DIY PCB - Some ideas to make em look a tad more profesional

GlidingDutchman · 20th June 2008, 11:20 AM

I have some ideas as to improve the look of DIY PCBs.
Personally I am not fond of the look of those bare boards and got started to brainstorm some ideas as to make them a bit more professional...

After the PCB has been etched and washed I would suggest covering all the solder pads with tiny dots of masking-tape and then to spraypaint the top and bottom with "high temprature" aerosol paint (red, blue or even white!). High temp paint is preffered as it wont muck up when you solder - 600 degree celcuis proof.

After paint has dried you can then mark the component positions with a permanent, fine tip marker and possibly a stencil of some kind.

Lastly mark all places with component ID numbers.

Peel off the tiny pad masks and assemble the thing!

D

Any ideas to add?

Nordic · 20th June 2008, 11:39 AM

Hi Dewald, skip the stickers, I spray my boards often with plain aerosol cans.... it is easy enough to scratch the copper bits clean where you need to solder... I just use a little flat screwdriver...

My process is to etch the board then tin it useing large amounts of flux and as little solder as possible, afterwards the flux is washed of with alcohol or acetone, and the board given a good wash with dishwashing soap under hot water... this is to remove oils.

Also the flux tends to eat into the spray paint, and will stay in drill holes even after washing, only to seep into your paint... so, leave drilling till last.

Once the boards are dry, handle them with gloves or kitchen towels to keep your finger oils off... also wash your hands for those unintentional touches...

Now you are ready to spray... After spraying I put my boards in an unused fridge to keep dust and insects off it untill it is dry...
A cake tin or icecream tub could also be used I guess, with a few small holes to vent the fumes...

Many thin coats is better than one thick one..

Darker colours work best as they don't show dirty fingerprints and discouloration from soldering iron slips.

20th June 2008, 11:20 AM	#1
GlidingDutchman diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2007	DIY PCB - Some ideas to make em look a tad more profesional I have some ideas as to improve the look of DIY PCBs. Personally I am not fond of the look of those bare boards and got started to brainstorm some ideas as to make them a bit more professional... After the PCB has been etched and washed I would suggest covering all the solder pads with tiny dots of masking-tape and then to spraypaint the top and bottom with "high temprature" aerosol paint (red, blue or even white!). High temp paint is preffered as it wont muck up when you solder - 600 degree celcuis proof. After paint has dried you can then mark the component positions with a permanent, fine tip marker and possibly a stencil of some kind. Lastly mark all places with component ID numbers. Peel off the tiny pad masks and assemble the thing! D Any ideas to add?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need ideas to make heat sink with this plate	space2000	Solid State	11	1st August 2008 07:07 AM
Clear acrylic speakers - any ideas? (Also, how should I make B3s open baffles?)	Spasticteapot	Full Range	17	22nd October 2006 04:19 PM
Ideas on how to make front baffle removable?	tf1216	Multi-Way	11	3rd April 2006 04:53 PM
profesional tools	Ipanema	Everything Else	0	16th June 2005 01:30 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

20th June 2008, 11:39 AM	#2
Nordic diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	Hi Dewald, skip the stickers, I spray my boards often with plain aerosol cans.... it is easy enough to scratch the copper bits clean where you need to solder... I just use a little flat screwdriver... My process is to etch the board then tin it useing large amounts of flux and as little solder as possible, afterwards the flux is washed of with alcohol or acetone, and the board given a good wash with dishwashing soap under hot water... this is to remove oils. Also the flux tends to eat into the spray paint, and will stay in drill holes even after washing, only to seep into your paint... so, leave drilling till last. Once the boards are dry, handle them with gloves or kitchen towels to keep your finger oils off... also wash your hands for those unintentional touches... Now you are ready to spray... After spraying I put my boards in an unused fridge to keep dust and insects off it untill it is dry... A cake tin or icecream tub could also be used I guess, with a few small holes to vent the fumes... Many thin coats is better than one thick one.. Darker colours work best as they don't show dirty fingerprints and discouloration from soldering iron slips.