To prevent rust on spare parts in long-term storage, you need a coordinated approach that combines environmental control, proper surface preparation, protective coatings, and ZERUST® VCI packaging technologies. Even in indoor warehouses, fluctuations in humidity and temperature can cause condensation and lead to corrosion over time. To minimize this risk, maintain the storage environment at a stable temperature with relative humidity ideally under 50%, using dehumidifiers or localized climate control when necessary.
The next line of defense to prevent rust on spare parts in long-term storage is applying ZERUST® VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) packaging, which provides clean, residue-free corrosion protection for a wide range of metals. Spare parts can be wrapped or sealed in ZERUST® ICT® VCI film, bags, or paper, which release corrosion-inhibiting molecules that form an invisible protective layer on metal surfaces inside the packaging. For additional moisture control in sealed containers or totes, ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA moisture-control packets or ZERUST® ZDC® desiccants can be added to absorb residual humidity. For long-term preservation, especially for critical or expensive components, pairing VCI packaging with ZERUST® VCI emitters (such as Vapor Capsules, ActivPak®, or Z-PAK®) provides enhanced protection in enclosed or hard-to-reach areas.
For parts where packaging alone is not sufficient, apply a ZERUST® Axxanol™ rust preventative coating based on the storage duration and type of metal. Light oil-based protectives like Axxanol™ 33 are suitable for indoor storage up to 1 year‡, while Axxanol™ 750-NV, 758-NV, and A35-8030 offer stronger barrier protection for up to 2 to 3 years‡ of storage. For severe environments or heavy-duty storage, grease-based coatings such as Axxanol™ Spray-G or Axxanol™ Z-Maxx provide extended protection against humidity and condensation. When easier handling and cleaner surfaces are required, dry-to-touch inhibitors such as Axxanol™ 33CD, 34CD, A35CD-32, or A35CD-7 provide corrosion protection without leaving an oily residue.
Before applying any protective coating or packaging, all parts should be properly cleaned and dried to remove dirt, fingerprints, coolant residues, machining oils, and moisture. ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaners and degreasers are ideal for preparing the surface, and protection should be applied immediately after cleaning to prevent flash rust, if an AxxaWash™ industrial cleaner without rust inhibitors is used. In storage, if metal surfaces must rest on pallets, use ZERUST® VCI Film as a barrier between the metal surface and pallet to prevent moisture transfer from the wood.
Finally, implement a routine inspection schedule. Spare parts in storage should be evaluated every 3–6 months for signs of condensation, emerging rust spots, or packaging damage. Reapply coatings or replace VCI packaging as needed, and follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) practices to minimize the time parts remain in storage.
By combining Axxanol™ coatings, AxxaWash™ surface preparation, ICT® VCI packaging, ActivDri™ moisture control, and regular maintenance under the ZERUST® Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology, maintenance warehouses can ensure spare parts remain clean, rust-free, and ready for use, even during long-term storage. For guidance on selecting the best solution for your needs, you can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
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.
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
ZDC Desiccant Series features montmorillonite clay packaged in Tyvek material that offers an excellent barrier to water in liquid form while also allowing water vapors to pass through. This minimizes the risk of the desiccants causing corrosion that may come in direct contact with metals when compared to other desiccants made with different materials.
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.
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™ 750-NV is a rust preventative oil that forms a clear, thin, oily film on the metal surface, providing a moisture barrier and powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ 758-NV is a non-staining rust preventive oil that forms a clear, thin, oily film on the metal surface, providing a moisture barrier and 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™ 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™ 33CD is a solvent-based rust preventative that forms a dry-to-touch film, eliminating oily surfaces that attract dust and other contaminants.
Axxanol™ 34CD is a solvent-based coating that forms a very light, oily, near dry-to-touch rust preventative film that provides powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments.
Axxanol™ A35CD-32 is a solvent-based, non-staining rust preventative that forms a clear, thin, near dry-to-touch RP film. As a result, it provides powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments, such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ A35CD-7 is a high-flash solvent-based rust preventative that forms a clear, thin, dry-to-touch film. As a result, it eliminates oily surfaces that attract dust and other contaminants.
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.
