Anyone in the sealing industry for long enough will have heard the same complaint: “The oil seals looked fine when delivered, but after six months in storage they were already too stiff to use.” In most cases, this is not a production issue, it is a storage mistake. For oil seals, storage requirements depend heavily on the material.
Material considerations
The typical compounds for oil seals are NBR, FKM, ACM, and EPDM.
· NBR works well with oils but reacts badly to heat and ozone. Avoid sunlight and excessive temperature.
· FKM resists heat and chemicals but can lose elasticity if kept too long in humid or hot storage.
· ACM is vulnerable to oxidation and UV light, so it should be kept away from air and light exposure.
· EPDM has excellent weather resistance but should not stay in contact with mineral oils during storage.
Some wholesalers store every type of seal in the same area. Months later, they find half of the stock damaged. Separating by material is often the first and simplest solution.
Practical storage tips
From warehouse visits and customer feedback, I would highlight five rules:
· Temperature: 10℃–25℃ is suitable. Too hot or too cold accelerates aging.
· Humidity: 40%–70% relative humidity is ideal, preventing corrosion on the metal case.
· Light: protect from UV exposure, as it speeds up degradation.
· Stacking: avoid heavy loads on boxes. The sealing lips deform easily.
· Packaging: keep in the original package until needed.
Questions wholesalers often ask
· How long can oil seals remain in storage?
· Is a dehumidifier necessary in every warehouse?
· Why does performance vary within the same batch after storage?
These are common questions, and the answer is usually: different compounds demand different conditions. One solution does not fit all.
For wholesalers and distributors, storage is not just about saving space. It is directly connected to business reputation. If seals cannot be installed properly after storage, clients will not come back. On the other hand, if every box in your warehouse remains in good condition, your customers will trust you more.
This is why many of our partners choose DEDE. We offers fast delivery from stock—covering tens of thousands of O-ring and oil seal sizes—and also customized services from material selection to testing. With more than 30 years of experience, DEDE provides technical guidance not only in sealing performance but also in handling, storage, and long-term reliability.
Selling seals is more than moving boxes; it is about ensuring that the
customer always receives a solution they can depend on. With a strong
manufacturing base, global distribution to over 80 countries, and recognized
innovation, DEDE continues to serve as a trusted partner for the sealing
industry. For distributors and wholesalers, working with such a partner is not
just business—it is long-term security.
