Protecting metal parts in high-humidity or coastal environments requires a coordinated, system-based approach because moisture, salt, and airborne contaminants dramatically accelerate corrosion. To protect metal parts in high humidity and coastal environments, ZERUST® recommends combining surface protection, environmental control, and VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) packaging as part of its Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology.
Start by ensuring that all parts are clean and free of salts, fingerprints, and residues using ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaners, which remove corrosive contaminants without leaving behind harmful films. After cleaning, apply a ZERUST® Axxanol™ rust preventative coating selected for the storage duration and severity of the environment. Light- to medium-duty oils such as Axxanol™ 33, 750-NV, 758-NV, 46-BIO, A35-30, or A35-8030 provide excellent barrier protection against humidity. For prolonged or extreme environmental exposure, especially outdoors, heavy-duty coatings such as Axxanol™ Spray-G or Axxanol™ Z-Maxx offer long-term protection and moisture resistance.
Next, ZERUST® recommends placing metal parts inside sealed VCI packaging, which protects any areas that the applied coatings cannot easily reach. ZERUST® ICT® VCI films, bags, and shrink films release corrosion-inhibiting molecules that form a protective molecular layer on exposed metal surfaces. Interleave stacked parts with ZERUST® ICT® VCI Paper, and for extremely harsh environments or during outdoor storage, use ZERUST® ICT®510-OPS Outdoor Preservation VCI Film, which is specifically engineered for outdoor conditions. Adding ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA Moisture-Control Packets inside sealed applications stabilizes the microenvironment by absorbing moisture while simultaneously providing VCI protection. For crates, totes, or large enclosures, ZERUST® VCI emitters such as Vapor Capsules, ActivPak®, or Z-PAK® further extend protection into enclosed volumes.
Environmental management is essential when trying to protect metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments. Whenever possible, maintain storage areas at less than 50% relative humidity and ensure steady airflow to minimize condensation cycles. If parts are to be stored on pallets, avoid direct metal-to-wood contact unless a ZERUST® VCI film or paper is placed between them as a barrier layer, since wood can emit acids and moisture that accelerate corrosion. In coastal plants where salt fog is present, periodic rinsing with AxxaWash™ cleaners followed by reapplication of the protective coating helps remove salt deposits that accumulate on exposed surfaces.
Finally, implement a regular inspection and maintenance schedule. Stored parts should be checked every three to six months for signs of condensation, packaging damage, or coating degradation. Reapply coatings and replace VCI packaging as needed to ensure continuous protection. By combining AxxaWash™ cleaning, Axxanol™ rust preventatives, ICT® VCI packaging, ActivDri™ moisture control, and proper environmental management, ZERUST® provides a robust and scalable solution for protecting metal parts stored in even the most demanding coastal or high-humidity environments. 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™ 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™ 46-BIO is a sprayable bio-based rust preventative oil that forms a clear, thin, oily, moisture-barrier film that’s also a light lubricant oil.
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™ 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.
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®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.
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
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.
