Another simple question, what is the best way to remove excessive (burnt) flux?
What chemical is safe without damaging the masks?
Thanks,
ae
IPA is best - iso-propyl alcohol, not India Pale Ale. 
Leon
Mmmm… IPA! I need a beer!
Anyhoo, isopropyl alcohol works great like Leon said. I typically dip a cotton swap in it and then gently scrub the areas that need attention. If there is any residue afterward, a rinse with distilled or deionized water usually takes care of it.
-Bill
Yep, IPA, but I’m a bit rougher - this is what I save my old toothbrushes for.
I use an old toothbrush as well. Flux can be quite hard to remove if it has been there for a long time.
Leon
Thanks for the answers. It’s interesting to note the difficulty in finding answers to these basic soldering questions.
Great.
artelse:
Another simple question, what is the best way to remove excessive (burnt) flux?What chemical is safe without damaging the masks?
Greetings ae,
I use [MEK (methyl ethyl ketone aka Butanone). It can be purchased from Home Despot or other similar stores. It is safe but requires ventilation.
My usual method is to apply it with Q-tip cotton swabs, being careful not to contaminate the bulk container.
Comments Welcome!](Butanone - Wikipedia)
I’d be a little careful with MEK. I got a nasty burn from it when some spilled on my pants and I didn’t get them off real fast. It took about 3 months to heal.
Also, MEK will dissolve some plastics be careful with it. I prefer IPA (well, both kinds) since it’s pretty benign.
I bet MEK cuts that flux like crazy, though!
At work and at home, I like to use PrintKote. I THINK it’s a variation on MEK, but I don’t know for sure. Works great for removing flux, even after it has set up and been on the board for a long time. I use one of those little diposable stiff horse hair brushes.
Just my $0.02,
Most likely, water soluable flux. Plus IPA + de-ion water when required.