Selecting the right rust preventative for heavy castings in warehouse storage is essential because large steel and cast-iron components are highly susceptible to corrosion during long idle periods. When storing heavy castings or large machinery in a warehouse for extended periods, corrosion prevention should be treated as both a process and a system. ZERUST® recommends combining Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings with proper surface preparation and VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) packaging to ensure complete protection for up to a year or more‡.
For these applications, the most effective rust preventative for heavy castings in warehouse storage is one formulated for long-term indoor storage capable of withstanding warehouse humidity for 6 to 12 months or longer. ZERUST® Axxanol™ A35-8030 is a proven choice for heavy castings, providing up to three years‡ of protection in controlled indoor environments. This oil-based coating forms a thin, water-repellent barrier that shields metal surfaces from moisture and oxygen while remaining easy to remove prior to reassembly or machining. When needed, the coating can be efficiently cleaned using ZERUST® AxxaWash™ industrial cleaning products or standard commercial alkaline or solvent cleaners.
Proper application is critical to long-term performance. Before coating, surfaces should be clean, dry, and free of machining oils, rust, or debris, as contaminants can trap moisture and reduce protection. Once cleaned, apply the rust preventative by brushing, spraying, or dipping, ensuring that all exposed metal surfaces, including crevices, bolt holes, threads, and machined faces, are fully covered. For large or complex castings, ZERUST® also offers VCI-enhanced rust preventative oils, such as Axxanol™ 750 and Axxanol™ 758, which combine contact and vapor corrosion protection. These products release corrosion-inhibiting molecules that migrate to recessed or hard-to-reach areas, ensuring full coverage even where direct coating contact is limited.
In warehouse environments with variable humidity or airborne contaminants, additional packaging measures may be necessary. After applying the coating, heavy castings or machinery can be wrapped or enclosed in ZERUST® ICT® VCI film or bags to protect surfaces not coated and to maintain a corrosion-inhibiting atmosphere around the part. For particularly sensitive components or long-term storage, VCI packaging can be supplemented with ZERUST® ActivPak® or Z-PAK® emitters, and ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA Moisture Control Packets to control residual humidity within the enclosure.
By integrating Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings, AxxaWash™ cleaning solutions, and ICT® VCI packaging technologies, ZERUST® provides a comprehensive corrosion protection system tailored for heavy castings and machinery in indoor warehouse storage. This system-based approach, supported by the ZERUST® Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) methodology, ensures reliable, long-term protection, minimizes rework, and maintains equipment readiness for future use or shipment. For guidance on selecting the best solution for your needs, you can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
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™ 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® 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.
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.
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
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.
