How do I properly season a cast iron pan?

Start by washing the pan with warm soapy water and drying it completely, either with a towel or briefly on the stove over low heat. Then apply a very thin layer of oil with a high smoke point, like flaxseed, vegetable, or Crisco, all over the pan including the outside and handle. Wipe off as much oil as you can with a clean cloth so only a barely visible layer remains. Place it upside down in an oven at 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour, with foil on the rack below to catch drips. Let it cool in the oven. Repeat this process three to four times to build a solid initial seasoning layer.