The Greenwood Aerospace Guide to Zip-Chem Corrosion Preventatives and Aviation Cleaners

Keeping aircraft clean is the first line of defense against corrosion and one of the most important. In a nutshell, corrosion occurs when moisture persists on metal surfaces, especially in joints, and when the chemical ingredients necessary for oxidation are present. This can be the introduction of salts (tropical environments) or moisture between dissimilar metals. 

Also, grease and grime on the aircraft not only look unsightly but can trap moisture against the skin or even caked on fasteners and rivets. Zip-Chem is an industry leader in cleaning products that work, with over five decades of experience, and Greenwood Aerospace is proud to offer the line of products using GSA Advantage. 

Greenwood Aerospace is a trusted source for aviation chemicals and lubricants through GSA Advantage. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Zip-Chem’s corrosion preventatives and aviation cleaners, enabling procurement officers, maintainers, and federal buyers to understand the product lineup while also directing them to live GSA listings.

Why Corrosion Control and Aviation Cleaners Matter

Aircraft operate in some of the harshest environments in the world. Extreme humidity, extreme heat and cold (sometimes in the span of an hour), and excessive salt deposits and other contaminants that accelerate oxidation. 

Once corrosion takes hold, it spreads fast. It compromises aircraft structures, weakens fasteners, and ultimately reduces service life. And corrosion isn't a cosmetic issue; it undermines the structural integrity of the aircraft, control surfaces, and even internal systems. 

Zip-Chem cleaning compounds and corrosion preventatives work to protect your fleet from these common threats. Cleaning removes grime, oil, and carbon buildups that traps moisture against surfaces. Corrosion preventatives from Zip-Chem form a barrier film that seals out oxygen, salts, and water, the three key ingredients to corrosion. 

These:

  • Prolong aircraft life by slowing or stopping oxidation.
  • Meet FAA, DoD and OEM maintenance requirements.
  • Minimize downtime and costs by reducing unscheduled maintenance and extending inspection intervals.
  • Protect your investment—aircraft are millions of taxpayer dollars and good maintenance gets the best return on that investment.

For military and government fleets operating on tight budgets and schedules, corrosion prevention isn’t optional. It’s a readiness multiplier.

The Zip-Chem Lineup: Products Available Through Greenwood Aerospace 

ZipChem offers a wide range of aviation-approved cleaning and corrosion-control products. From general degreasers to cold-applied CPCs (Corrosion Preventive Compounds), these products have been tested to meet or exceed MIL-Spec and OEM standards. Greenwood Aerospace makes sure each SKU is available through GSA Advantage in packaging sizes for government buyers—whether you’re buying in aerosol cans for line maintenance or 5-gallon pails for depot-level use.

Here is a list of some of the most popular ZipChem products available through Greenwood Aerospace:

Zip-Chem Aviation Chemicals Available Through Greenwood Aerospace on GSA Advantage

Product Name MIL-Spec / Type Package Size Key Features GSA Advantage Link
CALLA 301A Degreaser and Cleaner 22 oz aerosol, Pack of 10 High-temp degreaser (up to 212°F); clear amber formula for versatile aircraft cleaning Buy now!
COR-BAN 35 Cold-Applied CPC 12 oz aerosol, Pack of 10 Cold-applied corrosion preventive; aerosol for easy application; strong barrier against moisture and salts Buy now!
MIL-PRF-16173, Grade 2 CPC MIL-PRF-16173, Gr. 2 Quart, Pack of 3 Meets DoD corrosion prevention standards; trusted CPC for aircraft structures Buy now!
CALLA 855 Alkaline Carbon Cleaning Compound MIL-PRF-85570 Type II 5 Gallon Pail Specialized for carbon and exhaust removal; alkaline-based for heavy-duty cleaning Buy now!
COR-BAN 27L CPC Quart, Case of 12 Long-term corrosion protection; liquid CPC for interior and exterior aircraft applications Buy now!

Technical and Compliance Considerations

Government buyers know that compliance is non-negotiable. Every single chemical applied to a military aircraft (or civil aircraft, for that matter) has to be approved by the governing body. 

Choosing Between Cleaning and Corrosion Protection

Understanding when to clean first and when to apply CPCs directly is critical. In most cases, cleaning compounds like CALLA 301A or CALLA 855 are used before corrosion preventatives like COR-BAN 35 or MIL-PRF-16173. Together, they form a complete maintenance solution.

Sourcing Through GSA Advantage with Greenwood Aerospace

Greenwood Aerospace simplifies the procurement process by offering:

  • Native American-owned, HUBZone-certified small business benefits

  • Competitive pricing and government-ready packaging

  • Expedited fulfillment for AOG and mission-critical needs

Greenwood Aerospace as Your Aviation Chemicals Partner

By sourcing ZipChem corrosion preventatives and aviation cleaners through Greenwood Aerospace, buyers gain access to fully compliant, MIL-approved products backed by responsive service and procurement expertise.

Contact Greenwood Aerospace for orders, expedited requests, or bulk inquiries gsasales@greenwood.aero or call us at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289).