FProtecting metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments requires a coordinated, system-based approach. Moisture, salt, and airborne contaminants significantly accelerate corrosion, especially in coastal plants and marine-adjacent facilities. Furthermore, to protect metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments, ZERUST® recommends combining surface preparation, environmental control, and VCI technology as part of its proven Z-CIS® Corrosion Inhibiting System methodology.
This layered strategy reduces corrosion risk by addressing both direct surface exposure and hidden or hard-to-reach areas that are vulnerable to moisture and salt intrusion.
Surface preparation is the foundation to protect metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments
Before storage, parts must be clean and free of salts, fingerprints, machining residues, and coolant films. As a result, these contaminants attract moisture and accelerate corrosion in humid and coastal conditions.
ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaners remove corrosive residues without leaving behind harmful films. In coastal plants where salt fog or airborne chlorides are present, periodic cleaning helps prevent salt buildup on exposed surfaces. After cleaning, parts should be thoroughly dried before protective measures are applied to reduce the risk of flash rust.
Apply rust preventative coatings to protect metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments
After cleaning, apply a ZERUST® Axxanol™ rust preventative coating selected based on storage duration and environmental severity. These coatings create a physical barrier that blocks moisture and corrosive contaminants.
Light- to medium-duty oils such as Axxanol™ 33, 750-NV, 758-NV, 46-BIO, A35-30, or A35-8030 provide reliable humidity resistance for indoor storage. For prolonged exposure, outdoor layup, or severe coastal environments, heavy-duty coatings such as Axxanol™ Spray-G or Axxanol™ Z-Maxx deliver extended protection and superior moisture resistance.
Apply rust preventative coatings to protect metal parts
Explore ZERUST® rust inhibitor coatings engineered to deliver reliable protection in humid, coastal, and corrosion-prone storage and operating environments.
Use VCI packaging to protect metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments
VCI packaging protects areas that coatings may not fully reach, including internal cavities, recessed features, and uncoated surfaces. ZERUST® ICT® VCI films, bags, and shrink films release corrosion-inhibiting molecules that form a protective molecular layer on exposed metal surfaces inside a sealed enclosure.
For stacked or nested components, interleave parts with ZERUST® ICT® VCI Paper to ensure consistent vapor coverage. Additionally, in outdoor or extreme coastal conditions, ZERUST® ICT®510-OPS Outdoor Preservation VCI Film provides enhanced durability and weather resistance.
Adding ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA Moisture-Control Packets inside sealed packaging helps stabilize the microenvironment by absorbing excess humidity while simultaneously releasing VCI protection. For crates, totes, and large enclosures, ZERUST® VCI emitters such as Vapor Capsules, ActivPak®, or Z-PAK® distribute corrosion protection throughout the enclosed space.
Environmental controls help protect metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments
Environmental management plays a critical role in corrosion prevention. Whenever possible, maintain storage areas below 50 percent relative humidity and ensure steady airflow to minimize condensation cycles.
Avoid placing metal parts directly on wood pallets or shelving. Wood can emit organic acids and retain moisture, increasing corrosion risk. Use ZERUST® VCI film or paper as a barrier layer between metal and wood surfaces. In coastal plants with salt fog exposure, periodic rinsing with AxxaWash™ cleaners followed by reapplication of protective coatings helps remove accumulated salt deposits.
Inspection and maintenance are essential
Corrosion protection is not a one-time activity. Stored parts should be inspected every three to six months for signs of condensation, packaging damage, or coating degradation. Furthermore, replace VCI packaging and moisture-control products as needed, and reapply coatings to maintain continuous protection.
By combining AxxaWash™ cleaning, Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings, ICT® VCI packaging, ActivDri™ moisture control, and proper environmental management, ZERUST® delivers a robust and scalable solution to protect metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments. Additionally, for application-specific guidance, contact ZERUST® to speak with a technical service representative.
Need help protecting metal parts in high-humidity and coastal environments?
ZERUST® corrosion experts can help you select the right combination of cleaners,
rust preventative coatings, VCI packaging, and moisture control for your
specific storage or operating conditions.
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.
