then leave for few seconds before wiping it off.

 

[trigger02]

Thanks! The rubbing alcohol works. I was hesitant to use any products as it might destroy the cast iron.

 

[KenH]

I don't think you have to worry about damaging the cast iron - that stuff is pretty tough. The seasoning is a different matter, but it's still not terribly fragile.