This method works great for me.
Hey Kyle,
Here's the method I use with excellent results.
1) I start by drawing the circuit with Paintshop Pro. I set the resolution to the highest my inkjet will go, 600dpi in my case. To make it easier I set the grid guide and rulers to .1" (common distance between ic pins) so whatever I draw will printout exactly the right measurements. Try a test to make sure. It's easier to draw it looking from the topside down and reverse-image it when your done.
2) Get some good quality transparent film sheets and print your design at the highest quality COLOR settings even though you're only using black ink. That is the key to getting a crisp solid print. Let it dry before touching.
For the next steps I use MG Chemicals Positive coated circuit boards & chemicals. Be Sure To Use A Spare Or Scrap Piece To Do A Dry Run Test First!
3) In low light peel the protective layer off a MG Chemicals 600 series board and place it face up on a flat surface. Position your transparency carefully on top of the board & a sheet of glass from a picture frame over that. Prop on books, two 18" flourescent blacklights 9" obove your artwork. turn on the lights and expose for 4 minutes. then put in dark place till ready for next step.
4) Developing Process:
A) Mix 1 Part Developer (MG Chemicals) to 16 Parts Water (Example- 1 Ounce Developer to 16 Ounces Water) in Rectangular Glass Baking Pan (Stir Well!)
B) Submerge Board and Brush Continually With Wide Foam Brush Using Slow Light Sweeps.
C) Process is Complete When Every Hint of Green is Gone From Between all Lines and Empty Areas and Design Appears Very Sharply Defined (Usually Less Than 2 Minutes).
D) Rinse Thouroughly With Water and Pat Dry With Soft Cloth.
E) Board is Ready For Etching.
5) Etching the board. I use radioshack etchant heated by putting open bottle in a pan of boiled water taken off the stove for about 15 minutes. Pour the heated etchant in a glass baking pan & then immerse the board and continually agitate the pan or board till all unwanted copper is removed.
Checkout the mini-movie at MG Chemicals website.
https://mgchemicals.com/techsupport/index.html
Supplies:
1) Positive Pre-sensitized Copper Board (MG Chemicals 600 Series)
1) Bottle MG chemicals developer solution
1) Bottle Radioshack etchant
2) Cheap 18" Single Bulb Flourescent Fixtures
2) 18" F15T8/350BL Blacklight Bulbs
1) Glass Sheet From Picture Frame
1) 2" Foam Brush