Q: Last weekend I found that my guests scraped up my wok by using the wrong tongs. Now it's showing signs of rust and I was wondering if there was any product or way to repair it? It has a lot of sentimental value since it was given to me as gift from my mom four years ago.
Sent by Juan
Editor: Juan, it's hard for me to tell from the photos, but it looks like your wok is nonstick. Does it have a Teflon or other nonstick coating on it? If it's nonstick, then it is probably not repairable. In fact, it's best not to use nonstick woks at all, as they are not good for high heat, and all stir-fry cooking is done over high heat.
If, though, your wok is actually stainless or carbon steel, then follow Grace Young's instructions here to give your wok a "facial" —
• How To Season Your Wok (or Give It a Facial)
Readers, any advice?
Related: Can I Rescue a Nonstick Pan That Has Lost Its Coating?
(Image: Juan via The Kitchn's submission form)
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Elizabeth Apron fro...
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
That looks like a Teflon coating. Do yourself a favor and buy a carbon steel wok and learn how to keep it seasoned. No nasty chemicals to worry about and it'll last forever. Mine dates back to 1978.
I think if you find this wok to be of sentimental value you would honor your mother by selecting and purchasing a regular wok that will last forever.
If it's rusting, it's time to retire Mom's gift. Maybe you can hang it on the wall in the kitchen.
@ATN654 - rust is no reason to throw out a wok/pot, it can be restored. This looks like scratched teflon, throw it out! ingesting teflon is toxic! If mom is still around, buy yourselves matching cast iron or carbon steel woks and season them. Give one to mom as a gift! If mom isnt around anymore, repurpose the wok in the home or garden.
Murder your guests. Use their toenails to repair your wok. Alternatively: purchase new wok.
Operator, I'm referring to this particular pan that Juan is writing about. So if it's rusting, chances are the teflon coating is coming off too. Scratched teflon is just scratched, it's when the teflon is flaking/chipping and could end up in food that it's toxic.
actually, its also the adhesive used to "glue" the teflon to the pan that becomes toxic during consumption. If said wok has significant sentimental value, maybe remove the handles and use it as a center piece on the table for holding fruit, veggies, flowers etc...