Cleaning and Drying Before Conformal Coating: Why it's Important - Technical Article

Cleaning and Drying Before Conformal Coating: Why It’s Important, explains the essential role of PCB cleaning and drying prior to applying conformal coatings. Contaminants such as flux residues, oils, salts, and dust can compromise coating adhesion, leading to defects like cracking, blistering, and delamination. The article outlines effective manual benchtop methods and advanced vapor degreasing techniques to ensure moisture and residues are eliminated—even under low standoff components. It also discusses cleaning fluid compatibility and removal of coatings for rework. With guidance from cleaning experts, manufacturers can achieve optimal PCB reliability, minimize rework costs, and ensure robust performance in harsh environments