Conformal Coating Masking Tapes
Controlled Masking Materials for Liquid Conformal Coating Processes
At SCH Technologies, our conformal coating masking tapes are selected and supplied for one reason: predictable performance in liquid conformal coating environments.
Rather than offering generic or commodity tapes, we supply silicone-free paper masking tapes with a controlled rubber adhesive system, proven through use in our own conformal coating services. This ensures reliable sealing during coating, compatibility with cure profiles, and clean, residue-free removal after processing.
Why Masking Tape Selection Matters in Conformal Coating
Masking tape performance directly affects coating quality, inspection yield, and rework rates. Tapes that are not designed for conformal coating environments frequently introduce defects rather than prevent them.
Common issues caused by unsuitable masking tapes include:
- Adhesive residue that leads to de-wetting or poor coating adhesion
- Edge lift or coating leakage under the mask boundary
- Tearing or fragmentation during removal
- Silicone contamination that interferes with coating coverage
For this reason, SCH masking tapes are selected based on material behaviour in real coating conditions, not just temperature ratings or generic tape classifications.
Masking Tape Material Characteristics
All SCH conformal coating masking tapes share the same fundamental characteristics:
- Paper backing β provides controlled conformability and predictable tear behaviour for PCB assemblies
- Rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive β selected for stable adhesion during coating and clean removal after cure
- Silicone-free formulation β critical for preventing coating repellence, de-wetting, and adhesion defects
This material combination has been validated for use with common liquid conformal coating chemistries, including solvent-based acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, and UV-curable systems.
The key advantage is process control: consistent sealing during application, compatibility with dwell time and cure exposure, and removal without residue or damage.
Masking Tape Use in Liquid Conformal Coating
For liquid conformal coating processes, SCH supplies a single, validated masking tape specification rather than multiple interchangeable formats.
This tape is a silicone-free paper masking tape with a controlled rubber adhesive system, selected to provide predictable behaviour across application, coating, cure, and removal.
It is used wherever tape-based masking is appropriate, including:
- PCB edges and defined keep-out zones
- Grounding areas and planar surfaces
- Local masking around components where boots or dots are not suitable
The emphasis is not on offering multiple tape types, but on maintaining process consistency. Once a masking tape has been proven to seal reliably, tolerate cure conditions, and remove cleanly without residue, it should be standardised and controlled β not substituted.
Why Using the Correct Masking Tape Reduces Defects
Correct masking ensures that conformal coating is applied only where required, protecting connectors, test points, sockets, and other functional areas.
Using inappropriate tapes often results in:
- Coating migration into keep-out areas
- Electrical failures caused by partial masking breakdown
- Increased rework due to residue or coating removal
- Higher long-term reliability risk
By using masking tapes specifically selected for conformal coating, these risks are reduced at source. Our tapes are also compatible with hybrid masking approaches, including liquid latex barrier systems, where enhanced ingress protection is required.
Next step: View our range of conformal coating masking materials, including validated masking tapes, dots, shapes, and boots used in liquid coating processes.
Request a Masking Sample Pack
To support validation in your own process, SCH offers a free masking sample pack containing tapes, dots, boots, and pre-cut shapes. This allows you to evaluate adhesion, clean removal, boundary definition, and compatibility with your coating and cure conditions before committing to production use.
Contact us to request your free sample pack and assess masking performance under real process conditions.
Complete Masking Solutions from SCH
Masking tapes form part of a wider masking strategy. SCH also supplies:
- Custom masking boots for connectors and complex components
- Masking dots and pre-cut shapes for pads, vias, and defined PCB features
- Integrated masking kits tailored to specific assemblies
Used together, these materials help:
- Improve consistency and repeatability
- Reduce labour time and rework
- Prevent common masking-related coating defects
Conformal Coating Masking Training
Masking is one of the most defect-sensitive stages of conformal coating. SCH provides hands-on training covering masking tapes, boots, dots, and shapes, with a focus on repeatability, inspection discipline, and defect prevention.
Training can be delivered standalone or as part of a complete conformal coating programme, aligned with IPC standards and real production practice.
π Explore our Conformal Coating Training programmes or download the full overview.
