I know how to do a PCB until this step (below image) ugly and not safe by short-circuits.
I found this PCB Plating Tape on Aliexpress (Link to the aliexpress product. I'm not the seller) which I think I can use to mask my PCBs but I don't know how can I leave some copper uncovered (like below image) so I can solder components later.
- Do you mask PCBs with a tape or some kind of resin spray?
- How do you keep some copper uncovered for soldering?
- With tape – Cut it away after applying?
- With tape – Heat interested area with the welder so it magically goes away?
- With spray – Cover the area with something before of applying and then remove the cover?
- Do you use rivets (or Annular ring) on holes?
Sorry for the huge list of questions, I am a big newbie.
Best Answer
Solder mask uses a special kind of paint. It cures (hardens / dries) using UV light.
The paint is applied to the entire board, then a printed mask is applied over the top. This mask has the parts that you want open in black and the parts that you want covered in paint transparent.
The paint is then dried in an oven and cured with UV and the mask removed.
Where the mask was opaque the paint will not have cured and can be washed off with a suitable solvent.
You can buy the paint on eBay in syringes. If you are careful it is also possible to apply the paint with a very fine paint brush leaving the apertures you need clear. Then bake it at 80C until dry and leave it sat in bright sun for 30 minute's or so.