See, now you know how you got the job!!! ;-)
Assuming you mean solder mask, that stuff is designed to be tough to remove. It�s an epoxy meant to protect the board features from the ravages of board fabrication and everyday life. Your choices are: * Chemicals [unfortunately any chemical aggressive enough to remove the mask will also go a long ways towards destroying the board. Tough sell to most customers. Umm, umm] * Mechanical [tried it don�t like it, but then again, with the choices yagot, X-Acto knives and Drummel tools might not be so bad � ] * Microblasting [ But, be aware of potential ESD problems. And can be a bit messy. So, you�ll be running a ground wire and other utilities out to the picnic bench out back.]
IPC-7721 [http://www.ipc.org] covers microblasting as a method for removing solder mask. Look also at: http://www.circuittechctr.com/guides/2-3-6.htm [Thanks to Denny Ferry and Circuit Technology Center, Inc. 45 Research Drive, Haverhill, MA 01832 978-374-5000 � Fax: 978-372-5700 for posting this great repair guide.] On the ESD thing, look at: http://epims.gsfc.nasa.gov/tva/Pkggen/Coatings/microabr.htm.
If it�s not solder mask, but some other coating, root around the above Circuit Technology link for some tips on removing other coating materials.
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