External electrode forming method

A method of forming an external electrode of an electronic component, which is to form a first electrode portion, a second electrode portion, and a third electrode portion so as to connect with each other, on a first face and a second face facing each other in an element forming the electronic component, and on a third face adjacent to each of the first face and the second face, the method comprising:

• a pre-formation step of applying a conductive paste onto the third face, and
• evaporating at least a part of a liquid contained in the applied conductive paste, to form a precoat portion including a dried portion in a peripheral region of the precoat portion that substantially surrounds an undried portion, the precoat portion expected to become a part of the third electrode portion;
• a first formation step of applying the conductive paste from a direction opposite to the first face, onto the first face to form the first electrode portion;
• a second formation step of applying the conductive paste from a direction opposite to the second face, onto the second face to form the second electrode portion;
• a third formation step of applying the conductive paste onto the third face so as to cover the precoat portion, to form the third electrode portion;
• and
• an electrode formation step of drying the element to form the external electrode consisting of the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the third electrode portion.