Flux: WAS: Elighten a total novice

[John Blacet]

"Never use a toothbrush on a board that has solder mask.. it will take
it off.. its a little too abrasive but it does work."

You must have got some really bad soldermask; usually this stuff is
TOUGH. The brush is not absolutely required, but it does give an idea of
how clean the board is---if you get some foam when you use the brush,
keep cleaning. 
-- 

Regards.
-------------------------
John Blacet
Blacet Research Music Electronics
http://www.blacet.com
-------------------------
blacet at metro.net