Improving PCB's

[Papa_lazerous]

Ok here goes...

I've recently started making my own PCB's and its real easy to do and lots of fun. 

One thing I want to look at improving is that I cant coat my boards like the pro's do.  But is there a way of adding something to the solder side (minus the pads) that will protect it from tarnishing?

[zjokka]

You mean to protect the board after soldering is done?
Wouldn't a good clear coating help?

After the pcbs are etched I leave the toner traces on if I'm not going to use the board straight away, but that's probably not what your asking...

zj

[darron]

you can probably buy a clear protective spray from the place that you buy your pcb and etchants etc. it will burn the coating if you try to solder the pcb again later.

i'd be interested what other kinds of spray people use for that clear coat? enamels, acrylic?

[Torchy]

Once you have etched and drilled the board bung it in a batch of "Liquid Tin" or "Tinnit". If you get the powder that you mix with warm water you only mix as much as you need and it lasts ages.

Next get some dressmakers pins (large head) and a sponge block used for flower arranging. Place the board trace side up on the block and push pins through all the holes. Spray the board with translucent lacquer (I get green tinted from a DIY shop in town). The pinheads will prevent spraying the pads and the lacquer acts as a solder mask.

Complete the board, get some flux remover and clean up. Final coat with the translucent lacquer and presto - pro board

[markm]

I don't usually tin any of mine.
The corroded traces add a bit of "mojo"! 

[darron]

I don't usually tin any of mine.
The corroded traces add a bit of "mojo"! 

quite possibly? over time it would increase in resistance? if you don't touch the board with your fingers i have a feeling it may not get so bad?

here's the first board i ever etched:


it was hand drawn from tonepad's FF layout. it looks pretty bad but i don't think its tone has changed at all. i got some vintage tin can ac128's for it from some old chinese man with a tiny electronics shop in the middle of a residential zone! they sound better (maybe i just want to believe that) than my new production ac128's from rs components

[markm]

Hey, if R.G. doesn't see a need to tin than neither do I !!