--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "jberghout" <jberghout@...> wrote:
>
> Hi. I'm new to the group. I was recently bitten by homebrew PCB bug. But I've been scratching my head, wondering why it so hard to find the solder resist film in the US. I realize that a solder resist is no necessarily necessary for DIY boards that don't use surface mount components. But it's something that I would still like to use to make my boards look more professionally, and to protect it from the environment.
>
> The ink they sell from china on ebay is primarily used for silk screening. and I might end up going this route, but it sure would be nice to have film available for one off designs.
>
> Is there just not enough demand? Are there any other reasons?
>
> Thanks in advance...
>
I recently tried a trick I read about online using Pebeo Vitria paint intended for painting glass and ceramic. I printed out the resist pattern, laminated the toner onto my etched and cleaned PCB, then used a $5 hobby airbrush to spray on a coat of slightly thinned Vitria. Tossed it on my hot plate to bake for about an hour at 140C and then scrubbed it with a paper towel dipped in acetone. The Vitria over the toner came right off, leaving a nice mask around the bare copper. I was impressed with the result, it really worked as solder mask, and looked slick too. Just make sure the PCB is nice and clean before you spray it, and don't thin the Vitria too much or it beads up and runs. Practice airbrushing first on a scrap, or a sheet of glossy magazine paper.