Solder Mask | PCBasic

The solder mask, also called solder resist, is a protective coating applied to the PCB surface to shield copper traces from oxidation, dust, and scratches. It also helps ensure that solder adheres only to the designated pads during assembly, preventing unwanted bridging or shorts.

In the early days of PCB production, green was the most commonly used color—hence the familiar nickname “green oil.” Today, with technological progress and diverse design demands, solder masks are available in a wide range of colors, including green, blue, black, white, yellow, and red, each with its own visual and functional characteristics.

At PCBasic, we provide a total of nine solder mask color options to meet different aesthetic and engineering preferences. You can refer to our PCBasic color sample ruler for visual comparison and surface texture reference.

For customers seeking special effects or advanced appearance options, Pink, Grey, Orange, Transparent, Matte Blue, and Matte Red solder masks are available under PCBasic’s Advanced PCB service.

To learn more about these materials and finishes, please visit our Advanced PCB section or contact our engineering support for detailed color and process recommendations.