coating compositions of silver flake suspended in predominantly aqueous vehicle is disclosed for laying down a coating of electrically conductive metal on resistive or dielectric substrates useful in the electronics industry . the coating compositions provide an ideal combination of high silver loading and low viscosity for spray painting desired thickness coatings at high speed in a single pass . the novel compositions include silver flake , water soluble polymer binder , water and a substantially completely water soluble , organic co - solvent . the coating compositions have good green strength after drying and may be used to apply an electrically conductive base to enable electroplating plastic or elastomer parts . optional sintering adhesives can be added to allow high temperature , permanent bonding of the silver to a ceramic substrate . the coating compositions have excellent storage stability such that settled solids can be redispersed readily with brief and / or mild agitation .