Creating a Black PCB at home.

[level42jeff]

Hi there, I'm a bit new to making PCB's (I've made them successfully in the past, but now I'm looking to add a mask)

I've heard about 2 methods, one using a Film, and the other using a Paint.

First off, I'd like to know opininons on each of these, and which one would be recommended.

Secondly, I was wondering if anyone knew of a place that sold these materials in black?



I haven't been able to find anything about how to make there, or where to buy materials.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[level42jeff]

Anyone have any ideas?

[MAS3]

Those aren't home made, they are professionally produced.
You'll have a hard time producing anything close to that with tools and material likely to be available to you (and if they would be, then you would know how to use them).
You can order PCBs like that from China or at some place more close to you (if applicable).

Google for "pcb service".

[ovnr]

While you can do your own solder mask, you should do it for the right reasons. If any of those include "saving money", "getting a good result", "not banging your head against the wall in frustration" (etc): Give up now. It is not easy, nor fun.

Having said that, here's some black solder mask. Your biggest problems are going to be getting an even coat of it on your board (spin-coating? dipping?), and getting a sharp image when exposing it - remember, it's going to be wet while exposing it, so placing a transparency on top may yield unfavorable results.

[Fred27]

I've had good results with Dynamask 5000 dry film. You need a laminator and UV for exposure. Only seen it in green.