Pressroom Chemicals
Pressroom Chemicals for Offset Printing
Pressroom chemicals are the lifeblood of any offset printing operation, playing a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance between ink and water that makes lithographic printing possible. These specialized chemical formulations are engineered to optimize every aspect of the printing process, from the initial dampening of the plate to the final cleaning of press components at the end of a run.
Understanding Offset Printing Chemistry
Offset lithography relies on the fundamental principle that oil and water don't mix. The printing plate contains both image areas (oleophilic - ink-receptive) and non-image areas (hydrophilic - water-receptive). Pressroom chemicals maintain this critical separation throughout the printing process. The chemistry must be precisely balanced to ensure:
- Consistent ink transfer: Proper dampening prevents ink from spreading to non-image areas while allowing complete coverage of image areas
- Plate longevity: Correct pH levels and chemical composition protect the plate surface from oxidation and wear
- Equipment preservation: Regular use of appropriate cleaning and maintenance chemicals extends the life of expensive press components
- Print quality: Stable chemistry produces consistent color, sharp images, and clean backgrounds run after run
For more background on the offset printing process, see the Wikipedia article on Offset Printing.
Categories of Essential Pressroom Chemicals
Fountain Solutions and Dampening System Chemistry
Fountain solution is arguably the most critical pressroom chemical, as it directly affects the ink-water balance that determines print quality. Modern fountain solutions are complex formulations containing:
- Buffering agents: Maintain stable pH levels (typically 4.8-5.5) throughout the print run
- Surfactants: Reduce surface tension to ensure even wetting of the plate
- Desensitizers: Help keep non-image areas water-receptive and ink-repellent
- Anti-corrosion agents: Protect the plate and dampening system components from oxidation
- Biocides: Prevent bacterial and fungal growth in the fountain reservoir
Alcohol Substitutes vs. Traditional IPA-Based Solutions:
Historically, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was added to fountain solutions at 8-15% to reduce surface tension and improve ink-water balance. However, IPA presents significant challenges:
- Fire hazard due to low flash point
- Health concerns from vapor inhalation
- Environmental impact from VOC emissions
- Increased drying on rollers and plates
- Cost volatility
Modern alcohol substitute formulations like Allied All Star, All Star Ultra, and Press Control EWM eliminate these concerns while providing equal or superior performance. These products use glycol ethers and other safer surfactants to achieve the same surface tension reduction and improved wetting characteristics.
Learn more about Fountain Solutions and their role in lithography.
Press Cleaning Chemistry
Maintaining clean blankets, rollers, and press components is essential for consistent print quality and equipment longevity. Press wash products are formulated for specific applications:
Blanket Washes:
- Quick-drying formulations: For color changes and routine cleaning between jobs - evaporate rapidly to minimize downtime
- Deep-cleaning washes: For thorough end-of-day cleaning - slower drying but more effective at removing stubborn buildup
- Water-miscible options: Environmentally friendly alternatives that clean effectively while reducing VOC emissions
- UV-specific washes: Special formulations for removing UV and LED-curable inks that resist conventional cleaning
Roller Cleaners and Maintenance Products:
- Daily roller washes: Gentle formulations for regular cleaning without damaging rubber compounds
- Deglazing compounds: Remove the hard, shiny buildup that develops on rollers over time
- Rubber rejuvenators: Restore elasticity and tackiness to hardened or aged rollers
- Calcium eliminators: Dissolve mineral deposits from hard water that accumulate on roller surfaces
Wash Product Considerations:
- VOC content: Low-VOC products (<100 g/L) meet strict environmental regulations in many jurisdictions
- Flash point: Higher flash point products (>140°F) are safer to use and store
- Drying speed: Balance between cleaning effectiveness and production efficiency
- Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your specific blanket and roller materials
Products from manufacturers like Allied, Varn, and Siebert offer various formulations to meet different operational needs and regulatory requirements.
Plate Care Products
The printing plate is where the image begins, and proper plate maintenance ensures sharp, clean reproduction throughout the entire run:
Plate Cleaners:
- Remove oxidation and scumming from plate surfaces
- Open up image areas that have become desensitized
- Eliminate scratches and surface imperfections (to a degree)
- Work on both conventional metal plates and polyester plates
Plate Conditioners and Desensitizers:
- Enhance the plate's ability to reject ink in non-image areas
- Improve water receptivity for better ink-water balance
- Can be used during the run to maintain plate performance
Gum Arabic Solutions:
- Natural gum arabic at 14° Baumé is the traditional plate protectant
- Creates a hydrophilic coating that protects non-image areas during storage
- Prevents oxidation and contamination between print runs
- Essential for plate preservation when storing plates for future use
Plate Storage Gum:
- Combined formulation of gum arabic, solvents, and asphaltum
- Removes ink residue while protecting both image and non-image areas
- Allows plates to be stored for weeks or months without degradation
Specialty Pressroom Chemicals
Beyond the primary categories, several specialized chemicals address specific pressroom challenges:
Anti-Foam Agents:
- Control excessive foaming in fountain solutions
- Fast-acting formulations require only small dosages
- Prevent the inconsistent dampening that foam creates
Ink Repellents:
- Applied to impression cylinders to prevent unwanted ink pickup
- Reduce picking, piling, and hickeys on printed sheets
- Help maintain clean, mark-free impressions
Chrome Roller Desensitizers:
- Prevent ink buildup on chrome metering and dampening rollers
- Keep critical dampening system components functioning properly
- Reduce the frequency of roller cleaning and replacement
Coating Cleaners:
- Remove water-based coatings from rollers and blankets
- Necessary for shops that apply aqueous or UV coatings
- Formulated differently than standard press washes
For technical information on lithographic chemistry, the Printing Processes Wikipedia article provides additional context.
Water Quality and Pressroom Chemistry
Water quality significantly impacts pressroom chemical performance. The mineral content, pH, and conductivity of your water supply affect how fountain solutions and other chemicals behave:
Hard Water Challenges:
- High calcium and magnesium content can cause roller glazing
- Mineral deposits accumulate on dampening system components
- May require water softening or special fountain solution formulations
- Can lead to calcium buildup that requires specialized cleaners
Soft Water Considerations:
- Very low mineral content can cause excessive foaming
- May require adjusted fountain solution concentrations
- Can affect buffering capacity and pH stability
Water Treatment:
- Reverse osmosis systems provide consistent water quality
- Deionization removes problematic minerals
- In-line filtration prevents contamination
- Regular testing ensures water parameters remain stable
Environmental and Safety Considerations
The printing industry has made significant strides in developing environmentally responsible pressroom chemistry:
Low-VOC Formulations:
- Meet increasingly strict air quality regulations
- Create safer working environments
- Reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance
Biodegradable Options:
- Water-miscible washes break down naturally
- Reduce environmental persistence
- Simplify waste disposal requirements
Reduced Hazard Products:
- Higher flash points eliminate fire hazards
- Lower toxicity reduces health risks
- Improved occupational safety profiles
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Concentrated formulations reduce packaging and shipping
- Longer product life reduces waste
- Recyclable containers minimize environmental footprint
Chemistry Best Practices for Optimal Press Performance
Successful pressroom chemistry management requires attention to detail and consistent practices:
Fountain Solution Management:
- Monitor and adjust pH daily using accurate pH meters
- Check conductivity to ensure proper concentration
- Replace solution regularly to prevent bacterial contamination
- Keep fountain systems clean to avoid chemistry issues
- Use accurate measuring equipment for mixing concentrates
Cleaning Protocols:
- Establish and follow regular cleaning schedules
- Use appropriate products for each cleaning task
- Ensure complete removal of residues to prevent buildup
- Allow adequate drying time when using aggressive cleaners
- Rotate between different cleaning products to address various contaminants
Storage and Handling:
- Maintain proper storage temperatures (50-80°F)
- Keep containers sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination
- Rotate stock to use oldest products first
- Label mixed solutions with preparation dates
- Follow all manufacturer safety recommendations
Compatibility Verification:
- Ensure all pressroom chemicals are compatible with each other
- Verify compatibility with your specific plates, blankets, and rollers
- Test new products before full implementation
- Avoid mixing products from different manufacturers without verification
Product Selection Considerations
We carry comprehensive lines of pressroom chemicals from three leading manufacturers:
Allied Pressroom Products:
- Extensive range of Fogra-certified fountain solutions
- Advanced alcohol substitute formulations
- Complete line of cleaning and maintenance products
- Known for innovation and consistent quality
Varn Products:
- Industry-standard formulations trusted for decades
- Proven performance across all press types
- Comprehensive product line for every pressroom need
- Excellent technical documentation and support
Siebert Pressroom Solutions:
- Focus on environmentally friendly formulations
- Low-VOC and biodegradable options
- High-performance cleaning products
- Specialized solutions for modern press requirements
Selecting the right products depends on your specific requirements: press type (sheetfed vs. web), production volume, environmental regulations, water quality, substrate types, and budget considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pressroom Chemicals
Get answers to common questions about fountain solutions, press cleaning products, and maintaining your offset printing press.
What are pressroom chemicals and why are they important?
Pressroom chemicals are specialized formulations designed to optimize the offset printing process and maintain press equipment. They include fountain solutions that control ink-water balance, cleaning products for blankets and rollers, plate conditioners, and maintenance chemicals. These products are critical because offset printing relies on a precise balance between oil-based ink and water-based fountain solution. The right chemistry ensures consistent ink transfer, prevents scumming and toning, extends equipment life, and produces high-quality prints. Using quality pressroom chemicals from manufacturers like Allied, Varn, and Siebert reduces downtime, minimizes waste, and improves overall print quality.
What's the difference between fountain solution and alcohol substitute?
Fountain solution is the water-based solution that dampens the non-image areas of the printing plate to prevent ink from adhering where it shouldn't. Traditional fountain solutions often contained isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at 8-15% concentration to reduce surface tension and improve ink-water balance. Alcohol substitutes are specially formulated products designed to replace IPA, which presents safety and environmental concerns. Modern alcohol substitutes like Allied All Star and Press Control EWM provide the same performance benefits - reduced surface tension, faster drying, and improved ink-water balance - without the flammability, VOC emissions, and health hazards of alcohol. Many printers have successfully switched to alcohol-free fountain solutions, achieving better results while creating a safer work environment and reducing costs.
How do I choose the right fountain solution for my press?
Selecting the right fountain solution depends on several factors. Consider your plate type - different plates (conventional, CTP, polyester, aluminum) require specific pH levels and formulations. Press speed matters - high-speed presses benefit from solutions with better wetting properties and faster response times. Water quality in your area significantly affects performance, as hard water may require different treatment than soft water. The type of work you're printing (coated vs uncoated stock, process vs spot color) also influences your choice. Allied offers several fountain solution options including All Star for general use, All Star Ultra for high-performance applications, and Press Control CTP+ specifically formulated for computer-to-plate systems. Consider environmental requirements, as some regions mandate low-VOC formulations. Testing different products under your specific conditions is the best way to determine optimal performance.
What's the proper way to mix fountain solution concentrate?
Proper mixing is critical for fountain solution performance and consistency. Always add concentrate to water, never water to concentrate, to ensure proper blending and prevent localized concentration issues. Use the manufacturer's recommended dilution ratio - typically 2-6 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water, depending on the product and your water conditions. Measure accurately using graduated containers or automatic dosing systems rather than estimating by eye. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the solution. Check and adjust pH to the recommended range (typically 4.8-5.5 for most applications) using a calibrated pH meter, not pH strips which are less accurate. Monitor conductivity if your press has this capability, as it provides early warning of concentration drift. Always use clean, fresh water and clean mixing containers to prevent contamination. Store mixed solution properly and replace regularly to prevent biological growth and chemical degradation.
How often should I clean my press blankets and rollers?
Regular cleaning schedules are essential for maintaining print quality and extending equipment life. Blankets should be cleaned during every color change to prevent ink contamination, and at least once per shift during long runs to remove paper dust and ink accumulation. Deep clean blankets weekly or whenever you notice reduced ink transfer, color contamination, or quality issues like hickeys or slurring. Rollers require different attention based on their function. Form rollers that contact the plate should be cleaned daily at the end of each shift to remove ink buildup and prevent hardening. Distributor rollers benefit from weekly deep cleaning with specialized roller wash to remove accumulated glazing. Dampening rollers should be cleaned whenever you change fountain solution or notice inconsistent dampening. Use appropriate products for each task: fast-drying blanket wash for quick cleanups, deep-cleaning wash for thorough maintenance, and roller-specific cleaners that won't damage rubber compounds. Products like Allied Hydro Wash, Varn Blue Ribbon Wash, and Siebert formulations are designed for safe, effective cleaning without harming press components.
What causes blanket and roller glazing, and how do I prevent it?
Glazing occurs when ink, paper coating, fountain solution minerals, and other materials build up on blankets and rollers, creating a hard, shiny surface that resists proper ink transfer. This buildup develops from several causes: incomplete cleaning that leaves residues to harden over time, using inadequate or wrong cleaning products that don't fully remove contaminants, allowing residues to dry on surfaces between cleanings, running with improper ink-water balance that promotes emulsification, and mineral deposits from hard water. Glazing reduces ink adhesion to the rubber surface, causes uneven printing and color inconsistency, leads to poor ink trapping between colors, and can permanently damage rubber if not addressed. Prevention requires regular use of proper cleaning products, ensuring complete removal of all residues during each cleaning cycle, using rubber rejuvenators periodically to restore elasticity and tackiness, maintaining proper ink-water balance to minimize emulsification, and treating hard water issues with appropriate fountain solution additives or water softening. Products like Varn Super Rubber Rejuvenator, Allied roller cleaners, and calcium eliminators are specifically formulated to remove glaze buildup and restore proper surface characteristics.
What's the difference between blanket wash and press wash?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions. Blanket wash is specifically formulated to clean rubber blankets quickly and effectively without damaging the rubber compound, adhesive layers, or the compressible layer underneath. These washes typically dry quickly (within minutes) to minimize downtime between jobs or color changes, and are designed to be safe for repeated daily use on blanket materials. Press wash is a broader category that includes products for cleaning various press components - blankets, rollers, impression cylinders, and other surfaces. Some press washes are multi-purpose, designed for both blankets and rollers, while others are specialized for specific applications. Key considerations when selecting wash products include drying speed (fast-drying for color changes, slower-drying for deep end-of-day cleaning), VOC content (important for environmental compliance and workplace safety), solvent strength (aggressive for UV inks, milder for conventional inks), and whether the wash is water-miscible or solvent-based. Siebert, Varn, and Allied offer various formulations optimized for different cleaning needs, press types, and regulatory requirements.
Are pressroom chemicals environmentally friendly and safe?
Many modern pressroom chemicals are formulated with environmental responsibility and worker safety as priorities. We carry low-VOC products (under 100 g/L) that meet strict environmental regulations in California and other jurisdictions while maintaining excellent cleaning and performance characteristics. Water-miscible washes reduce solvent emissions and workplace exposure compared to traditional petroleum-based products. Alcohol-free fountain solutions eliminate the flammability hazards and VOC concerns associated with isopropyl alcohol, creating safer working conditions and reducing fire insurance costs. Products like Varn Ecolo-Wash 401, Allied's alcohol substitute formulations, and Siebert's environmentally focused line provide professional results while reducing environmental impact. Biodegradable options are available for several product categories, breaking down naturally and simplifying waste disposal. However, all pressroom chemicals require proper handling: ensure adequate ventilation in your pressroom, use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection), follow all manufacturer safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations, and dispose of used chemicals according to local environmental regulations. Never pour used wash or fountain solution down drains without proper treatment.
How do I troubleshoot ink-water balance problems?
Ink-water balance issues are among the most common and frustrating pressroom challenges. If you're experiencing toning or scumming (ink appearing in non-image areas), you likely have too little water reaching the plate. Try increasing water form roller pressure or dampening roller speed incrementally, checking fountain solution pH (should be 4.8-5.5) and conductivity, ensuring your solution is fresh and properly mixed at the correct concentration, and verifying that dampening rollers are clean and in good condition. If you're seeing weak, washed-out prints or excessive emulsification (ink and water mixing to create a mayonnaise-like consistency), you have too much water in the system. Reduce water feed gradually, check for worn or glazed dampening rollers that hold too much solution, verify your fountain solution isn't over-concentrated, and ensure proper roller pressure and stripe settings. Streaking or uneven coverage often indicates roller problems - check for glazing, uneven roller surfaces, incorrect roller settings, or contaminated fountain solution. The key to successful troubleshooting is making small adjustments one at a time and allowing the press to stabilize for several hundred impressions between changes. Document what works for different jobs and conditions. Using quality fountain solutions like Allied Press Control, All Star, or Varn products helps maintain stable chemistry and reduces balance problems.
What plate cleaners and conditioners should I use?
Plate care products should be selected based on your specific plate type and cleaning needs. For opening up new plates and removing oxidation or light scumming, Allied Plate Fix is an effective alkaline-based cleaner that works on both metal and polyester plates without damaging the image area. For daily maintenance, scratch removal, and desensitizing, Allied CTP-C Plate Cleaner functions as both a cleaner and conditioner, performing well on unbaked and baked plates. Varn True Blue Plate Cleaner is the original formulation that has been trusted by printers for decades to clean plates thoroughly and maintain water receptivity. For plate storage between runs, Allied Plate Storage Gum provides complete protection with a combined formulation of solvents to remove ink, gum arabic to protect non-image areas, and asphaltum to protect image areas. Standard Gum Arabic 14 Baumé solution is essential for traditional plate preservation and desensitizing, creating a protective hydrophilic coating. Always use products appropriate for your specific plate type - polyester plates require gentler chemistry than metal plates, and different plate coatings (silver, photo polymer, thermal) have different chemical tolerances. Follow manufacturer recommendations for application methods and dwell times to avoid plate damage.
How should pressroom chemicals be stored?
Proper storage is essential for maintaining product effectiveness and shelf life. Store all pressroom chemicals in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause degradation, evaporation, and changes in chemical composition. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation of volatile components, contamination from airborne particles, and oxidation of sensitive ingredients. Maintain storage temperatures between 50-80°F (10-27°C) as a general rule - avoid freezing temperatures which can cause some formulations to separate or crystallize, and excessive heat which accelerates chemical breakdown. Store products in their original containers with labels intact for proper identification, safety information, and batch tracking. Keep incompatible products separated - store acids away from bases, oxidizers away from flammables, and reactive chemicals in isolated areas. Ensure adequate ventilation in storage areas, especially for solvent-based products that release vapors. Keep chemicals away from food preparation, eating areas, and water sources to prevent contamination. Install appropriate spill containment measures and keep cleanup materials readily available. Most fountain solution concentrates have a shelf life of 12-24 months when properly stored, while mixed solutions should be used within 2-4 weeks to prevent bacterial growth and chemical degradation. Check product labels and SDS sheets for specific storage requirements, as some products have unique needs.
What causes foam in fountain solution and how do I control it?
Excessive foaming in fountain solution results from several interacting factors and can seriously impact print quality. Over-agitation in the fountain circulation system - caused by excessive pump speed, turbulent recirculation, or water falling from height into the reservoir - introduces air that creates foam. Incompatible chemicals create foaming when fountain solution additives react poorly with cleaning product residues left on dampening rollers or when mixing products from different manufacturers without testing. Contamination from blanket wash, roller cleaner, or ink accumulated in the dampening system often causes unexpected foaming. Water quality issues, particularly very soft water with low mineral content, reduce natural foam suppression and increase foaming tendency. Running the fountain solution too cold (below 50°F) affects the surfactants and can promote foaming, as can using excessive fountain solution concentration. Foam problems manifest as inconsistent dampening, dry spots on the plate, poor ink-water balance, and visible foam accumulation in the fountain reservoir. Control foam by first addressing mechanical causes: reducing fountain pump speed, adjusting water flow to minimize turbulence, ensuring proper dampening roller settings, and keeping the entire dampening system scrupulously clean to prevent contamination. Allied Anti Foam provides chemical control - this fast-acting product reduces excessive foaming with very low dosage requirements (typically 1-2 ounces per fountain reservoir). Add anti-foam products sparingly and incrementally, as too much can cause other chemistry problems including poor wetting and reduced desensitizing. Always address root causes rather than only treating symptoms with chemical additives.
What brands of pressroom chemicals are available and what are their strengths?
We stock premium pressroom chemicals from three leading manufacturers, each with distinct characteristics and strengths. Allied Pressroom Products offers the most extensive product line with solutions for virtually every pressroom need, including multiple Fogra-certified fountain solutions that meet European printing standards, innovative alcohol replacement formulations like All Star and All Star Ultra that eliminate IPA while improving performance, comprehensive cleaning products for all press components, and specialty items like calcium eliminators and chrome roller desensitizers. Allied is known for innovation, consistent quality, and formulations that work well with modern CTP plates and high-speed presses. Varn has been an industry standard for decades, offering proven products that printers have relied on for generations including Blue Ribbon Wash (water-miscible press wash), True Blue Plate Cleaner (the original blue plate cleaner), Super Rubber Rejuvenator (for restoring aged rollers), and UV-specific cleaning products. Varn's strength lies in time-tested formulations, extensive application knowledge, and products that work reliably across all press types and conditions. Siebert specializes in environmentally responsible formulations with their low-VOC wash products meeting strict environmental regulations, biodegradable options that simplify waste disposal, high-performance cleaning despite reduced environmental impact, and innovative solutions for modern environmental and safety requirements. The best brand choice depends on your specific needs including press type (sheetfed, web, small format), environmental compliance requirements, water quality conditions, substrate types, and budget considerations. Many successful print shops use products from multiple manufacturers, selecting the best product for each specific application rather than limiting themselves to a single brand.
How does water quality affect pressroom chemistry performance?
Water quality has a profound impact on how pressroom chemicals perform, particularly fountain solutions. Hard water, with high calcium and magnesium content (above 100 ppm total hardness), causes multiple problems: minerals combine with fountain solution components to form deposits on rollers and plates, calcium accumulates on roller surfaces creating glazing that resists cleaning, precipitation can occur in the fountain reservoir creating sludge, and buffering capacity is reduced making pH control difficult. Very soft water (below 50 ppm hardness) presents different challenges: excessive foaming becomes more likely due to reduced natural foam suppression, fountain solution concentration may need adjustment to compensate for lower mineral content, and chemical behavior can differ from manufacturer specifications based on moderate hardness. High iron content (above 0.3 ppm) can cause staining, discoloration of fountain solution, interaction with plate coatings, and premature plate wear. Chlorine or chloramines used for municipal water treatment may need removal as they can interfere with fountain solution chemistry and affect pH stability. Solutions to water quality issues include installing reverse osmosis systems to provide consistent, high-purity water regardless of source water quality, using deionization to remove problematic minerals while retaining some beneficial ions, implementing in-line filtration to remove particles and some dissolved contaminants, and selecting fountain solution formulations designed for your specific water conditions - Allied offers solutions optimized for hard water, soft water, and varying conditions. Regular water testing (monthly or quarterly) helps identify changes in water quality before they cause printing problems. Test for pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, iron content, and chlorine levels.
What are the main differences between sheetfed and web offset pressroom chemicals?
Sheetfed and web offset presses have significantly different operating characteristics that require different chemical formulations. Sheetfed presses run at moderate speeds (8,000-15,000 impressions per hour), use thicker, paste-like inks that dry primarily through oxidation and absorption, typically print on coated stocks requiring specific fountain solution formulations, and allow time for operator intervention and adjustment. Sheetfed fountain solutions are formulated for these conditions with moderate surface tension reduction, pH buffers optimized for slower drying, desensitizers that work with paste ink consistency, and compositions that perform well with the stop-start nature of sheetfed production. Web offset presses operate very differently: speeds of 30,000-50,000 impressions per hour or higher, use fluid heat-set or cold-set inks, pass through dryers or chill rolls for rapid setting, and run continuously with minimal operator intervention. Web fountain solutions must accommodate these demands with aggressive surface tension reduction for high-speed wetting, formulations stable at elevated temperatures (heat-set presses run hot), quick-response chemistry that maintains balance during speed changes, and resistance to the mechanical stress of high-speed roller systems. Cleaning products also differ - web presses often require more aggressive blanket washes to remove heat-set ink residues, specialized roller cleaners for metering systems unique to web presses, and products that work effectively in the confined spaces of web press configurations. Using sheetfed products on web presses (or vice versa) typically results in poor performance, chemistry imbalance, and quality problems.
Need More Information? For detailed technical information about pressroom chemistry, consult the manufacturer documentation included with each product. Product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide important usage, safety, and storage information.
- Blanket Conditioners
- Fountain Additives
- Fountain Solutions
- Isopropyl Alcohol - IPA
- Plate Cleaners and Conditioners
- Press and Blanket Wash
- Web Offset
- Alcohol Substitutes
- Roller Cleaners and Rubber Rejuvenators
-
Allied All Star Fountain Solution (1 Gal)
Allied Pressroom Products
$39.00// Allied All Star Fountain Solution (1 Gal) or (4 Gal/case) One Step Fountain Solution/Alcohol Replacement Product Features ļ· Replace high-dosage one or two-part fount and alcohol subs. ļ· Excellent wetting and viscosity-building properties,...10379- SKU:
- 10379
- Weight:
- 7 LBS
$39.00 -
Allied All Star Fountain Solution (5 Gal)
Allied Pressroom Products
$169.00// Allied All Star Fountain Solution (5 Gal) One Step Fountain Solution/Alcohol Replacement Product Features Replace high dosage one or two part fount and alcohol subs. Excellent wetting and viscosity building properties, reduces surface...10379E- SKU:
- 10379E
- Weight:
- 35 LBS
$169.00 -
Allied All Star Ultra Fountain Solution (1 Gal)
Allied Pressroom Products
$42.00// Allied All Star Ultra Fountain Solution (1 Gal) or (4 gal/Case) Concentrated Fountain Solution & Alcohol Replacement All Star Ultra is the result of striving to challenge and push fountain solution technology to the limit of...10033D- SKU:
- 10033D
- Weight:
- 7 LBS
$42.00 -
Allied All Star Ultra Fountain Solution (5 Gal)
Allied Pressroom Products
$188.00// Allied All Star Ultra Fountain Solution (5 Gal) Concentrated Fountain Solution & Alcohol Replacement All Star Ultra is the result of striving to challenge and push fountain solution technology to the limit of performance. Added...10033E- SKU:
- 10033E
- Weight:
- 38 LBS
$188.00 -
Allied Anti Foam - 1 Qt
Allied Pressroom Products
$28.00Allied Anti Foam - 1 Qt Fountain Solution and Foam Reducer Use for the reduction of excessive foaming in certainfountain solutions.• Fast acting• Low odor• Easy to apply• Low dosage required10055- SKU:
- 10055
- Weight:
- 3 LBS
$28.00 -
Allied AQ Coating Cleaner - 1 Gal
Allied Pressroom Products
Allied AQ Coating Cleaner 1 Qt and 1 Gal Note - Both Quarts and Gallons are sold by the case Gallon is stock item (4 gal/case) Quart is special order (extra delivery time) (8 qt/case) $14.95/qt - Email to order Cleaner for Water-Based Coating...10411- SKU:
- 10411
- Availability:
- Case only (4 gal) - Must order 4 gal
- Weight:
- 10 LBS
-
Allied Blanket Conditioner
Allied Pressroom Products
$54.00// Allied Blanket Conditioner (1 Gal) (4 Gal/case) (5 Gal) Conditioner & Treatment For Blankets Allied Blanket Conditioner deep cleans blankets while impregnating them with plasticizing agents. This leaves the blanket free of friction...- Weight:
- 7 LBS
$54.00 -
Allied Chrome Roller Desensitizer - CRD (1 Qt)
Allied Pressroom Products
$22.00// Allied Chrome Roller Desensitizer - CRD (1 Qt) (6 Qt/Case) CRD (Chrome Roller Desensitizer) will keep ink from building up on chrome metering and dampening rollers. Using a blend of microfiltered gum and desensitizers...- Weight:
- 2 LBS
$22.00 -
Allied CTP-C Plate Cleaner (6 qt/case)
Allied Pressroom Products
$69.80Allied CTP-C Plate Cleaner (6 qt/case) Plate Cleaner, Conditioner & Scratch Remover CTP-C Plate Cleaner is a plate cleaner / desensitizer / scratch remover, able to perform well on a wide variety of unbaked and baked plates without causing image...10028C- SKU:
- 10028C
- Weight:
- 10 LBS
$69.80 -
Allied Daily Wash 2500P (5 Gal)
Allied Pressroom Products
$145.00// Allied Daily Wash 2500P (5 Gal) Water Miscible Blanket & Roller Wash Daily Wash 2500P is an everyday blanket and roller wash, a good basic cleaner that will lift & remove ink from blankets & rollers. Use Daily Wash 2500P with...- Weight:
- 34 LBS
$145.00 -
Allied Gum Arabic 14 Baume Solution - 1 Gal
Allied Pressroom Products
$32.00Allied Gum Arabic 14 Be - 1 Gal Allied uses the highest of quality Gum Arabic 14 Be.Blended with purified water and micro filtered to ensureno contaminants. A food grade biocide is added toensure long-term quality and freshness is maintained.Gum Arabic...10032- SKU:
- 10032
- Weight:
- 9 LBS
$32.00 -
Allied Hydro Lube
Allied Pressroom Products
$39.00// Allied Hydro Lube (1 Gal) (4 Gal/case) (5 Gal) Fountain Solution Additive Lubricates - Slows Evaporation of Fountain Solution Minimizes the transference of unwanted debris within the rollers & blankets, which can lead to scratching and...- Weight:
- 7 LBS
$39.00 -
Allied Hydro Plus
Allied Pressroom Products
$39.00// Allied Hydro Plus (1 Gal) (4 Gal/Case) (5 Gal) Alcohol Replacement Fountain Additive Hydro Plus is used successfully by many worldwide. It provides an excellent overall balance between the wetting and viscosity needed to...- Weight:
- 7 LBS
$39.00 -
Allied Hydro Wash (5 Gal)
Allied Pressroom Products
$175.00// Allied Hydro Wash (5 Gal) Super Concentrated Water Miscible Blanket & Roller Wash The nature of the resulting emulsion is such that oil and water-based contaminants are pulled from the rollers and blankets at a...- Weight:
- 38 LBS
$175.00 -
Allied Ink Repellent - 6 oz tube
Allied Pressroom Products
$26.00Allied Ink Repellent - 6 oz tube Prevents Unwanted Pick Up Of InkOn Impression Cylinder Ink Repellant is designed to reduce / eliminate theunwanted accumulation of ink on the impressioncylinder. Ink Repellant will help prevent picking andpiling...10102- SKU:
- 10102
- Weight:
- 1 LBS
$26.00 -
Allied Plate Fix
Allied Pressroom Products
$24.00Allied Plate Fix - 1 Qt or 1 Gal Alkaline-Based Plate Cleaner for a Variety of Plate Types Product Features Can be used on both metal and polyester platesRemoves severe scratches, scumming, and oxidationEnsures water receptivity of plate...10099- SKU:
- 10099
- Weight:
- 3 LBS
$24.00