To protect steel components stored in an unheated warehouse, a deliberate corrosion management strategy focused on controlling moisture, temperature fluctuations, and environmental contaminants is required. Even when indoors, unheated storage areas often experience condensation cycles that can trigger corrosion. ZERUST® provides a comprehensive approach by combining environmental control, rust preventative coatings, and VCI packaging to ensure reliable protection throughout the storage period.
Whenever possible, start with environmental control measures. Improve air circulation to reduce stagnant zones where condensation can form, and store components off the floor on wooden pallets or steel racks to avoid exposure to ground moisture. However, since wood can emit acids and moisture that promote corrosion, any steel part stored on wood should first be placed in a ZERUST® ICT® VCI bag or wrapped with ZERUST® ICT® VCI paper. If humidity consistently exceeds 50%, consider placing an ActivDri™ PWA Packet inside the VCI bag with the part to control condensation.
For the metal itself, apply a ZERUST® Axxanol™ rust preventative coating appropriate for the anticipated storage duration and conditions. For short-term indoor protection, a light oil coating such as Axxanol™ 33 provides a thin, water-repellent film that resists moisture. For extended protection in environments with variable humidity, grease-based coatings like Axxanol™ Spray-G or Axxanol™ Z-Maxx offer durable, long-term barrier protection. These coatings can be easily removed later using ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaning products or standard alkaline washes.
In addition to coatings, ZERUST® recommends incorporating Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) packaging technologies for enhanced protection, particularly for sensitive surfaces. ZERUST® ICT® VCI paper and ICT® VCI film emit corrosion-inhibiting vapors that form an invisible molecular layer on metal surfaces, protecting against rust even in fluctuating humidity conditions. For large enclosures or packaged equipment, ZERUST® VCI emitters such as Vapor Capsules, ActivPak®, or Z-PAK® can be added to maintain a corrosion-inhibiting atmosphere throughout the space.
When packaging components, always use ZERUST® ICT® VCI film or bags instead of standard plastic wrap, which can trap moisture rather than prevent it. Sealing the VCI packaging as tightly as possible to keep VCI molecules in the packaging and prevent new moisture from entering. For long-term storage, apply a ZERUST® Axxanol™ rust preventative and then seal the component in a ZERUST® VCI bag for added protection. If the components will later undergo painting or welding, VCI-only protection is ideal, as ZERUST® VCI products leave no residue and allow parts to go directly into production without cleaning.
Periodic maintenance is essential to protect steel components in an unheated warehouse over long storage periods. Inspect stored components every one to three months for signs of condensation, corrosion, or coating deterioration, and reapply rust preventatives as needed. Keep records of inspection and re-treatment intervals to ensure consistency and traceability.
By combining Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings, ICT® VCI packaging, AxxaWash™ cleaners, and environmental control practices, ZERUST® provides a proven, system-based solution for safeguarding steel components in unheated warehouse environments. This process-driven approach, rooted in the ZERUST® Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology, ensures long-term reliability, minimizes rework costs, and keeps stored equipment ready for use when needed. For guidance on selecting the best solution for your needs, you can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
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™ 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.
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.
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.
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
