> I recently tried a trick I read about online using Pebeo Vitria paint intended for painting glass and ceramic.
I might try this method. I think the result looks nice. (I've seen some examples online and I like the shiny coating it make.) My question is if it works like a real solder mask? It certainly protects the traces, but does it 'resist' solder as well?
Last night I have had some partial success with the solder mask purchased on eBay. I spread on a thin coat with a makeshift squeegee. then baked it for about 20 min at 200F this set it up nicely. Then I put the acetate positive mask over the coating and secured it inside a picture frame and exposed it using the UV light my son uses for his Bearded Dragon. I put the light right next to the board and left it for about 10 min. After that I used Acetone on the board. The solder resist that was exposed to UV stayed, the pads came clean. The resist on the edge of the board that did not receive as much UV also came off, so I have to experiment with exposure times and methods. Also, I'm not happy with how I'm applying the resist. I need to figure out a good reliable way. Also, when the resist cures it is not shiny like 'store bought' boards or like Pebeo Vitria. Still, I'm happy with how far I've come.
I would be interested in seeing the result of a poll on this group of how many people actually bother to do solder masks.