Conductive Paint

The goal of this experiment was to try to find an alternative to commercially available conductive paint. It is incredible stuff but expensive. I’ve read other Instructables like Makerboat’s $1 Conductive Ink and IceCats’ Paper Electronics. They helped me arrive at my own recipe, which uses only two ingredients but I think my testing is more reliable.

To make the winning recipe you need:

  • Graphite powder*
  • Acrylic paint
  • A jar with an airtight seal

To complete every test you need:

  • Elmer’s Glue-All
  • Titebond III Wood Glue
  • Acrylic paint
  • Wire Glue ™
  • Graphite powder
  • 4 wooden toothpicks
  • 4 jars with airtight seals
  • Paper
  • Ohmmeter
  • 2 zip ties

*Be careful with graphite powder because inhalation can lead to respiratory problems.