Corrosion Inhibitor Coating Contamination

Corrosion-inhibitor contamination arises from chemical coatings applied to protect metals during storage and shipping, forming a thin, waxy residue that migrates to surfaces over time. This oily layer stands out from rust or dirt by its slippery texture and faint chemical odor, resisting water-based cleaners while adhering unevenly—firmly on steel yet flaking off aluminum and copper more readily. Removal poses challenges like incomplete stripping without damaging substrates, but laser cleaning tackles this effectively by vaporizing the inhibitor precisely, achieving a clean finish that backs up long-term surface integrity.