Cleaning circuits

[craigolio1]

Hey all.

I’ve soldered some LEDs to the surface of a model (combination of brass and styrene held together with solder and CA) and I need to clean it for painting. Is it safe to use soap and water or should I use alcohol or camp fuel (Naptha)?

Thanks.

Craig.

[peteski]

Hey all.

I’ve soldered some LEDs to the surface of a model (combination of brass and styrene held together with solder and CA) and I need to clean it for painting. Is it safe to use soap and water or should I use alcohol or camp fuel (Naptha)?

Thanks.

Craig.

If there is some rosin-based flux leftover from soldering, any type of alcohol (Isopropyl or denatured) will remove it without damaging styrene or brass.  The higher the concentraion (91% or higher) the better it will work.  Naphtha is not effective on that. Some solders have no-clean flux or water-soluble flux. Warm water with dishwashing detergent should remove those residues.

Generally electronic parts like LEDs or resistors will withstand exposure to water and detergent, so you can safely wash your model, even with the LED attached.

[craigolio1]

If there is some rosin-based flux leftover from soldering, any type of alcohol (Isopropyl or denatured) will remove it without damaging styrene or brass.  The higher the concentraion (91% or higher) the better it will work.  Naphtha is not effective on that. Some solders have no-clean flux or water-soluble flux. Warm water with dishwashing detergent should remove those residues.

Generally electronic parts like LEDs or resistors will withstand exposure to water and detergent, so you can safely wash your model, even with the LED attached.

Awesome. Thanks? 


Yeah it’s flux residue and finger prints. Possibly a small amount of blood.

Craig.

[peteski]

Possibly a small amount of blood.

 

In that case you might need do engage the decontamination team to deal with the biohazard! 

[craigolio1]

In that case you might need do engage the decontamination team to deal with the biohazard! 

First time working with brass.

[MK]

When was your last Tetanus shot?   

[craigolio1]

When was your last Tetanus shot?   

Hahah. Thankfully I stab or cut myself often enough that my Tetanus is up to date! Hmmm. I should get some gloves.