Copolymerization of chemically inert, tempererature stable and highly flexible polydimethylsiloxanes with soluble, physical-chemical interactive and even chemically reactive organic components yields organosilicone surfactants having a wide array of uses in water-based coatings and ink formulations. Primary uses include defoaming, deaerating, improved substrate wetting and enhanced slip properties. Organosilicone surfactants can be characterized by their degree of solubility, mobility in liquid systems, functionality and molecular configuration. Two basic reaction paths yield compounds of different hydrolytic stability yet similar solubility characteristics and function. Emphasis is placed on the use of organosilicone surfactants as defoamers. Differences between defoaming and deaerating are illustrated. Relationships between mar resistance, slip properties, surface tension and adhesion are discussed. In addition to currently available organosilicone surfactants, an illustration of the types of modifications leading to new classes of reactive surfactants is presented.