An aqueous talc slurry that exhibits minimal foaming comprises talc pigment, a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) wetting agent having a molecular weight of between 50,000 and 150,000, an ionic polyacrylate dispersing agent, and has a solids content of between 55% and 65%. The slurry has an entrained air content of less than about 1% as measured after at least several minutes of low shear agitation. A method of preparing a talc slurry that exhibits minimal foaming comprises the sequential steps of mixing CMC wetting agent with water, adding an ionic polyacrylate dispersing agent, and dispersing talc to result in a solids content of between 55% and 65%. The resultant slurry has an entrained air content of less than 1% as measured after at least 30 minutes of low shear mixing. An aqueous talc slurry containing a small amount of xanthan gum stabilizing agent is stable for prolonged periods.
