Defoamer Additives Cross Reference Guide for Coatings & Inks

This cross-reference guide maps INVINO defoamer additives against commonly used products from Evonik (TEGO), BYK, DOW, Elementis, and NOPCO. It covers silicone, non-silicone, and mineral oil defoamer types for waterborne and solvent-based coating systems. Because formulation responses vary by resin type, PVC, and production conditions, this list is intended as a starting reference rather than a direct 1:1 substitution guide. Lab evaluation is recommended before full-scale replacement.

Last updated: June 2026  |  Prepared by INVINO Technical Team

Tested Against Common Systems

Products are evaluated in representative waterborne and solvent-based coating systems, covering shear stability and foam suppression performance.

Direct Manufacturer Supply

INVINO manufactures these defoamers in-house, allowing direct supply without intermediary distributors and with consistent batch quality.

Download TDS for Any INVINO Defoamer

Technical data sheets are linked directly from each product below. Lab samples can also be requested — our technical team can advise on substitution suitability for your system.

Silicone Defoamer Alternatives for Coatings & Inks

Silicone-based defoamers work by spreading rapidly across the foam surface to break air bubbles. They are generally effective at low addition levels (typically 0.05–0.3% by total formulation weight) and are suitable for both waterborne and solvent-based systems. The INVINO silicone defoamer range below is developed as functional alternatives to products from Evonik TEGO, BYK, and DOW. Actual performance in a specific coating system should be verified by side-by-side testing, as resin compatibility and shear conditions affect results.

Click any INVINO product name to download its Technical Data Sheet (PDF).
CategoryINVINO AlternativeReference Product
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 463TEGO Foamex 3062
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO P401WTEGO Airex 901W
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 4222TEGO Foamex 810
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 424BYK-024
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 428BYK-028
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 4311TEGO Foamex 805N / 8030 / BASF 2410
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 4343TEGO Foamex 822
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 435TEGO Foamex 825
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 437TEGO Foamex 1488
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO P402WTEGO Airex 902W
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 466DOW DC65
Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 4680TEGO Airex 900

Non-Silicone Defoamer Alternatives

Non-silicone defoamers are typically used in systems where silicone residues are a concern, such as high-build coatings with re-coating requirements or certain industrial finishes where inter-coat adhesion is critical. They generally carry a lower risk of cratering and fish-eye defects compared to silicone types, though their defoaming efficiency per unit dosage is often lower. INVINO 432 and 4920 are positioned as alternatives to TEGO Foamex 830 and TEGO Airex 920 respectively.

Click any INVINO product name to download its Technical Data Sheet (PDF).
CategoryINVINO AlternativeReference Product
Non-Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 432TEGO Foamex 830
Non-Silicone Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 4920TEGO Airex 920

Mineral Oil Defoamer Alternatives

Mineral oil defoamers are commonly used in industrial paints, printing inks, and adhesive systems where cost efficiency is a priority and appearance requirements are moderate. They are generally not recommended for high-gloss decorative coatings due to the risk of surface defects. INVINO 410 and 481 are developed for applications similar to Elementis DAPRO AP/DF 7015 and NOPCO NXZ.

Click any INVINO product name to download its Technical Data Sheet (PDF).
CategoryINVINO AlternativeReference Product
Mineral Oil Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 410Elementis DAPRO AP/DF 7015
Mineral Oil Defoamer AdditivesINVINO 481NOPCO NXZ

Technical Assistance & Laboratory Evaluation

Chemical interactions vary depending on resin matrices, pigment volume concentration (PVC), and shearing conditions during production. A cross-reference list provides a useful starting point, but an exact 1:1 match cannot be assumed without testing. Standard evaluation methods such as the stir test or foam cylinder test (ASTM D1173) are recommended before switching to full-scale production use.

Common Questions About Defoamer Substitution

Not necessarily. While INVINO products are developed for similar application areas, the effective dosage in a given system depends on resin type, surfactant content, and mixing conditions. We recommend starting at the same dosage as your current product and adjusting based on stir test results before committing to a full batch.
Silicone defoamers are generally more efficient at lower dosage levels (typically 0.05–0.3% by total formulation weight) and work across a wide range of systems. Non-silicone types are preferred when silicone contamination is a concern, such as in systems with strict re-coating or adhesion requirements, or in certain industrial coatings where silicone residues in the final film are not acceptable.
Excess silicone defoamer can lower surface tension unevenly across the coating film, leading to cratering, fish-eye, or gloss reduction. This is why defoamer dosage is usually optimized at the lowest effective level. A typical starting range is 0.05–0.3% based on total formulation weight, though the optimal amount depends on the specific system.
Generally not recommended. Mineral oil defoamers carry a higher risk of surface defects in high-gloss systems. They are more commonly used in industrial paints, printing inks, and adhesives where gloss requirements are lower and cost is a more critical factor.
Defoamer is typically added during the let-down or tinting stage rather than during high-shear grinding, where it may be partially deactivated. Some formulations benefit from a split addition — part during grinding and part during let-down. The specific addition point should be tested per your production process.
A basic compatibility check is to dilute the defoamer into the base resin or let-down vehicle and observe for cloudiness, separation, or gelling. For a more practical assessment, prepare a small test batch and evaluate foam behavior during mixing, along with the dried film for surface defects. Contact our technical team to discuss your specific resin type before requesting samples.
Yes. Technical data sheets are linked directly from each product in the tables above. Lab samples are available for all listed products — use the contact form below to specify which product you are evaluating and the general coating system type, so we can provide relevant technical support alongside the sample.

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Trademark Disclaimer: All registered trademarks, brand names, and product codes (including TEGO®, Foamex®, Airex®, BYK®, BASF®, DOW®, Elementis®, DAPRO®, and NOPCO®) listed above are the sole property of their respective trademark owners. INVINO is an independent manufacturer of defoaming additives. Reference to these competitor designations is intended strictly for comparison, identification, and technical informational purposes, and does not constitute or imply any endorsement, sponsorship, approval, or affiliation with the respective trademark holders.