Homebrew PCBs

> 
> > 
> > The other thing I'm confused about is the solder mask (I think 
> > that's what it's called) - the green layer commonly found on 
> > production PCB's -is it possible to find this stuff and how 
> > difficult is it to apply?
> 
> 
> I wonder how to get the stuff everywhere but on the pads !
> 
> This is a thread I'd like to see get discussed.
> 

This is an interesting one - I have found only one solution so far, 
but I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.

There is a GC product called Red Insulating Varnish - this varnish 
can be thinned with another GC product (which I can't remember the 
name of off hand) - but from a vendor that I had purchased from in 
the past, they had said that it has been done where you make a print 
of the solder mask, and develop a printing screen for it, with the 
thinner, thin the varnish to a point where it can be used in the 
printing screen like a normal ink and viola (sp?) instant 
soldermask/insulation layer.

Keep in mind I have NOT tried this yet, but I do plan to at some 
point when I have my screen printer that I anticipate getting for 
christmas.  

Also, it's a red coloring, so it won't look normal ;)

-Tony