Nail Polish Short-proofing?

RE: Nail Polish Short-proofing?

DAB — Sun, 27 May 2018 16:47:04 GMT

Hi Nico.

Did you verify the insulation using a multimeter?

DAB

RE: Nail Polish Short-proofing?

14rhb — Sun, 27 May 2018 08:16:24 GMT

Hi Nico,

What a great idea...and they have their very own precision brush. I like the idea of red and black (maybe not on the same hand though[View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-c2c8bdc5-8a28-4780-b2e5-0def25352415/0003.contentimage_5F00_1.png:16:16] ).

In the past I've used Polyurethane varnish to seal PCBs and stop them corroding; but you need to find a brush, and afterwards clean it. Actually I sometimes use a sqaure of kitchen paper, roll it up and use that as it saves on cleaning a brush. If I've made my own PCB I sometimes don't remove the photoresist that has been hardened by UV light, as that leaves a nice protective layer on some of the board.

On a project where I manually soldered WS2812 chains (as shown below) I once used some clear silicone sealant to protect the joints. See below but do not ever use silicone ! [Editted: see [mention:8fb233e8974445138ef0af2b63b49f94:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] helpful comment below]. Over than I added some black silicone to make it all look better and add a second layer of protection....

[View:/resized-image/__size/445x250/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-c2c8bdc5-8a28-4780-b2e5-0def25352415/7840.contentimage_5F00_187427.jpg:445:250]

I didn't think it through as most cheap diy silicones release strong acetic acid whilst curing - that will gradually corrode the board. Another really bad fail on my choice was that the black silicone wasn't new. As it hadn't formed a solid plug of silicone in the cartridge I thought it was still OK....three days later my lovely hard work and project was still gooey [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-c2c8bdc5-8a28-4780-b2e5-0def25352415/2072.contentimage_5F00_2.png:16:16]. I had to try and find something to remove the unset silicone but without damaging the PVC insulated cables or the clear lens on the WS2812 pixels. I searched the house for things to try which lead to this test:

[View:/resized-image/__size/773x434/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-c2c8bdc5-8a28-4780-b2e5-0def25352415/0728.contentimage_5F00_187428.jpg:773:434]

In the end it was kitchen roll and stick to get the worst off, then kitchen roll and white spirit

Rod

RE: Nail Polish Short-proofing?

jw0752 — Sun, 27 May 2018 04:29:16 GMT

Hi Nico,

I would be interested in learning more about its insulation value. I am sure you could increase the insulation value by putting multiple coats on it. If smell is any indication it should be pretty good as it smells just like the spray we used to use on TVs to eliminate corona in the high voltage sections. I too use the dollar store version to touch up solder connections on sterilizer circuit boards as they operate in a moist environment. I also like that I can buy colors like the green and black

which blend in with the existing coatings. I just finished working on a board this evening and used some green to seal the solder pad.

[View:/resized-image/__size/620x465/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-c2c8bdc5-8a28-4780-b2e5-0def25352415/1351.contentimage_5F00_187426.jpg:620:465]

This is a design problem with a main control board where the fuse clips are under rated for the current and they eventually over heat and carbonize the circuit board. By the time I get them the solder pad itself is loose and sitting on blackened circuit board. the blacken board is cut out and a new piece of resin inserted. I replace the clips with 30A rated instead of the original 15A and I use solder braid that goes through the circuit board and around the base of the fuse clip and then back to the rail under power.

John

RE: Nail Polish Short-proofing?

mcb1 — Sun, 27 May 2018 00:33:13 GMT

This is the first time I've ever bought nail polish

Are you sure ....[View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-c2c8bdc5-8a28-4780-b2e5-0def25352415/contentimage_5F00_734.png:16:16]

For higher power/mains systems

I can't see it meeting any sort of voltage rating, but for low voltage, if it gets you out of a problem, and it's handy .....

Mark

RE: Nail Polish Short-proofing?

shabaz — Sun, 27 May 2018 00:13:08 GMT

Hi Nico!

Nice quick solution : ) Smells nice while it is drying too : )

For higher power/mains systems it may be risky, as I understand it contains flammable stuff? I'm no chemist though : ) Maybe it is non-flammable when dry, since so many people stick it on their nails : )

Good to see this idea for providing insulation. I wonder what other fast-drying paint-on coatings are easily available too.