How to Choose the Right VCI Anti Rust Paper for Your Steel?
2026-02-06 16:30Choosing the right rust-proof packaging is a crucial step in ensuring product quality during the storage and transportation of metal products. Faced with a dazzling array of VCI Anti Rust Papers on the market, many buyers and technicians are often confused: which product is best suited for their steel? Since we are a company that has been researching rust-proof packaging for 30 years, today we'll let you in on how to pick the right VCI rust-proof paper for your steel.
Step 1: Figure out What Steel You Have and What Level of Protection Is Needed
Our VCI Anti Rust Papers provide excellent rust protection for different steels and ferrous metals including aluminum, however, the primary step is to recognize the metal type that you want to protect:
Metals to Which Our Products Are Applicable:
· Carbon steel, alloy steel, cast iron
· Phosphated steel, blued steel
· Powder metallurgy steel
· Grain-oriented silicon steel, non-grain-oriented silicon steel
· Aluminum products
Step 2: Get to Know the Main Features of the Four Core Structure Models
Our VCI Anti Rust Paper is generally split between four models, each of which is meant for different scenarios of use. A mistaken structure choice may cause inadequate protection or a loss of money.
Structure Type Common Width Specifications Description：
| Structure type | Common width specifications | Description |
| PO structure | 787mm / 1050mm | Commonly used for general packaging applications |
| PA structure | 787mm / 1050mm | Reinforced structure, suitable for heavy parts packaging |
| WO structure | 1575mm | Large format design, suitable for large-size workpieces |
| WA structure | 1575mm | Enhanced moisture-proof and rust-proof performance, suitable for export |
Step 3: Double-Check the Most Important Rust-Proof Paper Features and Certification Standards
1. Water and Moisture Proof Performance
The PA and WA versions of our products provide double barrier against physical moisture and chemical rust by adding a PE film layer to the VCI neutral base paper. This basically is the main feature that helps the steel remain unharmed even if kept in the internationally humid logistics chain.
2. Conformity to International and Industry Standards
· QB/T 1319: China Light Industry Standard, which is a stated baseline product quality requirement.
· JIS Z 1535: Japanese Industrial Standard, that is recognized worldwide (especially in the Asia-Pacific region) and is a major indicator of product quality and reliability.
By selecting products that have reached these standards, you will be able to keep the volatility performance, rust prevention features, and material safety tested in a standardized manner, minimizing your business risks.
3. Printing Services Custom Made
Apart from the protective features, our rust-proof paper is also supplying the customized printing service at the client's disposal. Your company logo, operating instructions (such as "Do not remove packaging until use"), part number, and any other information can be printed right onto the paper. Not only does this increase the brand but it also speeds up internal packaging labeling, safeguards information during transit, and achieves unified rust prevention and logistics management.
Step Four: Balancing Practicality, Storage, and Economy
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper Storage: The product should be kept in a sealed container at a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight.
Shelf Life: Three years from the production date. Please plan your procurement accordingly and use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle.
Usage Tips：
To ensure optimal results, seal the paper as soon as possible after wrapping the steel (e.g., using tape or placing it in a bag) to minimize VCI gas loss. This is a cleaning solution designed to replace traditional oiling. After application, the steel surface is clean and can proceed to the next process without further washing, saving time and processing costs.
Conclusion: Your Choice Pathway
• General steel for short-term indoor storage → Choose PO type (economical and practical).
• Heavy parts or indoor storage requiring moisture protection → Choose PA type (coated for moisture protection).
• Large workpieces requiring surface cushioning → Choose WO type (crepe paper cushioning).
• Large, valuable steel for export by sea, long-term warehousing, or in extremely humid environments → WA type is preferred (crepe paper + coating, providing comprehensive protection).
Choosing the right VCI rust-preventive paper is a wise investment that transforms potential rust loss into supply chain reliability. By matching the metal type, environmental challenges, and product characteristics, you can not only ensure that steel arrives at your customer's hands intact but also improve the cleanliness and professionalism of your operations.