# \#solder-mask
**URL:** https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/tag/solder-mask/91.md
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## [Should non-plated holes be covered by solder mask?](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/should-non-plated-holes-be-covered-by-solder-mask/4199)
**Author:** [@Olivia](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/Olivia)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/should-non-plated-holes-be-covered-by-solder-mask/4199 "2026-07-07T16:12:50Z")
I understand the purpose of solder mask on PCB copper features, it helps prevent oxidation, reduces the risk of solder bridging, and protects areas that shouldn’t be soldered. However, I’m not sure about non-plated hole…
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## [PCB Glossary: Solder mask](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/pcb-glossary-solder-mask/3789)
**Author:** [@Mohamed\_Faheemuddin](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/Mohamed_Faheemuddin)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [January 8, 2026, 7:40pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/pcb-glossary-solder-mask/3789 "2026-01-08T19:40:25Z")
Solder mask (or solder resist) is a thin, protective polymer layer applied over the copper traces of a PCB. It exposes only selected areas such as component pads, through-holes, and test points. It is typically applied a…
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## [Why green solder mask still rules](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/why-green-solder-mask-still-rules/3534)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [September 8, 2025, 4:00pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/why-green-solder-mask-still-rules/3534 "2025-09-08T16:00:24Z")
Solder mask isn’t just cosmetic, it plays a big role in preventing defects during both fabrication and assembly. A few takeaways from our DFM webinar: Solder mask web: Always allow at least 4 mils. Anything tighter …
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## [6 Common Solder Mask Errors Every PCB Designer Should Know](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/6-common-solder-mask-errors-every-pcb-designer-should-know/2885)
**Author:** [@PoulomiG](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/PoulomiG)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [February 5, 2025, 1:53pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/6-common-solder-mask-errors-every-pcb-designer-should-know/2885 "2025-02-05T13:53:14Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/6-common-solder-mask-errors-every-pcb-designer-should-know/ A solder mask is an insulation layer that covers conductive areas such as traces and pads. Inappr…
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## [9 DFM tips for solder mask and silkscreen](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/9-dfm-tips-for-solder-mask-and-silkscreen/722)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [December 20, 2023, 12:00am UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/9-dfm-tips-for-solder-mask-and-silkscreen/722 "2023-12-20T00:00:27Z")
Do you have a 10th tip?
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## [7 common DFM errors and how to avoid them](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/7-common-dfm-errors-and-how-to-avoid-them/663)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [December 5, 2023, 10:14pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/7-common-dfm-errors-and-how-to-avoid-them/663 "2023-12-05T22:14:45Z")
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## [Take a look at how we apply solder mask to your panels](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/take-a-look-at-how-we-apply-solder-mask-to-your-panels/513)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [November 21, 2023, 7:35pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/take-a-look-at-how-we-apply-solder-mask-to-your-panels/513 "2023-11-21T19:35:23Z")