Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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What coating is used on the surface of PC Motherboard to protect the copper wires?

2006

Hello,
Please tell me about the coating which is used in personal computer's Motherboard surface to protect the copper wires on the surface of motherboard and also describe how to remove this coating with no harmful effect on copper wires.

Thank you.
Muhammad Omer

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The coating is a varnish, and can be removed with ammonia. There is a catch, the ammonia [on eBay or Amazon] will eat through the entire board, leaving you a nice batch of wires and components.
Marc Banks

2006

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It sounds like the PC board is solder mask over bare copper. The coating is solder mask which is probably cured. I haven't heard of ammonia stripping solder mask, or ruining the PC board. Ammonium hydroxide based etchants are commonly used in the board industry without harm to the glass resin. There are solvent type proprietary solder mask strippers available. I don't know of any home stripping remedies. Be careful and good luck!
Mark Baker

2006

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It's been awhile since I had anyone ask, I'm pretty sure that it was ammonia or turpentine [on eBay or Amazon] . It gradually eats through the surface coating and then into the board itself making it into a goo.

The guys I found that out for were using it for coolant on a Beowulf cluster (computer thing).
Marc Banks

2006