So, I've been getting things into their final resting place(pics on the way) and was wondering what is the best product to clean and care for a cast iron surface plate? Currently, the surface plate has a coating of what looks like red lead.
I watched a few videos and did some quick searches on the topic and even checked Connelly's book for any mention of what to clean them with and came up some conflicting info. I've read/seen ammonia, mineral spirits, Windex(window cleaner), use way oil, don't use way oil, etc. often with granite surface plates being the main topic. But, when it comes to cleaning and long term storage of cast iron I have not found much.
For storage it came with a single sheet of vci paper but I'm not sure if that paper has a shelf life. Short of ordering a roll I would like to find some more of that, too. Suggestions for any of these questions are appreciated.