How Rust Preventative Coatings in Humid Environments Perform Over Time
In consistently humid environments, oil-based and solvent-based coatings generally provide the longest-lasting corrosion protection. These products form a continuous physical barrier that resists moisture penetration and shields metal surfaces from oxygen and corrosive contaminants. When properly applied and not disturbed, ZERUST® Axxanol™ oil- and solvent-based rust preventative coatings can protect metal components for approximately6 months up to 3 years‡, depending on exposure conditions and coating thickness.
Water-based rust preventative coatings can also be effective in humid environments when shorter-term protection is required or when cleaner, low-residue removal is preferred. However, their protection duration is typically shorter than oil- or solvent-based systems and is more sensitive to ongoing moisture exposure. Grease-based coatings are often selected for severe humidity or outdoor storage where maximum barrier protection is required and removal is less frequent.
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Factors That Affect Rust Preventative Coating Lifespan in Humid Environments
The performance of rust preventative coatings in humid environments depends on several variables, including:
- Relative humidity level and frequency of condensation
- Temperature cycling and airflow
- Metal composition and surface finish
- Coating type, film thickness, and application method
- Whether the part is exposed, wrapped, or enclosed
Because of these variables, there is no single protection duration that applies to every application. In many cases, combining a rust preventative coating with vapor corrosion inhibitor packaging or enclosed storage can significantly extend protection life in high-humidity conditions.
Selecting The Right Solution
Choosing the most effective rust preventative coating requires balancing protection duration, environmental exposure, handling requirements, and removal preferences. With its extensive corrosion prevention expertise and product portfolio, ZERUST® can recommend an optimized solution tailored to specific metals, environments, and logistics challenges.
For assistance in selecting the best rust preventative coatings in humid environments, you can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative and review product performance under your actual operating conditions.
Need help selecting the right solution?
ZERUST® technical experts can help evaluate your application and recommend a proven, cost-effective solution.
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™ 33CD is a solvent-based rust preventative that forms a dry-to-touch film, eliminating oily surfaces that attract dust and other contaminants.
Axxanol™ 33CD-HF is a solvent-based high-flash corrosion inhibitor coating that dries-to-touch, 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™ 34CD-HF is a solvent-based high-flash rust preventative coating that forms a very light, oily film that is near dry-to-touch, providing 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™ 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™ 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 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.
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™ A35-30 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™ 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.
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.
Axxatec™ 30C is a water-based rust Inhibitor designed to provide short-term indoor storage and in-transit protection. In addition to the corrosion protection offered, Axxatec™ 30C may also be used as a light-duty cleaner-rust preventative combination product.
Axxatec™ 48C is a water-based aluminum rust preventative liquid concentrate that also protects ferrous and yellow metals during indoor storage, shipping, and assembly.
Axxatec™ 80C is a water-based liquid concentrate rust preventative designed to provide long-lasting protection during indoor storage, shipping, and assembly.
Axxatec™ DA-23C is a dual-action water-based rust preventative and cleaner with low or no foaming that is designed to provide short-term rust protection and light-duty cleaning.
Axxatec™ DA-24C is a dual-action water-based yellow metal rust preventative and cleaner with low or no foaming that is designed to provide short-term rust protection and light-duty cleaning.
Axxatec™ DA-40AL is a dual-action aluminum rust preventative and cleaner with low foaming that is designed to provide short-term rust protection and light-duty cleaning.
