During seasonal shutdowns or lay-ups, it is essential to protect exposed metal surfaces from corrosion, moisture, and contamination to ensure equipment remains in optimal condition for return to service. The ideal lay-up rust preventative depends on the type of equipment, duration of shutdown, and environmental factors such as humidity, salt exposure, and temperature variation. ZERUST® offers a comprehensive range of lay-up rust preventative coatings and VCI technologies designed specifically for idle equipment and long-term lay-up protection.
For most lay-up applications, rust preventative coatings provide the first line of defense. Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) coatings such as ZERUST® Axxanol™ 750 and 758 emit an invisible molecular layer on metal surfaces, protecting internal cavities and enclosed spaces. For external or easily accessible parts such as bearings, shafts, and machined surfaces, oil-based rust preventives, including Axxanol™ 33, 46-Bio, A35-30, and A35-8030, form a light oil film that repels moisture and provides up to several years‡ of protection depending on the environment. When equipment is stored in high-humidity or outdoor conditions, grease-based coatings like Axxanol™ Spray-G and Z-Maxx are recommended for their thicker, more durable protective barrier that can withstand extended exposure and still be removed easily prior to use.
For enclosed equipment such as control panels or electrical housings, protection can be enhanced with ZERUST® VCI emitters and desiccants. ZERUST® Vapor Capsules, ActivPak®, or Z-PAK® emit corrosion-inhibiting vapors that migrate to all internal metal surfaces, while ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA packets provide combined moisture absorption and VCI protection to prevent condensation during idle periods.
Before applying any coating, proper surface preparation is critical for long-term effectiveness. Metal surfaces should be cleaned of dirt, oil, and existing residues, then thoroughly dried to prevent moisture entrapment. Coatings can be applied evenly using a brush, spray, or dip method, depending on the part geometry and accessibility. Prior to bringing equipment back into service, most ZERUST® rust preventative coatings can be easily removed using ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaning solutions, commercial alkaline washes, or solvent-based cleaners.
By combining Axxanol™ lay-up rust preventative coatings, VCI emitter and moisture control technologies, and proper surface preparation, ZERUST® provides a complete corrosion protection system for seasonal lay-ups and shutdowns. This process, supported by the ZERUST® Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology, helps extend equipment service life, minimize downtime, and ensure a smooth return to operation after 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.
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.
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™ A35-30 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™ 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™ 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.
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.
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
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.
