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kentfielddude Regular Member Joined: 09/05/2019 Location: United StatesPosts: 90
Posted: 03:50pm 04 Aug 2026
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I'm trying to figure out what I need to finish the primary winding and prepare the core for the secondary. The enameled wire got some small nicks in the enamel on the outside windings. What's the best red insulating varnish to use to repair it?
What type of mylar should I buy? What's the best way to connect my two split windings together?
Pete Locke Senior Member Joined: 26/06/2013 Location: New ZealandPosts: 185
Posted: 07:16pm 04 Aug 2026
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I've had great success using nail polish/varnish to touch up nicked copper wire enamel. It's also good (using clear nail varnish) for coating the copper side of hand etched PC boards preventing oxidation of the tracks. Cheers Pete'. Edited 2026-08-05 05:18 by Pete Locke
Godoh Guru Joined: 26/09/2020 Location: AustraliaPosts: 683
Posted: 10:05pm 04 Aug 2026
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As Peter Locke says the varnish doesn't have to be red. You could get some varnish from a motor rewinding shop if there is one near. I just use normal polyester varnish ( stuff for wood) on my transformers. I dip them in a tub when I have finished winding them and leave them for a day or so then let them air dry.
As for mylar tape, I have used Terylene tape on my transformers, I bought some online and it is easy to work with. I would have used fibreglass tape but I hate the stuff it makes me itch too much so I went for the next temperature grade down.
Pete
Solar Mike Guru Joined: 08/02/2015 Location: New ZealandPosts: 1229
Posted: 12:14am 05 Aug 2026
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On all my inductors and transformers I dip them in a solution of liquid polystyrene, then hang out to dry for a couple of days.
Get couple liters of car spray paint thinner in a metal bucket with a lid, add pieces of expanded white polystyrene, it dissolves very easily, keep adding until the dissolve rate really slows. That's your dipping solution, dries to a hard clear coating. it will soften with heat, but your transformer should never run that hot anyway.