Rust is a costly problem. There are many ways to prevent rust, and utilizing different strategies in different situations will help you maximize protection against rust. We’ve developed a variety of rust-preventing products to help make this process easier. In this post, we’ll discuss how to use ARMOR WRAP® to prevent rust.
How to Use ARMOR WRAP to Prevent Rust: Step by Step
What is ARMOR WRAP? And how does it work? ARMOR WRAP is Kraft paper that has been infused with ARMOR VCI Nanotechnology™ (our “secret formula” of vapor corrosion inhibitors) to create a packaging material that prevents rust on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The VCI works on a molecular level, emitting rust-inhibiting vapors into an enclosed air space such as a storage or shipping container to form a shield of protection on the surface of metal that prevents rust from developing.
ARMOR WRAP VCI paper, as well as other ARMOR VCI products, is clean, safe, easy-to-use and effective. ARMOR WRAP meets all REACH and RoHS requirements and, since it’s recyclable and repulpable, it’s environmentally-friendly too. There’s no RP oil, grease or chemical solvents required, making ARMOR WRAP a preferred dry rust prevention method.
With that bit of background on ARMOR WRAP VCI paper and how it works under your belt, let’s take a closer look at how to use ARMOR WRAP to prevent rust.
Step 1: Choose Your Dry Rust Prevention Method
Armor Protective Packaging® provides a wide range of rust-prevention products to protect metal parts, components and equipment — both large and small, detailed and simple –manufactured from all different types of metals. The first step to prevent rust is to find the right product. The ARMOR website is chocked full of information including brochures and product overviews to help you find the right solution. If you’re unsure what you might need, you can use ARMOR’s free, online rust diagnosis and solutions tool ASK JERRY (named after a retired ARMOR sales rep renowned for rust knowledge and customer service). Or, if you prefer a more traditional approach, you can ask us a question anytime, and one of our expert rust eradicators will be happy to help.
ARMOR WRAP VCI paper is an easy, mess-free, and cost-effective solution for metal parts of all shapes and sizes. It is highly versatile and can be used to wrap metal parts, interleave between layers of small metal parts, or it can be combined with other VCI products such as VCI Poly Film or VCI Emitters for an added level of protection. ARMOR WRAP is a great starting point if you’re wondering how to keep your metal parts rust free in storage or shipment.
Step 2: Select the Type of ARMOR WRAP VCI Paper
If you’ve taken a look at rust-prevention solutions and decided ARMOR WRAP is the right choice, there’s one more decision in front of you and that is what type of anti-rust paper will you use. ARMOR WRAP VCI paper is available in multiple formulations with options to add barrier coatings such as wax or polyethylene if added protection against moisture or contaminants is needed. While all ARMOR WRAP is clean, safe and easy-to-use, each formulation has unique characteristics that work best with specific types or composition of metal.
ARMOR WRAP Global VCI Paper: We named this VCI paper “Global” because it meets all international content standards (RoHS, REACH, CPL). ARMOR WRAP Global anti-rust paper is effective for most metals and it’s available in 30, 35, and 60-pound weight in sized-to-fit sheets or rolls.
ARMOR WRAP MPI VCI Paper: While this VCI paper is effective in preventing rust for multiple metal types, it is best-suited for use with non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, galvanized metals, and tin.
ARMOR WRAP SCRIM VCI Paper: Triple-coated for extra strength and puncture resistance, SCRIM VCI paper is designed to protect large metal pieces, bulky metal cargo, bar stock and/or items with sharp edges and corners.
ARMOR WRAP Military VCI Paper: This anti-corrosion paper meets strict regulations for military packaging set by the U.S. Department of Defense. It provides exceptional corrosion protection of ferrous metals in harsh environments.
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Step 3: Remove Dirt and Moisture
Once you’ve selected the type or formulation of ARMOR WRAP VCI paper that is the best match for your metal/metal parts, you’re almost ready to go! To optimize the benefits of VCI rust-prevention paper, there is one step that is very important: make sure metal parts are clean and dry before you wrap them in VCI paper.
Remember, water is a key player in the development of rust so any moisture on the surface of metal can cause and accelerate rust and corrosion. In addition, keep metal parts clean and free of contamination by properly maintaining metalworking fluids; wrapping metal parts immediately after processing or manufacturing, and by wearing gloves when handling metal parts to prevent the transfer of salt and acidity from hands or fingerprints.
Once metal parts are clean and dry, you are ready to move on to the next step—wrapping.
Step 4: WRAP!
While wearing gloves, wrap and cover all surfaces of metal or metal parts with ARMOR WRAP VCI paper. Fold, roll and/or mold VCI paper gently around metal parts to cover curved surfaces or holes to ensure there is no airflow. To maximize VCI’s effectiveness in preventing rust, when metal parts are wrapped or enclosed they should be airtight.
If your items are too small or too numerous for complete, individual coverage, interleave sheets of VCI paper between layers of metal parts within the packaging box or storage container. Use ARMOR WRAP to prevent metal parts from direct contact with cardboard or wood — most corrugated cardboard packaging uses nitric acid, which will induce corrosion, especially if it absorbs moisture from humidity or temperature changes. Similarly, wooden pallets or crates absorb and expel moisture as temperatures change, which will also induce corrosion.
If you’re struggling to cover an odd-shaped or odd-sized part for storage or shipment, take a look at ARMOR’s library of application illustrations. These show the best way to protect all types of metal items from corrosion, including bulk parts, large equipment, electrical components, nested parts, and many more.
That’s a Wrap on WRAP
Once you’ve wrapped your metal parts in ARMOR WRAP VCI paper, you’re done! The VCI’s protective layer will keep your metal parts corrosion-free whether they’re in process, storage or in transit. If you’re ready to get started, take a look at our line of ARMOR WRAP VCI paper with the confidence that ARMOR WRAP has got you covered.
