Recommended Product Categories
Find the right chemistry for your application. Explore the product categories commonly used in paint, ink, and coating operations to get started. Questions? Need a custom formulation?
Paint, Ink & Coating Removers
Removers and strippers for paints, inks, adhesives, and resins. Includes paint and coating removers, ink removers, and cleaning accelerators for industrial applications.
Industrial Cleaners & Degreasers
Specialized cleaners and degreasers for industrial applications. Explore water-based and solvent-based solutions for equipment, tanks and reactors, fasteners, floors, and more.
Rust & Surface Protection
Specialty solutions to prevent corrosion, remove rust, and protecting metal surfaces. Includes rust inhibitors and scale removers to protect ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
Cutting Table Coatings & Cleaners
Protective coatings and cleaners for plasma, waterjet, and cutting tables. Help reduce slag buildup, corrosion, and downtime between production cycles.
Paint Booth Coatings
Peelable and water-based coatings for overspray control in paint booths. Support faster cleanup, improved airflow, and better booth maintenance.
Common Problems We Solve
Below are some of the most common issues faced in coating, ink, and paint environments — along with solutions that align with our product categories and chemistries.
❌ Dried Coatings on Equipment
Cured inks, adhesives, or resins build up on machinery, tooling, or surfaces between runs.
✅ Paint & Coating Removers
Safely dissolve dried coatings and polymers for easier removal without harsh solvents.
❌ Long Cleanup Between Batches
Thick coatings and heavy pigment loads slow down changeovers and increase cleaning time.
✅ Cleaning Accelerators
Speed up removal time and reduce labor during batch or color changeouts.
❌ Rust After Cleaning or Between Coats
Metal surfaces rust quickly after rinsing or exposure to moisture during production.
✅ Rust & Corrosion Inhibitors
Apply dry or oily protective films to shield cleaned metal from rust during storage or processing.
❌ Residue Buildup in Tanks or Reactors
Sludge, pigment buildup, or cured resins contaminate new batches and increase labor.
✅ Tank, Tub & Reactor Cleaners
Non-foaming cleaners remove cured or stubborn material without damaging internal surfaces.
❌ Overspray Buildup in Booths
Paint and adhesive overspray accumulates on booth walls, grating, and floors.
✅ Paint Booth Coatings
Peelable or spray-on coatings trap overspray and simplify booth cleaning and maintenance.
❌ Residue or Contaminants Before Painting
Surface oils, inks, or coatings affect adhesion, weld-through, or finish quality.
✅ Solvent-Based Cleaners
Fast-drying degreasers prepare parts for coating or welding with minimal residue.
❌ Buildup on Cutting Tables
Slag, resin, or powder coat particles adhere to table slats and reduce cut accuracy.
✅ Table Coatings & Cleaners
Protective coatings minimize slag adhesion and reduce cutting table downtime.
❌ Coating Systems Resist Water-Based Cleaning
Some inks, urethanes, or resins resist water-based systems and require stronger chemistry.
✅ Ink Removers
Break down cured or solvent-borne coatings that require stronger stripping power.
❌ General Dirt, Pigment, or Soil Buildup
Daily process soils accumulate on equipment, tools, and facility surfaces.
✅ Water-Based Cleaners
Effective, non-hazardous cleaners for routine maintenance and production cleaning.
PICO Customers in Paints, Inks & Coatings
Companies across the paints, inks, and coatings industry trust PICO to deliver performance, reliability, and process-friendly chemical solutions. Here are a few trusted manufacturers who rely on our workhorse products and expertise.
FAQs
Whether you’re formulating high-performance coatings, managing ink systems, or maintaining equipment, here are answers to common questions from manufacturers in paints, inks, and coatings.
Applications & Compatibility
What types of paints and coatings are PICO products compatible with?
PICO chemistries are used in water-borne and solvent-borne paints, flexographic inks, UV/EB-curable systems, industrial coatings, and resin dispersions. We also offer compatibility testing for custom applications.
Can PICO cleaners remove cured coatings or resin build-up?
Yes — our non-foaming, resin-compatible cleaners are designed to strip cured inks, paints, and resins from tanks, lines, mixers, and filling equipment, helping reduce downtime between batches.
Are PICO additives safe for use with aluminum and specialty alloys?
Many of our dispersants, wetting agents, and defoamers are formulated to be non-reactive with aluminum, stainless steel, and other sensitive substrates. Check the technical data sheet or contact us to confirm compatibility.
Does PICO offer biocide and preservative solutions for water-based paints?
Yes. We supply broad-spectrum, low-VOC biocides and fungicides ideal for waterborne coatings and flexo inks. These additives help prevent microbial growth and odor without compromising compliance.
Can PICO help troubleshoot foaming or pigment settling in our process?
Absolutely. We assist customers with common formulation issues like micro-foam, flocculation, poor wetting, and pigment dispersion problems — and recommend targeted additives or process improvements.
Regulatory & Compliance
Can PICO help reduce VOCs or meet EPA/CARB/REACH compliance?
Yes. We specialize in high-performance, HAPS-free and APE-free alternatives that meet or exceed major regulatory requirements in the U.S. and abroad. We can assist with reformulation or product selection to help you stay compliant.
Customization & Supply
How quickly can PICO turn around a custom formulation?
Typical lab sample turnaround is 3–7 business days, depending on complexity. Full production depends on volume and packaging but is supported by our in-house lab and blending operations for quick response.
What packaging sizes are available?
We offer flexible packaging — from pails and drums to totes and bulk. Private label and toll blending options are also available for customers scaling under their own brand.
