Defoaming and Air Release: Different Questions for a Coating Manufacturer

The key distinction

BYK distinguishes action on surface foam from movement and removal of air within the liquid. For a buyer of finished coating, the practical implication is to describe where bubbles appear and how the product was handled. An additive recommendation requires formulation knowledge that cannot be inferred from a bottle photograph or a general internet recipe.

Practical checks

1. Record whether the observation occurs in the container, during dispensing or in the applied film.
2. Describe the approved handling process and any deviations without introducing new mixing steps.
3. Send the product identity and observations to the supplier for assessment.

Example

Illustrative example: shaking a sample produces a foam cap, while another sample shows tiny bubbles only after application. Calling both cases simply foaming can obscure useful information. Separate records allow the supplier to assess different mechanisms without assuming that the same corrective action will work.

Scope and limits

Do not add an aftermarket defoamer to a finished ceramic coating. Additive compatibility and concentration can affect the resulting film. Visible bubble removal alone does not demonstrate that the modified product remains suitable or that its original performance claims still apply.

Related guidance

• Nano Coating Stain Release vs Liquid Repellency
• What Is Nano Ceramic Coating and How Does It Work?
• Water-Vapour Transmission and Liquid Repellency: Two Different Coating Questions
• Dynamic Surface Tension: Why a Fresh Spray Interface Matters

Technical references: BYK: Defoamers and air release agents. These sources describe their stated methods or products; they do not certify NANOLAB products or establish compatibility with an unlisted surface.

Ask NANOLAB about the exact product and intended use. Use the current product documentation for formulation-specific instructions.