Paint thickness gauge?

[denverdetail]

Does anyone here use a paint thickness gauge? What is your experience? I`ve never used one but often think if I did I would know if I could be more aggresive with scratches or problem areas. I had someone once tell me that they are not so accurate because they measure the thickness from the top of the paint to the metal. If that is true, wouldn`t you have to know the thickness of the primer to know what the thickness of the paint is? I`m sure the wisdom here at DC will shed some light on this.

Denverdetail

[Phil]

The magnet ones suck, I would recommend getting a digital one if its worth your wild. I once wet sanded a scratch on a mercedes down to the primer. If I had the guage to tell me, I would have saved the embarrasment, aggrivation, and cost of the paint ($350 for one quarter panel) I really dont think you need one, unless youre using very aggressive compounds. I hope this helps

[dr_detail]

I`ve had the same Detail Plus magnetic one for 14 years .... It serves its purpose... "It`s eye-candy for the customer." The paint gauge is more, I think, a marketing tool used for up-selling. "Look here, there is only two mills of paint here, and 1.5 here... this will be a delicate area that will take extra time in the detailing process for the paint could be easily damaged and I really don`t want to do that to your investment. I will have to charge X-amount more due to the increse in time and labor." of course I usually end up just throwing it in at no extra cost.

Experienced detailers can, with 97% accuracy though, tell whether or not the paint will come back to life. We should be able to tell if a vehicle has been re-painted, or if the vehicle has been previously buffed out or if it`s so oxidized that it will be a waste of our time and their money. If in doubt, after they sign a waiver, I do a test spot. Most times though if it`s that bad, I just suggest the customer spend their money on a new paint job and call me for the color sand when it`s done

Unless you`re planning on doing concourse work, specializing in antiques or "original paint" classics, I can think of better things to spend the $350 upon.

[dr_detail]

Originally posted by Phil
I once wet sanded a scratch on a mercedes down to the primer. If I had the guage to tell me, I would have saved the embarrasment, aggrivation, and cost of the paint ($350 for one quarter panel)

You do have one, all of us do... it`s the rule of thumb...

If your thumbnail "clicks" in the scratch, it`s too deep to buff out.

P.S. sorry to hear about the $350 opportunity for growth

[Bob]

I used to use one everyday where I used to work. We built custom boat trailers and I had to check certain sports of each trailer and make sure that the paint was thick enough before it went out. Would be nice to have in a detail shop.

[dimedrol]

I think Clean Dean uses one. Very helpful on one stage paints.

[AtlantaBoy]

The magnet ones don`t suck, their actually cheap enough so you can afford one. Anyone who uses a rotary needs to have one. I always check every panel on the car before I start.

[dr_detail]

Originally posted by AtlantaBoy
I always check every panel on the car before I start.

Please do tell me how you tell decipher how much of that reading is the primer, how much is the paint, and how do you tell how much is actually the clear?? And what if an area was repainted, has some filler in it, or the vehicle is fiberglass, aluminum or plastic?

:wha :dunno :wha

[kimwallace]

Originally posted by dr_detail
Please do tell me how you tell decipher how much of that reading is the primer, how much is the paint, and how do you tell how much is actually the clear?? And what if an area was repainted, has some filler in it, or the vehicle is fiberglass, aluminum or plastic?

:wha :dunno :wha

That has always been my big question !!!
There is no way to actually tell what you are measuring.
The best use for a thickness gauge is when you are in the repainting business.
It can help you apply the proper thickness of basecoat and clear coat. Todays paint film thicknesses are critical to their proper performance.

[denverdetail]

Thanks for the responses.
Eye candy for your customer, I love it! I always enjoy making customers` ooo and ahh!

I figured as much whether they can keep you 100% safe. I see their purpose though.

I`ve never rushed to get one because I general know when an issue is resolvable or not, it`s those really rare times that I think one may be handy. I don`t come accross those issues too much though and usually turn down the work instead of taking on the liability. A waiver is a good idea though.