BareConductive—electronic paint

[Watertown]

Just saw this and it blew my mind as to its potential for the modeling community. I think it could be a game changer. Imagine your scale model with working lights and sound with tools as simple as these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoE6riI1Ilo

 

[SfanGoch]

Did you happen to read the following:

Bare Paint provides a dramatically different method of interacting with electronics as it can be applied to almost any surface, including cardboard, paper, wood, wallpaper, walls, textiles, and some plastics.
 

The paint dries quickly at room temperature, and can be removed with soap and water. This means it's also not water-proof or weather-resistant! 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Really REALLY cool stuff. Thanks !

[Watertown]

I didn't, however, I still think it's worth experimenting with. Nothing ventured, nothing gained...but thanks for the caveat. 

 

 

.Did you happen to read the following:

 

Edited June 24, 2016 by Watertown

[unclescott58]

Wow! This is pretty cool. The application may not be what we can use right now. But, the possibilities for the future are interesting. I'm sure a waterproof version that can work with styrene plastic can not be to far away. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Even if the stuff doesn't work all that well on shiny plastic, it will most likely work on a primered or flat surface, and the water-solubility issue can probably be dealt with by clear-coating after the circuit is applied.

[TarheelRick]

How would the water-solubility issue be of a concern?  I don't take my models out in the rain or play with them in the bathtub.  Not trying to be facetious, just wondering.

[Watertown]

Even if the stuff doesn't work all that well on shiny plastic, it will most likely work on a primered or flat surface, and the water-solubility issue can probably be dealt with by clear-coating after the circuit is applied.

That's kind of what I was thinking. Not sure if the conductivity would be hindered after a couple coats of clear, but I'd be willing to try it. As we all know, often a failure or three gets us to the next level. If anybody beats me to it, please share your results.

[Ace-Garageguy]

How would the water-solubility issue be of a concern?  I don't take my models out in the rain or play with them in the bathtub.  Not trying to be facetious, just wondering.

Because it's water-soluble and not solvent-based, adhesion to shiny plastics may not be very good, and it may separate into droplets on a shiny surface as it dries, destroying continuity. There may be a possibility the conductivity would degrade over time simply from continuous exposure to atmospheric humidity. Using the water-soluble paints some modelers are moving to now could also be an issue.

Edited June 24, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[bobthehobbyguy]

Conductive paint for repairing pc boards has been around for a while. I've always thought you could spray it on plastic and then be able to do electroplating.