Hard make-up water (calcium/magnesium)
High severitySymptoms
White deposits on rollers, plate blinding, irregular dampening
Probable causes
- Tap water > 250 ppm CaCO3
- no reverse osmosis
The Print Guy · 2026-10-05
Other problems in this category
Fountain solution · TPG-044
pH out of range
Acidic (<4.5): drying inhibited, metallics damaged, plates attacked. High (>5.8): tinting, scumming
Fountain solution · TPG-045
High or rising conductivity
Values > 1,800-2,000 µS or climbing during the run; unstable dampening, tinting
Fountain solution · TPG-051
Glazed or ink-contaminated dampening rollers
Dry stripes or uneven dampening; roller repels water
Fountain solution · TPG-047
Biological contamination (algae/bacteria)
Foul smell, slime in tank and lines, clogged filters
Fountain solution · TPG-048
Excess isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
High consumption, strong smell, reduced ink gloss, cost and compliance issues
Fountain solution · TPG-049
Alcohol substitute poorly adjusted
After reducing IPA: tinting, uneven dampening, foam