PicDude wrote:
> Looking for a can of aerosol conformal coating, but can't purchase from 
> web-tronics.  Haven't been able to find it at Digikey, Mouser, etc so far.  
> Any sources?
>
> Cheers,
> -Neil.
>   
Electronic conformal coatings are difficult to work with from electronic 
sources. In addition, most will
set off explosives sensors so have to be shipped by ground only, and 
even then, only when specially
marked. Most conformal coatings are two-part mixtures, and unless you 
are a chemical engineer, you
won't get the portions right unless you make up a gallon of it.

Almost accidentally I ran across some stuff called "Plastidip"  which is 
used to coat and insulate tool handles.
The stuff makes an attractive, highly durable, highly dielectric 
coating. I've used it now for several projects, and
the stuff is everything you want and more. It is available in spray form 
as well as dipping, but I find dipping to be
the easiest to work with. The coating never fully hardens (remains 
flexible) but is still quite rugged. I've used it
on an AC motor drive module with flying leads, as well as a sensor 
module with flying leads, and the stuff is amazing
(both products contained PICs as some of the components).

It is available  in RED, YELLOW, BLUE, WHITE, and CLEAR as well as 
BLACK. You should avoid black,
because it usually has conductive carbon dust as an additive. I've used 
Yellow and Blue.

I dip a first coat, then 30 minutes later dip a second coat. I then 
allow it to dry for at least 24 hrs. It can be thinned with
xylene, and it cures with the smell of xylene, which tends to 
accumulate, so be sure to vent properly.

Plastidip WAS available at True Value hardware in the USA, but I notice 
has been replaced by a similar product by
someone else. I haven't tested it yet.

--Bob
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