[ we make science jokes, periodically ]

No Wires? No Problem!

If a circuit board were a map, its traces would be roads and highways. A trace is the wiring used on paper circuits. Instead of wires, we use conductive materials. Let's go over the types of traces we can use. Ready? Ready.

Peel & Press
Conductive tape is the most accessible trace material on our list. Because of its malleability, you peel and stick! Not only is it easy to use, but it's also easy to find in hardware and craft stores. The biggest downside is that it can give you gnarly paper cuts.

Peel & Press 2.0
Rare but super useful for projects with folds, we have fabric tape with a blend of nickel, copper and cobalt. For a secure attachment, you can use conductive glue or conductive thread.

Artsy Traces
For the creative types, conductive paints are on the market for adding loops and coils to connecting components. The downsides? A few: it can be messy, and drying may take up to twelve hours.