Selecting the right rust preventative for heavy castings in warehouse storage is critical. This is because large steel and cast-iron components face elevated corrosion risk during long idle periods. Their mass, complex geometries, and extended exposure to fluctuating warehouse humidity make them especially vulnerable to moisture accumulation and oxygen-driven corrosion.
When heavy castings or large machinery remain in warehouse storage for 12 months or longer, manufacturers should treat corrosion prevention as a system rather than relying on a single product. Furthermore, ZERUST® recommends combining Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings with proper surface preparation and Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology. This delivers reliable, long-term protection.
Long-term rust preventative coatings for heavy castings in warehouse environments
For these applications, the most effective rust preventative for heavy castings in warehouse storage is a long-term, indoor-rated coating designed to withstand humidity for 6 to 12 months or longer. In addition, ZERUST® Axxanol™ A35-8030 is a proven solution for large castings and industrial machinery. It offers up to 5 years‡ of corrosion protection in controlled indoor environments.
This oil-based rust preventative forms a thin, water-repellent barrier that isolates metal surfaces from moisture and oxygen. Despite its durability, the coating remains easy to remove prior to machining, assembly, or commissioning. When removal is required, it can be efficiently cleaned using ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaning products or standard commercial alkaline or solvent cleaners.
Long-Term Rust Preventative for Heavy Castings
ZERUST® Axxanol™ A35-8030 provides up to 5 years‡ of indoor corrosion protection for heavy castings and machinery stored in warehouse environments.
Application best practices for rust preventative performance on heavy castings
Proper application directly impacts performance and service life. Before applying any rust preventative, all metal surfaces should be clean, dry, and free of rust, machining fluids, or debris. Consequently, residual contaminants can trap moisture and reduce protection effectiveness.
Apply the rust preventative by brushing, spraying, or dipping, ensuring full coverage of all exposed surfaces. Additionally, pay special attention to crevices, threads, bolt holes, internal cavities, and machined faces. For large or complex castings where direct coating contact may be limited, ZERUST® also offers VCI-enhanced rust preventative oils. Examples are Axxanol™ 750 and Axxanol™ 758. Furthermore, these products provide dual protection by combining a contact barrier with vapor-phase corrosion inhibitors. These inhibitors migrate into recessed or hard-to-reach areas.
VCI-Enhanced Rust Preventative for Heavy Castings
ZERUST® Axxanol™ 758 combines a protective oil barrier with Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor technology to protect heavy castings and complex machinery in warehouse storage, including hard-to-reach internal surfaces.
Using VCI packaging to enhance rust preventative protection for heavy castings
In warehouse environments with variable humidity, airborne contaminants, or seasonal temperature swings, additional packaging measures further reduce corrosion risk. After coating, heavy castings or machinery can be wrapped or enclosed in ZERUST® ICT® VCI film or bags. This helps protect uncoated surfaces and maintains a corrosion-inhibiting atmosphere around the component.
For extended storage or sensitive equipment, protection can be enhanced by adding ZERUST® ActivPak® or Z-PAK® emitters, and ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA Moisture Control Packets inside the enclosure. These components actively control residual humidity. In addition, they reinforce vapor-phase corrosion protection throughout the storage period.
System-based corrosion protection for warehouse storage
By integrating Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings, AxxaWash™ cleaning solutions, and ICT® VCI packaging technologies, ZERUST® delivers a comprehensive corrosion protection system for heavy castings and machinery in indoor warehouse storage. This system-based approach is supported by the Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology. As a result, it minimizes rework, reduces maintenance costs, and keeps equipment ready for future use or shipment.
For application-specific guidance, manufacturers can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative and identify the most effective rust preventative for heavy castings in warehouse storage.
Speak with a Corrosion Protection Expert
Every storage environment presents unique corrosion risks. Contact ZERUST® to discuss your heavy castings, warehouse conditions, and storage duration with a corrosion expert who can recommend a system-based solution.
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™ 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® VCI Poly Bags provide convenient and proven protection against corrosion damage for metals in shipping and storage. In addition, they are available in ferrous, non-ferrous, anti-tarnish, and multimetal protection types and various zipper, flat, and gusseted sizes.
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.
ActivDri™ PWA Packets are patent-pending, economical, effective, and easy-to-use dual-action, moisture control Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) packets that protect against environmental contaminants and humidity that aggressively corrode metal parts, components, electronics, and electrical components/equipment
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.
