Paint Meter

SeaJay's

SeaJay's

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Alright well I'm in the mood to spend some money today...I've already purchased the Gaia VX 5000 steamer/extractor.

I'm also in the market for a paint meter. I've searched the forums and it seems as though everyone has recommended the Highline Meter II. Which is was I was looking to get.

Has anyone come across any other meter that works better? In doing the search on the forum it seems as though the last thread about it was about a year ago. Didn't know if anyone has come across another meter in the same price range?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the Highline meter since it seems everyone loves theirs, but just wanted to make it open for discussion.

Thanks guys/gals!
 
I dont have any experience with them yet, but, the Highline II seems to be the bang for buck favorite. That is what I am going to order.
 
Yeah that's probably what I'm going to do just wanted some opinions.

Also if it's really needed? I know it's nice to be able to check paint thickness through out the car to ensure yourself of any spots that you need to be careful with, but honestly how many detailers that do a good amount of paint corrections actual use one?
 
I can't bring myself to drop the dough on the expensive meters. They're just too expensive. It's not cost affective to drop that much on a tool that you're most likely only going to use on jobs where you'll be wet, or damp sanding. Which in my experience...are few and far between.

I have a cheap magnetic pen gauge that I paid $50 for. I've used it a few times, and it gives me a good idea of what I'm working with. I don't need a 100% accurate measurement to know if it's too thin to work with. Typically I just like to know if something has been resprayed or not, and how thick it roughly is. The pen does that for me. :xyxthumbs:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
I can't bring myself to drop the dough on the expensive meters. They're just too expensive. It's not cost affective to drop that much on a tool that you're most likely only going to use on jobs where you'll be wet, or damp sanding. Which in my experience...are few and far between.

I have a cheap magnetic pen gauge that I paid $50 for. I've used it a few times, and it gives me a good idea of what I'm working with. I don't need a 100% accurate measurement to know if it's too thin to work with. Typically I just like to know if something has been resprayed or not, and how thick it roughly is. The pen does that for me. :xyxthumbs:
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What is the pen that you use?
 
SeaJay's said:
What is the pen that you use?
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Pretty sure this is exactly what I have. It's cheap, and comes in handy when you do actually need it. It doesn't give a completely accurate reading obviously. But, you can tell by how long it stays stuck to the paint how thick the paint is. If it's had bondo work...it won't stick at all. If it's been resprayed...it won't stick long at all cause of how thick the paint is. If it's thin, it sticks for a long time cause of how thin it is, and how close you are to the metal. Works for me!

Pro Gauge II Powder Paint Thickness Gauge
 
Hmm...Might be something to consider. It's cheap enough that if it doesn't fit what I want then I can just spend the money on the Highline later. But...if I don't like it it's $50 I could have put towards the Highline.

Decisions decisions...
 
SeaJay's said:
Hmm...Might be something to consider. It's cheap enough that if it doesn't fit what I want then I can just spend the money on the Highline later. But...if I don't like it it's $50 I could have put towards the Highline.

Decisions decisions...
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I'm not saying it can replace the Highline. I think they are very different tools. But, I also think that for someone who isn't going to do a ton of full corrections, wet/damp sanding, or body work...that it would suit their needs. I just don't really see the full benefit of knowing exactly what the measurement of the paint is. Obviously there's perks to it. But what I'm saying is...you rarely need that perk.

This is obviously just my opinion that I'm basing off of the overall work I see at my shop. I just don't do a ton of full corrections. I do a lot more two step, or one step polishes with my packages than anything else. I probably need a paint gauge 2-3 times a year...if that. I do a lot more corrections to particular panels more so than a whole vehicle. I just eyeball that and not go too crazy. Never had an issue.
 
Completely understand what your saying. Something for me to think about and see what I want to do. I may just end up buying the meter to safe guard myself for when I do some paint corrections. If I can limit my risk of something going wrong then I'd like to do that. We'll see...
 
I ordered the Highline II based on the fact that a couple detailers that I look up to use it. If it's good enough for them, then I know it will be perfect for me :)
 
SeaJay's said:
Completely understand what your saying. Something for me to think about and see what I want to do. I may just end up buying the meter to safe guard myself for when I do some paint corrections. If I can limit my risk of something going wrong then I'd like to do that. We'll see...
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I hear ya. :xyxthumbs:
 
I think I paid $6 for my PTG on clearance... and it's every bit as accurate as the Highline II. Not sure you'll find any of them anymore, they were the CenTech units sold by Harbor Freight.
 
I started with the pen. It is not specific enough in its measurements as far as I'm concerned. I have owned the Highline II for more than a year. It's great. I strongly recommend it. In fact, during my research, it was just as accurate as versions costing considerably more. I choose to keep the extra $$ in my wallet, thanks very much. Several people on L2D have purchased one on my recommendation and have been extremely pleased with it.
BTW, Gaia is not a VX5000. Two completely different machines. Gaia is by Vapor Clean. That's what I have. The VX5000 is a different company altogether. It is strictly a steamer, not an extractor or vacuum too. FYI.
 
richy said:
I started with the pen. It is not specific enough in its measurements as far as I'm concerned. I have owned the Highline II for more than a year. It's great. I strongly recommend it. In fact, during my research, it was just as accurate as versions costing considerably more. I choose to keep the extra $$ in my wallet, thanks very much. Several people on L2D have purchased one on my recommendation and have been extremely pleased with it.
BTW, Gaia is not a VX5000. Two completely different machines. Gaia is by Vapor Clean. That's what I have. The VX5000 is a different company altogether. It is strictly a steamer, not an extractor or vacuum too. FYI.
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I am one of those people who bought the Highline II on Richy's recommendation, and I too couldn't be happier. I absolutely love it!!! I have been testing its repeatability, and accuracy. Both are outstanding! Thanks for the recommendation Richy...:props:
 
I thought about the pen as a quick easy. I dont think they work on aluminum though.
 
5.4 Shelby said:
I thought about the pen as a quick easy. I dont think they work on aluminum though.
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Because the 'pen' type PTGs are magnetic, they will only work over ferrous metal substrates. So no, they won't work for Aluminum as it is non-ferrous. :props:
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Because the 'pen' type PTGs are magnetic, they will only work over ferrous metal substrates. So no, they won't work for Aluminum as it is non-ferrous. :props:
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Right. That is why I am saying that. My hood is aluminum. I dont know how many other cars use aluminum parts, but, I would think it would be enough that a pro detailer would need an aluminum capable gauge such as the highline II.
 
5.4 Shelby said:
Right. That is why I am saying that. My hood is aluminum. I dont know how many other cars use aluminum parts, but, I would think it would be enough that a pro detailer would need an aluminum capable gauge such as the highline II.
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The thing I wish I could find is a gauge capable of reading on fiberglass that wouldn't break the bank. I do enough Corvettes and other cars with plastic parts that it would be nice to have.
 
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