The properties of petroleum and synthetic oils used as bases for anti-corrosion materials are determined. The viscosity-temperature characteristics determine the feasibility of applying oil coatings. Regression equations allowing the thickness of the resulting protective film to be calculated as a function of the oil viscosity are obtained. Results from wettability assessments indicate that the oil surface is hydrophilic. The oil films are permeable to water; stimulants, and corrosion inhibitors. Films of the studied oils inhibit anodic dissolution of steel and accelerate slightly cathodic reduction of oxygen. The nature of the oil base has little effect on the protection effectiveness if anti-corrosion additives Emulgin or Mobiin-3 are added at concentrations wt. %.