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.
$19.99
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 Volume | De-Foaming Agent | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 15 gallons | 2 oz. | Small dip tank or compact recirculator |
| 30 gallons | 4 oz. | Standard 30-gal dip tank or recirculation booth |
| 60 gallons | 8 oz. | Large recirculating washout system |
| 120 gallons | 16 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.
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:
| Step | Product | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · On-Press | PC Press Wash | On-press plastisol ink cleaner for color changes. |
| 2 · Ink Removal | PC Ink Degradent | Plastisol ink degradent for reclaim room use. |
| 3 · Emulsion | PC Emulsion Remover | Ready-to-use emulsion remover. |
| 3 · Emulsion | PC Emulsion Remover Concentrate | Concentrated 1:30 emulsion remover. |
| 3 · Emulsion | PC Eco-Strip Part A | Eco-friendly emulsion remover Part A. |
| 3 · Emulsion | PC Part C Emulsion Remover | Part C emulsion remover. |
| 3 · Dip Tank | PC Dip Tank Solution | 2-in-1 dip tank ink and emulsion remover. |
| 4 · Foam Control | PC De-Foaming Agent ← This Product | Highly concentrated de-foamer for recirculation systems. |
| 4 · Haze/Prep | PC Haze Remover | Ghost image and mesh haze remover. |
| 4 · Haze/Prep | PC Degreaser | Mesh degreaser for pre-coating prep. |
| 5 · Hardeners | PC Emulsion Hardener | Adds 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 Name | Printers Choice De-Foaming Agent |
| Brand | Printers Choice (River City Supply private label) |
| SKU | RC PC Liquid Defoamer-Qt |
| Type | Highly Concentrated De-Foaming Agent |
| Recommended Dosage | 4 oz. per 30 gallons of solution |
| 1 Quart Coverage | Approximately 240 gallons of solution |
| 1 Gallon Coverage | Approximately 960 gallons of solution |
| Application | Add directly to recirculating solution — no pre-dilution |
| Dispersion | Rapid — disperses quickly on contact with solution |
| Effect on Cleaners | Does not interfere with cleaning chemical performance |
| Compatible With | Recirculation systems, dip tanks, automatic reclaim machines, washout booths |
| Use Case | Any screen printing system where foaming chemistry is used |
| Available Sizes | Quart, 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.
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