All corrosion inhibitor VpCI® products, whether used indoors or outdoors, work on the same principle: they protect metals from corrosion with the corrosion inhibiting vapor they emit.

The protection process starts when the vapor meets the metal surface and condenses, forming a thin layer of micro-crystals on it. The protective ions are absorbed by the metal surfaces and form a thin layer of molecules that prevent the connection between the metal and an electrolyte. The presence of an invisible layer of monomolecules does not remove any of the important properties of the metal; this is true even for the most sensitive electronic applications where conductivity, magnetic permeability or dimensional tolerance are crucial, and where the slightest deviations can lead to failure.

VCI products do not need to be applied directly to be effective; they provide protection through "evaporation". VCI products condense and are absorbed by all metal surfaces, including the most difficult to reach and recessed areas. Within reasonable limits, the VCI product provides protection that renews itself over and over again.