Multilayered YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) thick films were coated on silver substrates by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) followed by heat treatment. A butanol-based YBCO suspension is used instead of the common acetone–iodine combination. Tests with several dispersing agents reveal that a branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) dispersant develops large positive surface charge on suspended YBCO particles. As a demonstration of the performance of this new suspension formulation, a 12-layer 100µm-thick YBCO coating was deposited on an Ag tube. The superconducting transition is sharp with onset critical temperature at 92K. The sample can shield a magnetic field of ~1.3mT at 77K, i.e., the best value so far for an YBCO coating on a metallic substrate. •YBa2Cu3O7−δ thick films were prepared by electrophoretic deposition and sintering.•Butanol-based suspension was formulated instead of the usual acetone-based suspension.•Branched polyethyleneimine is a better dispersant than fish oil, Emphos or iodine.•A 100µm-thick YBa2Cu3O7−δ coating on Ag tube is able to shield 1.3mT at 77K.