Streamline conformal coating with selective application—reduce overspray, eliminate masking, and improve efficiency. Learn how precise coating techniques enhance protection while saving time and cost. 

Masking eats minutes, and rework slows throughput. Most common application defects in selective coating come back to four variables you can control: chemistry behavior at edges, valve and programming choices, fixturing and board orientation, and inspection timing. Get those right, and overspray and creep typically reduce without slowing the line. 

The trade-offs are speed vs accuracy in a production line. Our goal is to help our customers find the right balance, we are flexible and we help customers make the right decisions for their process.

For Contract Electronics Manufacturers (CEMs), the stakes have never been higher. You are balancing high-mix production schedules, stringent OEM specifications, and the constant pressure to reduce cycle times—all while maintaining zero-defect quality. In this environment, selecting a conformal coating is not simply a purchasing decision; it is a strategic engineering choice that impacts your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and long-term reliability.

The printed circuit board industry is rapidly evolving. Components are getting smaller, densities are increasing, and operating environments are becoming harsher. Consequently, the "one-size-fits-all" approach to coating is obsolete. To succeed, manufacturers must look beyond the price per liter and evaluate the technical depth, process compatibility, and on-site support of their supplier.

Winnersh, UK – November 2025— HumiSeal, a leading global manufacturer of conformal coatings and encapsulation materials and part of Chase Corporation, has announced the expansion of its authorised distributor network across Europe. The strengthened partnership includes four key distributors — Conro Electronics, Biesterfeld, Caplinq, a part of Krayden and Ellsworth Adhesives — each bringing extensive regional coverage and technical expertise to better serve customers throughout Europe.

By strengthening its distribution partnerships, HumiSeal aims to deliver greater accessibility, faster delivery times, and more localised technical support for customers in electronics manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, military, and industrial markets throughout Europe

In electronics manufacturing, conformal coating protects printed circuit boards (PCBs) from moisture, dust, corrosive gases, and condensation. Yet while the benefits are well understood, the hidden costs tied to masking and rework can significantly erode a manufacturer’s bottom line.

Masking connectors, sockets, and keep-out zones is time-consuming, and reworking boards with coating defects consumes material, labor, and production capacity. For many assemblers, masking and rework represent the single largest share of conformal coating process cost. The good news: with better coating material selection and application process optimization, these costs can be dramatically reduced—without sacrificing protection or reliability.

→ Estimate process savings with the Conformal Coating Calculator

In the rapidly evolving electronics landscape, ensuring the reliability and longevity of printed circuit boards (PCBs) is paramount. Conformal coatings have long served as a protective shield against environmental factors such as moisture, corrosion, and thermal stress. However, as technology advances, traditional conformal coatings face new challenges, particularly with modern PCB designs. 

Consider the following two questions:

1. Is your company a supplier of electronics or PCBs to the automotive industry?
2. Are you or your team responsible for assuring a steady supply of quality products such as conformal coatings and encapsulants? 

If so, we would respectfully ask you to consider adding IATF 16949 certification to your list of requirements for your key suppliers. 

Many coatings suppliers continue to focus on minimizing costs and maximizing profits. As a result, most have not taken the time or expense to get themselves IATF certified. In our conversations with major OEMs, we can assure you that the IATF certification of your suppliers can be of great value and help you sleep better at night.

Related Article: Understanding IPC-CC-830B Qualification Standards 

For decades, Chase Corporation and our Humiseal brand have been the originators and recognized leaders in PCB protection with conformal coatings. Humiseal also provides products and technical support for a complete line of encapsulants. While conformal coatings provide adequate protection in most instances, sometimes you just need a little more coverage! Humiseal encapsulants add a whole new level of protection against extreme temperature and chemical exposure.

So, if you currently use Humiseal conformal coatings, there are certain industry-established methods, both manual and automated, for applying them. This usually involves either spraying them, manually hand brushing conformal coatings, or dipping the entire board. Encapsulants are quite different and the following are some common application methods with pros and cons to help in your decisions.

Conformal coatings offer tremendous protection to printed circuit board assemblies, but this assumes they properly adhere to the PCB. Application errors are all too common, causing delamination and otherwise poor adhesion of the material. So before producing at scale, you should routinely conduct adhesion tests to validate the integrity of your production processes.

This blog post outlines the techniques required for the removal of HumiSeal UV cure conformal coating. The products covered in this article are:

• UV40, UV40-250
• UV50LV
• UV500, UV500LV