To protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage, manufacturers must take a system-based approach. This approach combines environmental control,
surface preparation, and corrosion protection technologies. Although parts are stored indoors, corrosion can still occur due to humidity fluctuations, condensation, and airborne contaminants. Without proper controls, these factors can introduce surface moisture that initiates rust.
The first step to protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage is managing the storage environment. Maintain relative humidity below 50 percent whenever possible, and keep temperatures stable to prevent condensation. Keeping metal surfaces above the dew point is critical, as even brief condensation events can lead to corrosion on unprotected steel and cast iron components.
Surface preparation to protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage
Surface preparation plays a critical role in long-term corrosion prevention. Thoroughly clean and dry all metal surfaces before applying any rust preventative.
Oils, machining fluids, mill scale, salts, and fingerprints can trap moisture and interfere with coating performance.
Remove contaminants using a compatible ZERUST® AxxaWash™ product, a commercial alkaline cleaner, or an approved solvent cleaner. After cleaning, fully rinse and dry the parts. Handle them only with clean, dry gloves to prevent recontamination. Proper surface preparation ensures that protective coatings bond effectively and deliver consistent performance throughout storage.
Applying rust preventative coatings to protect large fabricated parts indoors
Once surfaces are clean and dry, applying a temporary rust preventative coating creates a physical barrier that blocks moisture and oxygen. This step is essential to protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage, especially for extended periods.
ZERUST® Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings are available in oil-based, grease-based, and VCI-enhanced formulations to meet varying protection requirements. Oil-based options such as Axxanol™ 33, Axxanol™ A35-8030, and Axxanol™ A35-30 provide economical, easy-to-apply protection ranging from 12 months up to 5 years‡. For heavier protection or extended storage,
grease-based coatings like Axxanol™ Spray-G and Axxanol™ Z-Maxx offer durable protection for up to 3 years ‡. For complex geometries or internal cavities, VCI-enhanced coatings such as Axxanol™ 750 and Axxanol™ 758 provide added vapor-phase protection.
Combining rust preventative coatings and VCI packaging to protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage
To further protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage, rust preventative coatings should be paired with ZERUST® ICT® VCI packaging materials. Wrap or enclose large components using ZERUST® ICT® VCI film in sheets, bags, or rolls. These materials continuously release corrosion-inhibiting vapors that protect exposed metal surfaces within the enclosure.
When stacking parts, ZERUST® ICT® VCI paper should be used between components to prevent contact corrosion. For enclosed crates, totes, or large containers, ZERUST® VCI emitters such as Vapor Capsules, ActivPak®, or Z-PAK® help maintain a consistent protective atmosphere. Seal the packaging as tightly as possible to retain corrosion-inhibiting vapors and ensure long-term effectiveness.
Learn More About ZERUST® VCI Packaging for Large Fabricated Parts
ZERUST® ICT® VCI packaging solutions provide continuous vapor corrosion protection for large fabricated parts during indoor storage, staging, and long-term layup. Explore films, papers, and emitter solutions designed to work alongside rust preventative coatings.
A system-based approach to long-term indoor storage
By integrating environmental controls, proper surface preparation, Axxanol™ protective coatings, and ZERUST® ICT® VCI packaging, manufacturers can reliably protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage. This layered strategy minimizes corrosion risk, reduces rework, and preserves part integrity throughout extended storage periods.
This approach follows the ZERUST® Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology, which delivers consistent, cost-effective corrosion protection for large and complex metal components. For application-specific recommendations, manufacturers can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
Speak with a ZERUST® Corrosion Expert
Every indoor storage environment presents unique corrosion risks. ZERUST® technical experts can help you design a solution to protect large fabricated parts during indoor storage and long-term layup.
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.
