Has anyone tried to spray paint the non copper side of a PCB after holes are drilled? But I just tried doing it again and the paint just blocked up all of the holes. I thought I blew them out pretty good but guess I did not do a good enough job and was left with a mess. Fortunately, it looks like some acetone is coming to the rescue.

I am using high temp paint but didn't cure it in an oven. That was my first mistake as the toner transfer just smeared.

I have painted before but that was after etching and before drilling.

I am now using a CNC machine to do my drilling. I have put milling on the shelf for now as I am getting mixed results. Waiting on different bits to see if that solves my problem but my guess is it is the cheap Chinese machine. Not enough RPM. It seems to do smaller boards OK but has a problem on larger boards with longer runs. And it could be I am not adjusting for the thicknesses. In copper.

Anyway if I did milling, I could paint first. Drill then mill.

But I am etching. I drill first. I then print on wax paper and align the toner with the holes then do the toner transfer thing.

My guess is if I painted before etching the muriatic acid would eat through the paint even if it is cured.

Maybe paint after I am all done but give the board a couple of sharp raps while the pait is still dry?

Anyone have any other ideas?

 

My guess is if I painted before etching the muriatic acid would eat through the paint even if it is cured.

That's the only thing I can comment on: There are certainly paints that would survive HCl. If I had to guess, it'd be that most – maybe not all – paints would survive.

 

That's the only thing I can comment on: There are certainly paints that would survive HCl. If I had to guess, it'd be that most – maybe not all – paints would survive.

Wouldn't most paints be more resistant than say, sharpie marker, that is used to touch up toner?

 

Has anyone tried to spray paint the non copper side of a PCB

Why are you doing this, if I may be so bold? There are different color PCB board blanks available, if the normal color doesn't suit you.

 

Wouldn't most paints be more resistant than say, sharpie marker, that is used to touch up toner?

I would think so. I can't picture any memory of HCl being able to significantly soften a layer of paint. Paint strippers tend to be alkaline, I believe.

 

Yes, I discovered very early that washing soda (sodium carbonate) was a quite effective paint stripper. I had to repaint the window sill - oops!

 

I've spray painted some boards, here's one example. Looks like I spray painted both sides before soldering. I think the paint was from Bungard. Never had any problems with paint blocking any holes.

 

Yes, I discovered very early that washing soda (sodium carbonate) was a quite effective paint stripper. I had to repaint the window sill - oops!

When I was a kid my parents had an antique shop. I spent many hours using washing soda mixed with green soap in hot water, to remove layers of old paint off of antique furniture. Really hard on the hands too. But it was cheaper than paint stripper and they had child labor.

 

Why are you doing this, if I may be so bold? There are different color PCB board blanks available, if the normal color doesn't suit you.

Because I have the PCBs in stock and certain sources are cheap.

 

I would think so. I can't picture any memory of HCl being able to significantly soften a layer of paint. Paint strippers tend to be alkaline, I believe.

Once I get my oven in, I am going to experiment with some junk boards.