Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) performance strongly depends on the particles surface chemistry and the ability to manipulate surface–liquid interfaces. In this study an extensive investigation of YBCO suspension in dry acetone, acetone–water mixtures and acetone–iodine is reported. Chemical instability of YBCO particles determines their colloidal behaviour. Charging mechanism of particles has therefore had to be deeply investigated for complete dispersion understanding. In order to determine the conditions of the YBCO suspension stability, measurements of pH, conductivity, zeta-potential, settling tests, modelling of the particle networks and electrophoretic deposition were done. The influence of the water and iodine concentration, and their role as stabilizers was evaluated. Based on experimental results, pair particle potentials were calculated and then different charging mechanisms of YBCO surfaces in acetone were proposed.