Paint Measurements

[m5e39]

Hi Fellow Detailers...

I have purchased a paint measurement tool being the paint detective.

I have been testing readings on my car and my wifes and was wondering if someone could please give me an idea as to the readings.

Ie:

1. what is the usual thickness of lacquer?
2. what are good measurements and low measurements
3. how much does certain methods of polishing and wet sanding use?

Any help appriciated.

I am getting readings from cars to cars anywhere from 100-400 depending on the paint finish

[TOGWT]

Re: Paint Measurements

These numbers are offered as a guide only, as there are too many variables to provide any more than an approximation
.
Note: 1 µ (micron) is 1/1000th of a millimetre or 0.0393700787 Mil or 0.001 of an inch

Most vehicle paint film systems (127 - 178 µ) which comprise a Primer coat of 2Mils (50 µ) and a Colour coat of 1-2Mils (25 -50 µ) and Clear coat 2-3Mils (50 - 75 µ) a surface scratch that will `catch' your fingernail is approximately 0.04 Mil (1.0 µ) deep will usually require wet sanding and refinishing.
Generally speaking the clear coat makes up 50% of the total paint thickness. The paint system is split 50-25-25% please note that this is a very general approximation

• 200µ + can be expected on older cars that have been hand painted or a re-painted vehicle
• 100 – 200µ 4 – 8 mil - normal paint thickness
• 80 – 100 µ - 3 – 4 mils, thin paint
• 80 µ < - less than 3 mil, very thin paint

The PTG unit’s calibration must be checked before use if you’re going to rely on the information. They usually come with testing ‘metal shims’ that have a thickness marked on them so you can check the readings obtained and recalibrate if necessary