Seeking Perfection
Widely used in the computer industry. Surface mount offers efficient usage of the PCB, and saves the trouble of drilling holes and extra materials.
Procedure
Align the component you're soldering, cover some of the exposed surface on the PCB, leave some empty as work area.
Put a very small blob of solder on the tip of your soldering iron, it is very difficult to do surface mounts (especially multiple mounts) like we do with hole mounts. The only way to apply solder is through the iron itself.
When it comes to soldering multiple mounts, it is good to use the very tip of the iron as opposed to the tip and side. One needs to be precise, and only the very tip can do that, else you may end up with over lapped solder mark joining 2 or more unwanted traces.
Drop the blob of solder at the bottom (exposed PCB), and work your way up to the legs. Remember, solder only sticks to metals above it's melting temperature. (Check hole mounts for the solder and lift concept)
If the component has a 90' bend leg rather than a straight one, prepare the exposed PCB with some solder first, put the component into place, and press down on the legs with the iron. Heat of the iron will travel through the leg of the component and melt the solder.
