Printers Choice De-Foaming Agent – Foam Control for Screen Printing Recirculation Systems

Printers Choice

Printers Choice De-Foaming Agent is a highly concentrated foam control additive for screen printing recirculation systems, dip tanks, and automatic reclaim equipment. Add just 4 oz. per 30 gallons of solution to instantly eliminate excessive foaming — without affecting the cleaning performance of the chemistry it’s added to. The extreme concentration means a small amount covers a large system, keeping your pumps, nozzles, and tanks running clean. Available in quart, gallon, and 5-gallon pail.

✔ Super-concentrated — 4 oz. per 30 gallons
✔ For recirculation & dip tank systems
✔ Won’t affect cleaning chemical performance
✔ Rapid dispersion on contact
✔ Stops foam buildup — keeps pumps & nozzles clear
✔ Quart, Gallon & 5-Gallon Pail
🚚 Same-day shipping on orders before 3:30 PM CT  |  🎁 Free shipping on orders over $200

$19.99

Ships from the manufacturer; may add transit time.

Description

Printers Choice De-Foaming Agent — Concentrated Foam Control for Screen Printing Recirculation Systems

Foam is the enemy of recirculating screen cleaning systems. It blocks pump flow, clogs spray nozzles, reduces cleaning coverage, and shortens equipment life. Some of the most effective screen cleaning chemicals — concentrated emulsion removers, dip tank solutions, and ink degradents — produce significant foam when agitated by pumps and spray heads. Printers Choice De-Foaming Agent solves this with a single, super-concentrated additive. Four ounces per 30 gallons. No compromise on cleaning performance. No pump problems. No foam.

Super-Concentrated Formula

At just 4 oz. per 30 gallons of solution, the De-Foaming Agent is exceptionally concentrated. A quart treats 240 gallons of solution. A gallon covers 960 gallons. A small inventory footprint goes an extremely long way in any shop.

Doesn’t Interfere with Cleaning Chemistry

The formula is specifically designed so that minimal amounts are required — and because so little is used, it does not interfere with the performance of the ink remover, emulsion remover, or dip tank solution it’s added to. Foam control without chemistry compromise.

For Recirculation Systems

Foam buildup in recirculating screen wash and reclaim systems restricts flow, clogs nozzles, reduces pump efficiency, and ultimately degrades cleaning performance. The De-Foaming Agent eliminates this before it starts.

Dip Tank Compatible

Add directly to your dip tank when using foaming emulsion removers like Murakami ER-605 or other chemistry that produces foam during the soaking process. Keeps the tank solution working cleanly.

Automatic Reclaim Equipment

Recirculating washout booths and automatic reclaiming systems are particularly vulnerable to foam. Adding a small amount of De-Foaming Agent to the solution reservoir prevents pump cavitation and nozzle blockage.

Rapid Dispersion

Disperses throughout the system quickly when added directly to the solution. No mixing time or special equipment required — add it and keep working.

Dosage Rate4 oz.

per 30 gallons of solution

1 Quart Treats240 gal

of recirculating solution

DispersionRapid

Add directly — no pre-mixing

Compatible WithAll Chemistry

Won’t reduce cleaner performance

How to Use Printers Choice De-Foaming Agent

Step 1 — Identify the System

Determine the volume of your recirculation system, dip tank, or reclaim unit reservoir. The dosage is based on total liquid volume.

Step 2 — Measure the Dose

Use 4 oz. (1/2 cup) of De-Foaming Agent per 30 gallons of solution. Scale up or down proportionally for your system size.

Step 3 — Add Directly to Solution

Pour the measured De-Foaming Agent directly into the recirculating system’s solution or dip tank. Do not pre-dilute separately — add directly.

Step 4 — Allow Dispersion

Let the system run briefly to disperse the de-foamer throughout the solution. The concentrated formula disperses rapidly on contact.

Repeat as Needed

If foam returns during extended use, add another dose. For systems that run continuous high-foaming chemistry, a small ongoing dose is normal maintenance.

🧪 Dosage Reference Chart

System VolumeDe-Foaming AgentUse Case
15 gallons2 oz.Small dip tank or compact recirculator
30 gallons4 oz.Standard 30-gal dip tank or recirculation booth
60 gallons8 oz.Large recirculating washout system
120 gallons16 oz. (1 pint)High-volume automatic reclaim system

💡 When Do You Need a De-Foaming Agent?

Recirculating washout booths: When the spray arms produce foam instead of solution coverage, cleaning performance drops. De-foamer restores proper spray pattern and flow.

Dip tank solutions: Concentrated emulsion removers like Murakami ER-605 foam aggressively when agitated. Adding de-foamer keeps the tank solution clear and active.

Automatic reclaim machines: Pump cavitation from foam reduces pressure and consistency. De-foamer prevents pump damage and maintains spray pressure throughout the reclaim cycle.

⚠️ Application Tips

Add directly to solution — do not pre-dilute in a separate container. The de-foamer disperses best when added directly to the recirculating liquid.

Start with the recommended dose — 4 oz. per 30 gallons. Adding too much will not improve performance and wastes product. More is not better.

Re-dose when foam returns — as chemistry depletes through use, de-foamer activity diminishes. When foam reappears, add another dose.

Ready to Order?

Same-day shipping on in-stock orders before 3:30 PM CT from San Antonio, TX.

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The Printers Choice Screen Chemical Line

The De-Foaming Agent is part of the Printers Choice screen chemical line — a complete set of professional screen printing chemicals available from River City Supply:

StepProductWhat It Does
1 · On-PressPC Press WashOn-press plastisol ink cleaner for color changes.
2 · Ink RemovalPC Ink DegradentPlastisol ink degradent for reclaim room use.
3 · EmulsionPC Emulsion RemoverReady-to-use emulsion remover.
3 · EmulsionPC Emulsion Remover ConcentrateConcentrated 1:30 emulsion remover.
3 · EmulsionPC Eco-Strip Part AEco-friendly emulsion remover Part A.
3 · EmulsionPC Part C Emulsion RemoverPart C emulsion remover.
3 · Dip TankPC Dip Tank Solution2-in-1 dip tank ink and emulsion remover.
4 · Foam ControlPC De-Foaming Agent
← This Product
Highly concentrated de-foamer for recirculation systems.
4 · Haze/PrepPC Haze RemoverGhost image and mesh haze remover.
4 · Haze/PrepPC DegreaserMesh degreaser for pre-coating prep.
5 · HardenersPC Emulsion HardenerAdds water and solvent resistance to emulsion.

🏆 Why Order from River City Supply?

📦 Deep Inventory

Full Printers Choice chemical line in stock year-round from San Antonio, TX.

🚚 Same-Day Shipping

Orders placed before 3:30 PM CT ship the same day from our San Antonio warehouse.

🌡️ San Antonio Advantage

South Texas — less freeze risk than northern warehouses year-round.

🎁 Free Shipping Over $200

Free ground shipping on all orders over $200.

📞 Expert Support

Call (512) 454-0505 — we know screen printing chemistry and can help you choose the right solution.

⭐ 17+ Years in Business

Founded 2008. Serving screen printers nationwide for over 17 years.

Technical Specifications

Printers Choice De-Foaming Agent — Technical Specifications
Product NamePrinters Choice De-Foaming Agent
BrandPrinters Choice (River City Supply private label)
SKURC PC Liquid Defoamer-Qt
TypeHighly Concentrated De-Foaming Agent
Recommended Dosage4 oz. per 30 gallons of solution
1 Quart CoverageApproximately 240 gallons of solution
1 Gallon CoverageApproximately 960 gallons of solution
ApplicationAdd directly to recirculating solution — no pre-dilution
DispersionRapid — disperses quickly on contact with solution
Effect on CleanersDoes not interfere with cleaning chemical performance
Compatible WithRecirculation systems, dip tanks, automatic reclaim machines, washout booths
Use CaseAny screen printing system where foaming chemistry is used
Available SizesQuart, Gallon, 5-Gallon Pail

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does a de-foaming agent actually do?

A de-foaming agent breaks down foam bubbles by destabilizing the surface tension that holds them together. In screen printing recirculation systems, foam is created when surfactants in cleaning chemicals are agitated by pumps and spray nozzles. Left unchecked, foam reduces spray coverage, causes pump cavitation, clogs nozzles, and degrades cleaning performance. The de-foaming agent prevents this by neutralizing foam on contact.

How much do I use?

4 oz. (half a cup) per 30 gallons of solution is the recommended starting dose. Scale proportionally for your system size — 2 oz. for 15 gallons, 8 oz. for 60 gallons, etc. Add directly to the recirculating solution without pre-diluting.

Will it affect how well my cleaning chemical works?

No. The formula is specifically designed to use minimal amounts, and at 4 oz. per 30 gallons, it does not interfere with the emulsion remover, ink degradent, or dip tank solution it’s been added to. The de-foamer targets foam without affecting cleaning chemistry performance.

What types of systems can I use this in?

Any screen printing system where foaming chemistry is used: recirculating washout booths, dip tanks, automatic reclaiming machines, spray systems, and recirculating screen wash systems. If your system produces problematic foam, this product addresses it.

Why does my recirculating system foam in the first place?

Most professional screen cleaning chemicals contain surfactants that lower surface tension to help emulsify and remove ink and emulsion. When these chemicals are agitated by pumps and spray nozzles, they produce foam — it’s a side effect of how they clean. Certain products like Murakami ER-605 are specifically noted as not suitable for auto reclaim machines due to foaming. Adding a de-foamer to the solution allows you to use powerful cleaning chemistry without the foam problem.

How often do I need to re-dose?

When foam returns. As the recirculating solution depletes through use and screens are reclaimed, de-foamer activity diminishes along with the rest of the chemistry. When you notice foam building up again, add another 4 oz. per 30 gallons. For systems running continuously, build it into your regular solution maintenance routine.

How economical is it?

Very. At 4 oz. per 30 gallons, a single quart treats 240 gallons of solution. A gallon covers 960 gallons. The upfront cost is minimal compared to the equipment damage and cleaning performance loss that uncontrolled foam causes.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected].

Order Now

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