Can You Paint a Circuit Board?

[New2Electronics]

I want to paint my circuit boards (after they have been built) and add liquid tape to the bottom of the board where the parts are solder together. Is there a downside to this, possibly with heat or some other issues?

 

[Minder]

This is typically done with Conformal Coating, or Glyptal aerosol, although they can be had in a small can also.
M.

 

[davenn]

I want to paint my circuit boards (after they have been built) and add liquid tape to the bottom of the board where the parts are solder together. Is there a downside to this, possibly with heat or some other issues?

shouldn't be a problem ... use lead free enamel paint
many commercial PCB's are dipped in varnish type material so at least the components are still visible

 

[New2Electronics]

This is typically done with Conformal Coating, or Glyptal aerosol, although they can be had in a small can also.
M.

shouldn't be a problem ... use lead free enamel paint
many commercial PCB's are dipped in varnish type material so at least the components are still visible

Thanks guys!!

 

[davenn]

Is there a downside to this, possibly with heat or some other issues?

forgot to answer that part....
yes of course additional heat is the down side. Any coating will insulate the board and components and cause it to warm up more


Dave

 

[Gryd3]

Depending on the components, some coating compounds should be avoided!
Mainly anything that changes sizes as it cures or hardens... it can dislodge components and wreak havoc on the board...

 

[Minder]

http://www.dymax.com/adhesives/electronics/conformal-coatings?gclid=CLH70Y2CwcsCFQwxaQod_akOWQ
M.

 

[Arouse1973]

It's also advisable to bake the PCBs in the oven to remove any moisture before coating. Not sure on the temp needed so you may want to have a quick look.
Adam

 

[New2Electronics]

It's also advisable to bake the PCBs in the oven to remove any moisture before coating. Not sure on the temp needed so you may want to have a quick look.
Adam

I'm assuming you mean before you assemble them!?

 

[Gryd3]

I'm assuming you mean before you assemble them!?

Keep the heat low and you can do this after.
Just remember that polystyrene has an incredibly low melting point... (Learned the hard-way trying to speed dry a keyboard...)

 

[Arouse1973]

I'm assuming you mean before you assemble them!?

No after reflow / bath. It's low temperature so it won't melt any solder.

 

[New2Electronics]

Keep the heat low and you can do this after.
Just remember that polystyrene has an incredibly low melting point... (Learned the hard-way trying to speed dry a keyboard...)

No after reflow / bath. It's low temperature so it won't melt any solder.

Thank you guys!!