Paint Thickness Tester

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ge0rge

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I have a question or two on these devices. When it gives a reading, is it the thickness of the clear, paint, and primer?

How does it tell you only the thickness of the clear?

Sorry been wondering this to long not to ask...
 
From what I understand, the cheaper models ($600-$1200) only tell you thickness of the paint, but there is apparently a model for $12k that will tell you thickness of various layers...clear, paint, substrate, and so on.
 
Joseph Rogers said:
From what I understand, the cheaper models ($600-$1200) only tell you thickness of the paint, but there is apparently a model for $12k that will tell you thickness of various layers...clear, paint, substrate, and so on.
Click to expand...

They are $2-3k for ones that can show layers on non metal bases.
 
If it cannot tell you how much clear is remaining, then what it the advantage of using such a tool? I would assume that you would never want to remove to much clear...
 
I agree George, I don't see the benefit of a depth gauge that can not actually read clear thickness, although if it is being used on SS paint that would be a handy tool. I can't justify forking out 2k for the multi layer unit. If anyone knows of a cheaper alternative I am game.
 
I was not thinking of buying one, its just that me thinking about far to much prompted me to finally ask.
 
The $3000.00 model that autogeek sells comes with software.I think all high end restoration shops should have one and have a measurement on each panel every two square foot.I think it would be helpful for paint correction and should the owner want to sell the car with paint documentation. JMHO.
 
Znig22 said:
I agree George, I don't see the benefit of a depth gauge that can not actually read clear thickness, although if it is being used on SS paint that would be a handy tool. I can't justify forking out 2k for the multi layer unit. If anyone knows of a cheaper alternative I am game.
Click to expand...
I know I can't post a competitors web link but google ETG paint thickness gauge.
 
ge0rge said:
If it cannot tell you how much clear is remaining, then what it the advantage of using such a tool? I would assume that you would never want to remove to much clear...
Click to expand...
An advantage example:
One if the reference points is the beginning thickness of OEM sprayed clear-coat paint (CC)...1.5-2.0 mils is probably being overly generous...on a vehicle that has never been detailed.

-If when using an EPTG, that doesn't measure separate film layers, and it shows an initial reading of 4.50 mils on a particular area before buffing...and a reading of 4.35 after buffing...There has been .15 mils of CC paint removed from that particular area.

-Knowing that paint manufacturers and OEM paint engineers recommend that no more than .5 mils of CC be removed during its expected life cycle...A person would be well within that tolerance for that buffing session.

Another professional tool, for acquiring professional results, for the Professional...even, perhaps, to go as far as "squiring" new Customers!

Bob
 
Some scary words are underlined

The way I have seen it used is based on the average amount of paint on a factory painted vehicle.

-Find a place on the car where you can see the primer. Typically a door or trunk jamb. This establishes a baseline of how thick the primer is and somewhat removes one of the layers as a variable in the total thickness.

-Now work backwards based on the average assumed thickness of the remaining layers of color coat and clear coat


BobbyG did a great post on this topic, including a great graphic

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...llips/76322-clear-coating-will-fade-away.html
 
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