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5 Reasons to Use Conformal Coatings on PCBs

Jan 18, 2021

5 Reasons to Use Conformal Coatings on PCBs

Conformal coatings are thin-layer polymer films applied directly to printed circuit boards (PCBs) to protect them from moisture, dust, chemicals, fungus, and extreme temperatures. Electronics manufacturers use them to extend board life, reduce field failures, and enable tighter component spacing — especially as PCBs shrink and operate in increasingly harsh environments.

For a complete guide to conformal coating selection, application methods, and PCB protection, visit our Conformal Coating & PCB Protection Resource Hub.

Why Use Conformal Coatings on PCBs

Reason	What It Does
Complete Environmental Protection	Guards against humidity, dust, fungus, extreme temperatures, solvents, and chemical attack — preventing leakage, corrosion, and component damage on uncoated boards.
Improved Dielectric Properties	Protects against arcing and corrosion, increases mechanical support for components, improves solder joint fatigue life, and significantly slows tin whisker growth to reduce short-circuit risk.
Easy Application	Can be sprayed, dipped, or brushed onto rigid boards, flexible film laminates, metal, glass, or plastic substrates. A single coat provides reliable protection; thicker requirements can be built up in multiple passes.
Time and Cost Savings	Eliminates the need for heavy housings and enclosures, enabling lighter and smaller assemblies. Fewer PCB failures mean less repair labor and lower total cost of ownership.
Sensitive Information Protection	Black-pigmented conformal coatings conceal markings, labeling, and proprietary circuit identification on boards where IP protection is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of conformal coating are most commonly used on PCBs?
The five main types are acrylic (AR), urethane (UR), silicone (SR), epoxy (ER), and parylene (XY). Acrylic is the most widely used due to its ease of application and rework; silicone is preferred for high-temperature environments; parylene offers the thinnest and most uniform coverage but requires vapor deposition equipment.

How thick should a conformal coating be applied?
IPC-A-610 specifies a cured thickness of 30–130 µm (0.001–0.005 in.) for most coating types. Parylene is typically applied at 12–50 µm. Always verify the coating manufacturer's datasheet for the specific material being used.

Can conformal coating be removed for rework?
Yes. Acrylic coatings are the easiest to remove using solvents or localized peeling. Urethane and epoxy coatings require stronger chemical strippers or mechanical abrasion. Silicone coatings are the most difficult to remove and typically require specialized strippers or micro-blasting.

Does conformal coating prevent all moisture damage?
Conformal coatings significantly reduce moisture ingress and slow corrosion, but they are not hermetic seals. For fully sealed protection in submersion or extreme condensation environments, potting or encapsulation compounds are the appropriate solution.

Related Resources: For our complete guide to conformal coating types, application methods, masking, and PCB repair, visit our Conformal Coating & PCB Protection Resource Hub.

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5 Reasons to Use Conformal Coatings on PCBs