To protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage, a strategic combination of environmental control, surface preparation, and protective coatings is required. Even indoor environments can promote corrosion if humidity or airborne contaminants are present. To minimize risk, maintaining relative humidity (RH) below 50% is recommended, along with stable temperatures to prevent condensation. Ensuring that metal surfaces remain above the dew point helps eliminate the formation of moisture that initiates corrosion.
Surface preparation is the next critical step to effectively protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage. Before applying any rust preventative coating, it is essential to ensure that surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Contaminants such as machining fluids, fingerprints, and mill scale should be removed using a compatible ZERUST® AxxaWash™ product, commercial alkaline, or solvent cleaner. After cleaning, parts should be rinsed, dried, and handled only with clean, dry gloves to avoid recontamination. Proper surface preparation ensures the best adhesion and performance of subsequent rust preventative coatings.
Once surfaces are clean, apply a temporary protective coating to form a physical barrier that prevents moisture and oxygen from reaching the metal surface. ZERUST® offers a comprehensive range of Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings to meet varying protection needs. Axxanol™ oil-based coatings, such as Axxanol™ 33, Axxanol™ A35-8030, and Axxanol™ A35-30, provide economical and easy-to-apply protection for up to 12 months to 3 years‡, depending on the environment. For long-term storage or when added film strength is required, Axxanol™ grease-based coatings, including Axxanol™ Spray-G and Axxanol™ Z-Maxx, offer heavy-duty protection lasting up to 3 years‡. For applications that demand vapor corrosion protection in addition to contact protection, VCI-enhanced coatings such as Axxanol™ 750 and Axxanol™ 758 contain vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) molecules that migrate to protect hard-to-reach surfaces. All coatings can be easily removed before use or further processing with ZERUST® AxxaWash™ cleaning products, or with standard alkaline or solvent cleaners.
For optimal long-term indoor protection, coatings should be combined with ZERUST® ICT® VCI packaging materials. Large parts can be enclosed in ZERUST® ICT® VCI film, available in sheets, bags, or rolls, which continuously emit corrosion-inhibiting vapors to protect exposed metal surfaces. When stacking components, interleave with ZERUST® ICT® VCI paper to prevent contact corrosion. For enclosed totes, ZERUST® VCI emitters such as Vapor Capsules, ActivPak®, or Z-PAK® can be added to maintain a protective vapor corrosion inhibitor throughout the enclosure. Sealing the packaging as tightly as possible ensures that the corrosion-inhibiting atmosphere remains effective for extended durations.
By combining Axxanol™ protective coatings with ZERUST® ICT® VCI packaging technologies and proper environmental control practices, manufacturers can effectively prevent corrosion on large fabricated parts during long-term indoor storage. This integrated approach, supported by the ZERUST® Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology, ensures reliable, cost-effective protection that maintains the integrity and readiness of stored components until they are needed for use or assembly. For guidance on selecting the best solution for your needs, you can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
AxxaWash™ KF-121 is a low foam, alkaline, water-based metal cleaner that effectively removes light to medium-duty hydrocarbon soils from ferrous substrates. Additionally, it also serves as the ideal metal cleaner for applications requiring low temperatures.
AxxaWash™ KF-122 is a low-foaming, heavy-duty alkaline, water-based cleaner compatible with very hard water in a wide range of operating temperatures. Additionally, it also maintains low foaming under spray conditions.
ZERUST®/EXCOR® AxxaWash™ KF-123 is a low-foaming, mildly alkaline, high-performance water-based industrial parts washer that is designed for cleaning ferrous substrates. In addition, AxxaWash™ KF-123 provides flash-rust inhibition.
AxxaWash™ KF-124 is a low-foaming, mildly alkaline, water-based degreaser & cleaner with low operating temperatures. In addition to cleaning, AxxaWash™ KF-124 provides flash-rust inhibition.
AxxaWash™ KMS-220 is a low foam, low temperature, mildly alkaline water-based part cleaner with excellent oil-splitting capabilities. In addition, AxxaWash™ KMS-220 provides flash-rust inhibition.
AxxaWash™ KMS-305AL is a low foam, low temperature, alkaline water-based aluminum part cleaner designed for use with aluminum and ferrous metals in spray systems with its excellent oil-splitting capabilities.
AxxaWash™ KMS-310AL is a low-foaming, alkaline, water-based aluminum and ferrous cleaner that’s designed to be used in immersion, ultrasonic, spray, or drum washer processes.
Axxanol™ 33 is a rust preventative oil that forms a light oily film, providing powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ A35-8030 is a long-term rust preventative oil that forms a light, thin, oily film. As a result, it provides powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments, such as salt air and humidity. In addition to corrosion protection, it provides lubricating properties that help reduce friction and support smooth assembly and disassembly of metal parts.
Axxanol™ A35-30 is an oil-based, non-staining rust preventative that forms a light, oily, clear film with excellent water-barrier properties. As a result, it provides powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments, such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ Spray-G is a sprayable rust preventative grease that provides the protection of a grease in the convenience of a sprayable form. It’s designed to protect metal parts, equipment, and assemblies during long-term indoor and outdoor storage and challenging overseas shipping applications where a removable coating is essential.
Axxanol™ Z-Maxx Anti-Corrosion Grease Series consists of two products, Axxanol™ Z-Maxx and Z-Maxx LV. Z-Maxx is a thick NLGI 2 grease and is also offered as a lower viscosity (LV) NLGI 0 grease that is designed for spreadability and light lubrication properties.
Axxanol™ 750 is a rust prevention spray containing Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI). When shipped or stored in enclosed packaging, Axxanol™ 750 forms a clear, thin, oily film that provides a moisture barrier and contact inhibitor with ZERUST® VCI chemistry that migrates to metal surfaces in hard-to-reach voids, crevices, and chambers, providing powerful corrosion protection.
Axxanol™ 758 is a rust prevention oil containing ZERUST® Intelligent Counter-Corrosion Technologies (ICT®), which consists of high-performance non-staining contact inhibitor with dual-action slow and fast release Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI). When shipped or stored in enclosed packaging, Axxanol™ 758 VCI oil forms a clear, thin, oily film that provides a moisture barrier and contact inhibitor with ZERUST® VCI chemistry that migrates to metal surfaces in hard-to-reach voids, crevices, and chambers providing long-lasting corrosion protection.
ICT®510-C VCI Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against rust and corrosion damage for metal assets in shipping and storage. Additionally, it’s available in ferrous, non-ferrous, and multimetal formulations, as well as various-sized rolls, sheets, tubing, and bags.
ICT®420 is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper that merges the practicality and cost-efficiency of paper-based packaging with advanced corrosion protection. Consequently, it streamlines the preservation of metals during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
Vapor Capsules are portable VCI emitter diffusers containing proven ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI). They protect metals in hard-to-reach areas of control panels, electrical cabinets, or other enclosed spaces from corrosion, even when they are in operation. Additionally, use these VCI emitter diffusers as a supplement to other ZERUST® VCI packaging products for added protection.
ActivPak® is a versatile and powerful fast-acting VCI sachet designed to address flash rust and corrosion concerns in demanding scenarios, including overseas shipping and polluted factory environments.
Z-PAK® is an economical, effective, and easy-to-use vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) diffuser packet that can be used alone or, more typically, with other ZERUST® packaging products to provide robust temporary corrosion protection for ferrous metals during shipment, storage, or work-in-progress.
