Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

If you want to know how do you season a Lodge cast iron skillet, the short answer is this: wash off the factory coating, dry the pan completely, rub on a thin layer of oil, and bake it upside down at high heat. Repeat the oiling and baking a few times and you will have a dark, slick, rust-resistant cooking surface. The whole process takes about an hour of active work plus cooling time.

What You Need Before You Start

Seasoning works best when the pan is clean and bare. Lodge skillets ship with a protective coating, so the first job is removing it.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet Review: Pros and Cons.

  • Warm water and a stiff brush or nylon scrubber
  • Mild dish soap (a short scrub is fine for a new pan)
  • A lint-free towel and a stove burner for drying
  • A high smoke-point oil such as flaxseed, grapeseed, canola or vegetable shortening
  • Aluminum foil and a baking sheet

How to Prepare the Pan

Wash the skillet with warm water and soap, then scrub off any waxy or sticky residue. Rinse and dry it right away. Set it on a burner over low heat for two to three minutes so every trace of moisture evaporates. Water left in the pores is the most common reason seasoning peels or flakes later.

How to Apply the Oil and Bake the Seasoning

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a sheet of foil on the bottom rack to catch drips.
  2. Pour about a teaspoon of oil into the skillet. Rub it over every surface, inside and out, including the handle and the underside.
  3. Wipe with a clean paper towel until the pan looks almost dry. A thin layer is what you want. Excess oil turns sticky and gummy.
  4. Place the skillet upside down on the upper rack so drips fall away from the pan.
  5. Bake for one hour, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside it.

How Many Coats Does a Lodge Skillet Need?

One coat gives you a start, but a durable surface takes several. Repeat the oiling and baking steps three to five times. Each round builds a harder, darker layer. After the first two or three coats, the pan will look more uniformly black and will release food more easily.

Stage Oven temp Time
Each seasoning coat 450°F (230°C) 60 minutes
Cool down Off, door closed Until cool
Total coats 3 to 5 rounds About 4 to 6 hours

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using too much oil, which leaves a sticky, uneven finish
  • Skipping the drying step, which traps moisture under the seasoning
  • Baking at a low temperature, which cures the oil poorly
  • Placing the pan right-side up, which lets oil pool and drip
  • Cooking acidic foods such as tomato sauce too early, before the seasoning is established

A large sheet of foil on the bottom rack catches oil drips and keeps your oven clean. A dedicated pan brush helps spread a thin, even coat of oil across the skillet. For regular maintenance, a stiff nylon scrubber removes food residue without stripping the finish.

  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil roll: keeps oven drips off the racks. View on Amazon
  • Silicone cooking oil brush: spreads a thin, even layer of oil. View on Amazon
  • Nylon cast iron scrubber: cleans without removing seasoning. View on Amazon

Tips for Long-Lasting Seasoning

  • Cook fatty foods like bacon or sausage early on to build up the surface naturally.
  • Dry the pan on the stove after every wash, then wipe on a film of oil.
  • Avoid soaking the skillet in water for long periods.
  • If you see sticky spots, wipe them off and bake again at 450°F for an hour.

FAQ

Do I have to remove the factory coating before seasoning?

Yes. Lodge skillets come with a protective coating that prevents rust during shipping. Wash it off with warm, soapy water before you apply any oil.

Which oil works best for seasoning a Lodge skillet?

Flaxseed, grapeseed, canola and vegetable shortening are all commonly used. Choose an oil with a high smoke point and apply only a very thin layer.

Why is my new seasoning sticky?

Sticky seasoning usually means too much oil was applied. Wipe the surface well before baking, and bake longer if needed to cure the layer.

Conclusion

To season a Lodge cast iron skillet, clean and dry it fully, apply a thin coat of oil, and bake it upside down at 450°F. Repeat several times for a durable, nonstick surface. With regular oiling after each use, the seasoning will keep improving for years.

Ready to choose one?

Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our cookware & knives guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.