Restoration Question

From: J.C.Wren <jcwren_at_jcwren.com>
Date: Mon Dec 30 17:05:00 2002

        I have recently acquired a couple of build PC boards that are not solder
masked. There is some oxidation, ranging from minimal to mild (mild being
the not quite green, but a very hard oxide, as if the tin had reacted with
something else). Anyone got any good ideas on cleaning these? I'd like
something non-submersible, since one of the boards contains keyswitches.

        I have plenty of experience cleaning unbuilt boards. Normally, I'd just
hit them with some super fine steel wool, or buff them with 20lb paper. And
I've repaired boards, but usually to get them working, not to restore their
aesthetic appeal.

        I've considered using a baking soda solution and a stiff bristle brush.
This should neutralize any corrisive elements, and the baking soda might be
abrasive enough to remove the oxides without damaging the board. It would
wash off easily enough with water, and I could protect the switches during
that process.

        Anyone got any ideas or standard procedures for this kind of thing?

        --JOhn
Received on Mon Dec 30 2002 - 17:05:00 GMT

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