Q. Your Super Shield aerosol can is defective. It ‘fizzes’ from the nozzle area after I am done using it. Why is it doing that?”?

A. It is uncommon but in some cases, the nickel flakes can jam the nozzle causing it to not fully shut after use. When this happens, the propellant pushes out the product which causes this ‘fizzing’ effect and the product to be wasted.

Prior to use, it is super important to shake the product at least 3 minutes by the clock once you hear the marble banging. Our nickel flake does settle to the bottom of the can over time, and must be emulsified well back into the coating or it will be lumpy and the product will not be effective. If these ‘chunks’ or ‘solids’ are pulled through the dip-tube inside the can up to the valve, they will not allow the valve to sit properly.

After each application, turn the can upside down and press the nozzle a couple of times to clear any product remain before sitting the can up right for storage.

Unfortunately, with the current nozzle technology and the nature of the product, there is not much we can do from a production stand point.

Q. Why is your conformal coating not fully cured after 24 hours as stated in your specifications?

A. The misconception about conformal coatings is that the more you spray, the thicker the coating and the better the protection. The thickness part is true but what most end users try to do is get that thick finish in one application. In other words, they drench the board with the coating. When the coating is applied this thick in one application, the surface of the coating skins over, trapping the solvents underneath. This will cause it to not properly cure in the recommended time.

Conformal Coatings should be treated like a regular paint. You never want to apply the coating so thick that it sags or drips on a vertical surface. You have to MIST it over from 5 to 7 inches above the board and from all angles. If a thicker coating is required, wait 5 minutes to allow the solvent to escape and then mist over the board again. If a third or fourth coating is required, apply in this same manner after the initial coating is fully cured. When done this way, it will cure in recommended time.

View a full listing of MG Protective/Conformal Coatings products.