7/10/2019 Storage | American Galvanizers Association

» Specification & Inspection » Post HDG Considerations » Storage

Storage
Stacking galvanized articles closely together for extended periods of time, thereby limiting access to freely circulating air,
can lead to the formation of a white powdery product commonly called wet storage stain.

Fabricated assemblies that fully expose the galvanized surfaces to freely

circulating air typically do not need a post-treatment to prevent the
formation of wet storage stain. Although most a er-fabrication hot-dip
galvanized products are shipped without any post-treatment, the need
for a post-treatment largely depends on the fabrication s configuration
and anticipated storage and shipping conditions.

The extent of damage by wet storage stain depends on the duration of

exposure to the wet-storage-stain-inducing environment and retained
moisture. The attack is accelerated when the retained moisture contains
chlorides from seawater, sulfur compounds from industrial
environments, or flux residues from galvanizing operations.

To minimize the possibility of wet storage stain, consider these

guidelines:
Whenever possible, avoid nested stacking
Provide adequate ventilation between stacked pieces 
Incline parts to allow for maximum drainage
Use spacers and tarp material during shipping if there is the likelihood of condensation or moisture
Stagger or cross stack galvanized pieces
Elevate and separate articles stacked outdoors with strip spacers (poplar, ash, spruce)
Avoid stacking on wet soil or decaying vegetation
Thoroughly dry small items that are quenched before packing in storage containers
Include a dehumidifying agent in sealed containers
Whenever possible, store material under cover in dry, well-ventilated conditions, away from doorways open to the
environment
Ensure the final product is free of flux residues 
Treat with a passivating agent
Remove road salts from galvanized articles 

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7/10/2019 Storage | American Galvanizers Association

Examples of proper storage methods

Various surface treatments are available to reduce the possibility of wet storage stain, including: 
Waxes and oils for products such as wire, sheet steel, and fencing
Passivation treatments
Duplex or powder coatings

If wet storage stain does form, the objects should be arranged so that
their surfaces dry rapidly. Once dry, most stains can be easily removed
by brushing with a sti bristle (not wire) brush. If the a ected area will
not be fully exposed in service or if it will be subject to an extremely
humid environment, even superficial white films should be removed
with a so -bristle brush. This allows for the successful formation of
galvanized coatings protective zinc carbonate patina.

In cases where heavy white deposit (above) or red stain has formed
because of prolonged exposure to or storage under poor conditions, it
must be removed and the damaged area repaired as detailed in ASTM
A780. In advanced stages of wet storage stain, the typical white or gray
product may blacken. When this occurs, some of the protective coating
has been consumed, a ecting service-life. Coating thickness tests can be performed on a ected areas to ensure that
su icient zinc coating remains a er the removal of the wet storage stain. Where the surface staining is light and smooth -as
judged by lightly rubbing fingertips across the surface -the stain will disappear gradually and blend with the surrounding
surface during normal weathering.

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