welcome

white rust
( or)
wet storage
stain

One of the commonly encountered problem

with galvanised coatings is white rust or
wet storage stain. It is manifested as a bulky,
white, powdery deposit that forms rapidly on
the surface of the galvanised coating under
certain specific conditions

Wet storage stain is the voluminous white

or gray deposit formed by accelerated
corrosion of zinc coating when
closely/tightly packed, newly galvanised
articles are stored or shipped under damp
conditions

White Rust Formation

Rainwater , even though does not contains dissolved
salts or minerals, zinc react with water to form
zinc hydroxide, a bulky white and relatively unstable
oxide of zinc. Where freshly galvanised steel is
exposed to pure water (rain, dew or condensation),
in an oxygen deficient environment, the water will
continue to react with the zinc and progressively
consume the coating. The most common condition in
which white rust occurs is with galvanised products
that are nested together, tightly packed, or when
water can penetrate between the items and remain
for extended periods.

 Presence of Salty atmosphere

with high humidity in coastal
areas aggrevates white rust
formation

Zinc corbonate layer

When this surface has access to freely moving
air in normal atmospheric exposure ,it reacts
with rainfall or dew condensation to form a
porous ,gelatinous zinc hydroxide
substance.During natural drying process this
reacts with corbon dioxide in the atmosphore
and converts into a thin film ,compact and
tightly adherent layer,called basic Zinc
corbonate layer. This protective layer is
weather resistant and prevents corrosion.

Avoiding White Rust

Formation
Outdoor stacking
The articles should be raised from the
ground and seperated with strip spacers to
provide free access of air to all parts.
They also to be inclined in a manner which
will give maximum drainage .
Should not be stored on wet soil or
decaying vegetation.

Treating Galvanised Surfaces Affected

by White Rust

Light White Rusting

It is particularly evident on areas that have been

buffed or filed during quality assurance
operations. It can be brushed off if required but
will generally wash off in service with normal
weather. No remedial treatment is generally
required for this level.However zinc coating
thichness shall be checked

Treating Galvanised Surfaces Affected

by White Rust

Moderate White Rusting

This is characterized by a noticeable darkening and

apparent etching of the galvanised coating under the
affected area, with the white rust formation appearing
bulky. The galvanised coating thickness should be checked
to determine the extent of attack on the coating.
Wire brush the affected area to remove all white corrosion
products
if the coating thickness is acceptable ,dichromating shall
be done .

Treating Galvanised Surfaces Affected

by White Rust

Severe White Rusting

This is characterized by very heavy oxide deposits. Areas under
the oxidized area may be almost black and show signs of red
rust. A coating thickness check will determine the extent to which
the galvanised coating has been damaged. Remedial treatment
to reinstate the coating should be undertaken as follows:
Wire brush or buff the affected area to remove all oxidation
products and rust if any.
Apply two or more coats of approved Zinc spray/epoxy zinc-rich
paint to achieve required dry film thickness of 100 microns
minimum.
Where the affected area is extensive or where the wet storage
stain would impair the use of the article for its intended service
,regalvanising is necessary.

Thank you