Protecting large equipment and metal assets stored outdoors or in extreme environments requires a proven outdoor equipment corrosion protection system. As a result, exposure to rain, UV radiation, temperature swings, salt air, and airborne contaminants can quickly degrade unprotected surfaces. For this reason, ZERUST® addresses these challenges with a system-based approach that combines VCI shrink films, long-term rust preventative coatings, and active moisture control technologies.
Outdoor equipment corrosion protection using VCI shrink film systems
A core component of outdoor equipment corrosion protection is ZERUST® ICT®510-OPS Outdoor Preservation VCI Shrink Film. Therefore, this 8-mil, high-strength shrink film integrates vapor corrosion inhibitor technology with UV stabilizers designed for long-term outdoor exposure.
When heat-shrunk, ICT®510-OPS conforms tightly around large equipment, vehicles, and fabricated structures. The film creates a durable physical barrier that repels rain, snow, dust, and contaminants while saturating the enclosed space with corrosion-inhibiting vapor molecules. These vapors protect exposed metal surfaces as well as internal cavities, seams, and recessed areas that are difficult to coat directly.
To maintain a sealed corrosion-inhibiting environment, installers should seal overlaps, seams, and penetrations using ZERUST® OPS Preservation Tape. Furthermore, proper sealing minimizes air exchange and helps maintain consistent protection throughout extended outdoor storage or lay-up periods.
Long-term outdoor equipment corrosion protection with contact rust preventative coatings
For direct metal surface protection, ZERUST® recommends pairing VCI shrink film with long-term rust preventative coatings as part of a complete outdoor equipment corrosion protection strategy. Products from the Axxanol™ and AxxaCoat™ portfolios provide durable barrier films that protect exposed steel, cast iron, and other ferrous metals.
Axxanol™ Spray-G and the Axxanol™ Z-Maxx Series are sprayable and brushable rust preventative greases designed for long-term outdoor storage. Furthermore, these coatings form robust, water-resistant films that protect flanges, fasteners, welds, shafts, and machined surfaces.
For more demanding outdoor applications, AxxaCoat™ 90B HFS provides a high-flash, corrosion-inhibiting coating engineered to replace traditional hot-melt or heavy wax systems. It delivers strong protection while improving application safety and ease of removal.
Applying these coatings before shrink wrapping ensures that both direct-contact and vapor-phase corrosion protection work together to safeguard critical surfaces.
Enhancing outdoor equipment corrosion protection in extreme and coastal environments
In highly aggressive environments, such as coastal or high-humidity regions, ZERUST® recommends reinforcing outdoor equipment corrosion protection with supplemental vapor and moisture control technologies.
ActivPak® or Z-PAK® VCI emitters increase vapor-phase corrosion protection inside large enclosures, voids, and complex geometries. These emitters continuously release corrosion-inhibiting molecules to maintain protection over extended storage durations.
To control internal humidity, ActivDri™ PWA moisture-control packets actively absorb residual moisture trapped inside the enclosure. Managing humidity reduces the risk of condensation and corrosion caused by temperature fluctuations.
Boost vapor-phase protection in extreme environments
VCI emitters and diffusers enhance corrosion protection by delivering continuous VCI protection inside enclosed and complex geometries.
Surface preparation best practices
Effective outdoor equipment corrosion protection begins with proper surface preparation. Before coating or wrapping, all surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and dried to remove contaminants that accelerate corrosion.
Use ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaners to remove salts, dirt, oils, and residues. After cleaning, allow surfaces to dry completely. Apply the selected Axxanol™ or AxxaCoat™ product according to ZERUST® guidelines and allow coatings to cure as required before wrapping.
Once coated, wrap the asset with ICT®510-OPS shrink film and seal all seams and penetrations to create a tight, weather-resistant enclosure.
Start corrosion protection with proper surface preparation
Industrial cleaners and degreasers remove salts, oils, and contaminants that compromise outdoor equipment corrosion protection before coatings or packaging are applied.
Inspection and maintenance during long-term outdoor storage
Long-term outdoor equipment corrosion protection also depends on periodic inspections. For assets in extended lay-up or mothballing programs, visually inspect the shrink film, seams, and tape for damage. Promptly repair any punctures or compromised areas to maintain the integrity of the corrosion-inhibiting environment.
Complete outdoor equipment corrosion protection with ZERUST®
By combining ICT®510-OPS Outdoor Preservation VCI Shrink Film, Axxanol™ and AxxaCoat™ rust preventative coatings, ActivPak® VCI emitters, ActivDri™ moisture-control packets, and proper surface preparation, ZERUST® delivers a comprehensive outdoor equipment corrosion protection system for large equipment and metal assets exposed to harsh or extreme environments.
This integrated approach reduces corrosion-related rework, preserves asset value, and helps ensure equipment remains ready for service when removed from storage. For help selecting the right solution for your application, contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
Get expert help
ZERUST® technical service experts can help you design a complete corrosion protection system for large equipment and metal assets stored outdoors or in extreme environments.
ICT®510-OPS VCI Shrink Film is an 8-mil, high-strength shrink film integrated with ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology and UV stabilizers, designed specifically for the long-term outdoor preservation of large assets.
OPS Preservation Tape is designed to be used with ZERUST®/EXCOR® OPS Outdoor Preservation Shrink Film to provide advanced protection to metals.
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.
AxxaCoat™ 90B HFS is a sprayable high-flash outdoor rust preventative coating designed to protect metal parts and assemblies during long-term indoor and outdoor storage and challenging overseas shipping applications.
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
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.
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.
