Using NeverWet to Protect Electronics

Science Technology
Using NeverWet to Protect Electronics
YouTube player

Last month we covered NeverWet, a chemical sold by Rust-Oleum that you can apply to stuff to make it resist water. Now, Adafruit has taken it to the next level by coating various electronics including one of MAKE alumna Becky Stern’s projects, the Flora bike helmet. It sounds like a fun tool to play around with, but by no means a perfect solution.

10 thoughts on “Using NeverWet to Protect Electronics

  1. chuck says:

    So how much is Rustoleum paying you guys? Every review I see hints at the fact that this isn’t a great product and yet it keeps getting press. What gives? I know you have to pay the bills but just give it to us straight.

    1. Phillip Torrone says:

      hi chuck! this is phil from adafruit (and MAKE editor at large). i was the one who got the hose in the video. adafruit, MAKE, myself did not receive any money or compensation in any way for this. i bought the neverwet from home depot myself and i wanted to try this out with becky.

      i hope that is clear and straight enough, if not you can email me for any more details.

    2. Wally SirFatty says:

      Lighten up, Francis.

  2. cirvinfox says:

    What is the advantage of this versus traditional conformal coating?

  3. Alan sailer says:

    chuck,

    I think NeverWet is getting such attention because it really is amazing to try out. I bought some as an experiment and it really is fun to play with.

    The relevant word is “play”.

    It’s adhesion to smooth surfaces is poor (think peeling off skin after a bad sunburn). It’s hydrophobic properties are killed by detergent, grease and mild abrasion. It’s not a smooth surface, more like 200 grit sandpaper, so it’s wouldn’t feel good on fabric.

    In my opinion it’s a lab curiosity, not a practical product.

    It is an interesting product that can’t survive in many real world in the real situations. I am glad I bought it because I got to experience a real super-hydrophobic paint but I haven’t been able to figure out a real use for it.

    Cheers.

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

My interests include writing, electronics, RPGs, scifi, hackers & hackerspaces, 3D printing, building sets & toys. @johnbaichtal nerdage.net

View more articles by John Baichtal

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK