The rust and corrosion prevention measures for ordinary storage racks are mainly as follows:

I. Surface Treatment
1. Spray Painting
- Principle: Spraying paint on the surface of the rack to form a protective film, isolating the rack from air, moisture, and other corrosive media. The paint prevents oxygen and water from contacting the metal surface of the rack, thus preventing rust and corrosion.
- For example, using epoxy paint or polyurethane paint. Epoxy paint has good adhesion and corrosion resistance, and can firmly adhere to the surface of the rack. It also has a certain effect in resisting chemical corrosion; polyurethane paint has better wear resistance and weather resistance, allowing the rack to maintain good appearance and protective performance under various environmental conditions.
2. Powder Coating
- Principle: Attaching plastic powder to the surface of the rack through electrostatic spraying, and then curing it at a high temperature to form a uniform plastic coating. This coating can effectively prevent the rack from rusting and corroding, and also provide a certain degree of decoration.
- For example, using polyester powder coating for powder coating. This coating has good flexibility and impact resistance, and can withstand a certain degree of collision and friction during the use of the rack without being damaged. Its corrosion resistance is excellent, and it can adapt to the more complex environment in the warehouse.
3. Galvanizing
- Principle: Divided into hot-dip galvanizing and electroplating. Hot-dip galvanizing is to immerse the rack in molten zinc liquid, so that zinc reacts with the iron matrix to form a zinc-iron alloy layer and a pure zinc layer on the surface of the rack. Electrogalvanizing is to deposit a layer of zinc on the surface of the rack through electrolysis. The zinc layer can provide cathodic protection for the rack in the atmospheric environment. Even if the zinc layer is locally scratched, zinc will be used as the sacrificial anode and corroded preferentially, thus protecting the main metal of the rack from corrosion.
- For example, hot-dip galvanizing is often used in some heavy-duty storage racks. The thickness of the hot-dip galvanized layer can be adjusted according to the needs. Generally, a thicker zinc layer can provide longer corrosion protection and is suitable for warehouses in outdoor or high-humidity environments.

II. Material Selection
1. Using Stainless Steel Material
- Principle: Stainless steel contains alloy elements such as chromium and nickel, which can make the steel surface form a dense oxide film (such as Cr₂O₃). This oxide film can prevent oxygen and moisture from further eroding the inside of the steel, thus having strong rust and corrosion resistance.
- For example, in warehouses with high hygiene requirements and humid environments such as food and pharmaceuticals, 304 or 316 stainless steel racks can be used. 304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and can resist corrosion from most organic acids, inorganic acids, and salt solutions; 316 stainless steel is even better in corrosion resistance, especially for environments with strong corrosiveness such as chloride ions (such as seaside warehouses) has better adaptability.
2. Using Aluminum Alloy Material
- Principle: The surface of aluminum alloy easily forms a dense aluminum oxide film, which can prevent the aluminum alloy from being further corroded. Moreover, aluminum alloy itself is lighter in weight, making it easy to install and transport.
- For example, in some light-duty storage racks or occasions where the weight of the rack is required, aluminum alloy racks are a good choice. It can effectively resist the corrosion of moisture and oxygen in the air while ensuring a certain strength.

III. Environmental Control
1. Control Warehouse Humidity
- Principle: Reduce the humidity of the air in the warehouse by using dehumidification equipment or ventilation systems. When the air humidity is low, the water vapor condensation phenomenon on the surface of the rack is reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of rust and corrosion.
- For example, in the rainy season in the south, industrial dehumidifiers can be used in the warehouse to control the air humidity within a suitable range (generally it is recommended to keep it below 60%). At the same time, reasonably design the warehouse ventilation system to ensure that the air can circulate and remove the humid air in time.
2. Keep the Warehouse Clean
- Principle: Regularly clean dust, debris, and corrosive substances (such as residues after chemical spills) in the warehouse to prevent these substances from adhering to the surface of the rack for a long time and causing corrosion.
- For example, arrange personnel to clean the warehouse regularly. For areas where special items such as chemicals are stored, special attention should be paid to preventing chemical leakage onto the racks. If leakage occurs, it should be cleaned up immediately, and the rack should be inspected and necessary protective measures should be taken.