Foam is a gas-in-liquid dispersion. Foaming is generally undesirable during the production and processing of coatings, printing inks, and many other industrial processes. During the paint production process, foam may occur and it can cause problems when filling the container with paint. The paint container may not be filled optimally. Foam can also be formed during coating application processes such as spraying, rolling, or brushing.

During application process, foam often leaves surface defects such as pinholes during the film formation process and causes the coating film to lose gloss and clarity. This not only affects the visual appearance, but also reduces the protective function of the coating by weakening the dry film. Foam can also produce a more permeable paint surface that can pick up dust and other reactive contaminants. For these reasons, defoamers are an important part of coating system formulations.

Defoamer is an important aid throughout the coating production and application process, which can inhibit and destroy foam and its negative effects before and during application. Defoamers or deaerators can prevent and destroy foam and can improve processing performance, provide a perfect surface coverage, and optimum product properties. Manufacturers can benefit from a foam-free production process by filling containers faster and more accurately, with better visual appearance, and optimum paint surface performance.