Could anyone clarify if it is feasible to convert a silicon conformal
coating area/ booth to an acrylic one?

*Is it feasible?  Depends on your definition of feasible.  What is your
pain threshold?

I was told that once the area is setup for silicon it will become
"contaminated" and the process is irreversible for other coatings to be
used. Is this true? If it is could someone provide the technical reason
behind?

*Brian Ellis gave a good response.  The two chemistries are incompatible.
It is not clear if you are doing a total conversion or if you intend to
spray both materials in the same area.  I would not recommend the latter as
I can guarantee silicone contamination on your boards.  If you have been
spraying silicones for a while, then all the surfaces in the booth are
covered with silicone.  You can get some chemicals to strip them away, but
they are nasty beasties.  You can scrap out the old booth and have a new
one put in.  You could attach new surfaces, like melamine counter material
over the surface, or if you are on a really low budget, cover the surfaces
with heavy brown butcher paper (plastic side up) and replace frequently.

Doug Pauls
Rockwell Collins

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