How can you restore the smooth finish on a ceramic-coated pan?

I burned something on our small pan a while ago. Soaking didn't loosen the stuff much and I wound up having to scrape off the mess. The result is that the surface is no longer smooth and non-stick. Is there any way to restore the finish?

  5 answers
  • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Jul 21, 2017

    If you damaged the surface there's probably no home remedies to fix it.


    If you still have carbonized residue you're trying to cope with, then put the pan on the stove with some water in it. When it comes to a boil, dump a generous portion of baking soda in it (it will bubble up, so be prepared). Turn off the burner and let set until cool

    • Barrie Templeton Barrie Templeton on Jul 22, 2017

      I did the baking soda treatment initially, which took off the carbonisation, but left the surface rough. Thanks for the advice.

  • Peg Peg on Jul 21, 2017

    I don't think you can restore the finish once it is removed. You may be better off just replacing the pan. There are better pans sold now that basically nothing will harm them. I just bought one and wished I had not bought a whole set of new cookware recently.

    • Barrie Templeton Barrie Templeton on Jul 22, 2017

      Yeah, we thought this was one of those indestructable pans. It wasn't cheap, either.

      Bottom line: there probably is nothing available that can't be harmed.

  • Hoosierphilly Hoosierphilly on Jul 22, 2017

    Try simmering water in it 10 minutes or so then clean.

  • Connie Connie on Jul 23, 2017

    maybe the pan has a warranty and can be replaced at minimal cost

  • Major Headrush Major Headrush on Apr 30, 2019

    I would get finer grades of automotive body work sand paper and smooth it... and then use finishing compound to really make it smooth... but make sure you dont go through the coating