Many small manufacturers use conductive paint on their end product or in the manufacturing process. It's a great way to handle multiple wires or parts and keeps metallic products conductive after coating and other safety processing. Conductive paints shield the handler from electrical shock or static and are a must in wiring consumer goods.

The Internet is full of conductive paint information so its important to know what you need ahead of time. Understanding that different types of paint in different mediums with differing end purposes exist. Things to do before purchasing conductive paint:

1. Create a list of the ways in which your business uses conductive paint and how often to give you an idea of how much to order and how often.

2. Decide whether you need self brush coating or spray conductive paint.

3. Take into consideration the current ventilation inside your manufacturing space when ordering potentially toxic conductive paint.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose brush-on conductive paint for smaller jobs and creative projects

Where wires are difficult to reach or soldered elements are required, hand brushing on conductive paint is the best way to get a finished product.

I recommend: TrainAidsA.com explains how to use conductive paint on smaller projects and afterwards provides a link to purchase. SPI Supplies and Structure Probe offers a wide range of brush on conductive paints on its conductive paint list with an explanation of the common uses of each type.

Purchase custom conductive paint from industry specialists

If your needs are on a factory scale and your business is still in the set up process there are several companies online that can work with you to develop just the color, type and level of protection your paint needs.

I recommend: Cybershield offers full on custom paint process for your industry and will work with you to develop the exact conductive paint that you need. Find conductive paint help at Marian, where you can send a little information about your needs and they will work with you for a custom conductive paint solution for your company.

Use cheaper conductive paint as part of the plating process

Sometimes a small business uses a conductive paint to make non conductive or non metallic products carry a current so they can been electroplated in the final finishing. Rather than insulating a wire or process this sort of conductive paint prepares a non metallic product for the electro plating process.

I recommend: Plating Sales.com offers a full line of plating paints and offers online instructions for their use. Caswell is a conductive paint provider specializing in paint that prepares non metallic and plastic products for electroplating. This system requires the use of a small spray gun.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Carbon-based conductive paint will always be less conductive that silver-based or other metal-based conductive paints whether in paste or spray form.