It's official...

XxBoostinxX

New member
Bought my first paint thickness gauge. It's not the greatest one, but all I could really afford at the moment. Can someone give me a rundown with what is considered thick and thin paint?

d892ffd847f21f77efd7cfe64d055504.jpg
774eaa06b13ab0ac3c0e1bc3f80ebd41.jpg
 
I generally start by measuring the roof. Generally that is usually unmolested. If you get more than a half mil less reading, the clear has been taken down significantly. Readings of more than 2 mild usually mean a repaint. Now this is just generalities but I hope that helps.
 
I generally start by measuring the roof. Generally that is usually unmolested. If you get more than a half mil less reading, the clear has been taken down significantly. Readings of more than 2 mild usually mean a repaint. Now this is just generalities but I hope that helps.

Thank you for the advice Mike. I definitely will try to start there. How many mils do you typically see removed after a job?
 
From what I have been told by both Rod Kraft of Meguiars, and Mike Phillips, paint manufacturers only recommend removing .5 mild over the life of the car. Do yourself a favor and measure a 3m post it note. That will give you a better understanding of the amount of paint on a car you have to work with. Average clear is thinner!
 
The industry average of total film build is 4.5/5.5 mills according to the classes I have been to. Average of clear is 1.5/2.5, the paint manufacturers only advise taking off .5 mills over the life of the vehicle to preserve the integrity of the paint. Mike Phillips has a very good article in his book about this. However I have had new Honda vehicles in here that only have 2.5 mills total! This is why they always say least aggressive first
 
The industry average of total film build is 4.5/5.5 mills according to the classes I have been to. Average of clear is 1.5/2.5, the paint manufacturers only advise taking off .5 mills over the life of the vehicle to preserve the integrity of the paint. Mike Phillips has a very good article in his book about this. However I have had new Honda vehicles in here that only have 2.5 mills total! This is why they always say least aggressive first

And people wonder why Honda's are known for CC failure.

From your experience Mike, do you think you can get a rough idea of the CC by comparing the door jambs and say the roof of the vehicle?
 
I don't think you can, but I am not sure. I just stick with checking first and during correction. Especially when I get one that has been done by someone else.
 
Boostin, mind if I ask how much and the source? I would like to get one in the future but can't justify the price for a hobbyist.
 
Back
Top