What is the micron rating of original paint?

The paint thickness of a car is one of the most important indicators of its technical condition and service history. Owners and buyers of used cars are increasingly checking the factory paint thickness to assess whether the vehicle has been repaired or had its paintwork modified. A standard paint thickness of 60 to 160 microns (μm) keeps the vehicle in top condition, protecting the body from external influences and aesthetic wear and tear. Preserving the original paint is also important for maintenance such as polishing.

Standard thickness of car paint

The factory paint coating consists of several layers: an anti-corrosion primer, a color layer and a clear coat. Each of these layers has a specific function and together they form a coating with a thickness of 60 to 160 μm:

• anti-corrosion primer – applied directly to the car body, the primer provides protection against corrosion. It is usually between 10 and 20 μm thick;
• color coat – gives the car body the desired color and appearance. It has a thickness of 20 to 40 μm, and its exact value depends on the manufacturer's technology and visual effect;
• clear coat – protects the color and gives shine, as well as protects against UV factors. It has a thickness of 30 to 50 μm.

Together, these layers form the factory paint coating, the thickness of which is optimally selected to protect the vehicle from external factors and give it an aesthetic appearance.

How do you measure the thickness of car paint?

Paint thickness gauges are used to measure the paint thickness on a car. These devices allow you to accurately assess whether the paint thickness on different parts of the car complies with factory standards. The measurement should be taken on a clean surface so that the results are not distorted by dirt, wax or other substances.

The most important places to measure are:

• roof - it is the least exposed to damage and its factory paint thickness should be close to the reference values;
• doors, bonnet and trunk - these components are more exposed to damage and may have a different paint thickness;
• Sills and pillars are difficult to replace, so bodywork repairs can affect their paint thickness.

What does a paint thickness of over 300 microns mean?

If the meter indicates paint thickness values above 300 μm, this may suggest the use of putty or extensive bodywork. The paint thickness measurement results can be interpreted as follows:

• 70–160 μm – original factory paint thickness, indicating no repairs;
• 160–300 μm – an additional coat of paint that may have been applied during minor bodywork repairs;
• over 300 μm – significant bodywork repairs that may indicate serious damage repaired with filler.

A thicker paint layer exceeding 300 μm may indicate more serious damage in the past. This kind of information is important for used car buyers who want to avoid vehicles that have undergone major repairs.

Why is paint thickness important when buying a used car?

Measuring paint thickness is a quick and easy way to check whether a vehicle has undergone any bodywork repairs. Differences in paint thickness can indicate a repair history, which is valuable information for potential buyers. Paint thickness that deviates from factory standards can indicate hidden damage and reduce the market value of the vehicle. Knowing the repair history is also crucial for people who want their car to remain in its original condition, which increases its durability and aesthetics.

How does polishing affect paint thickness?

Car polishing is a popular technique for refreshing the appearance of a vehicle and removing fine scratches and micro-damage. During polishing, part of the clear coat is removed, which affects the thickness of the paint coating. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, polishing can remove between 2 and 5 μm of clear coat.

The thickness of the removed layer depends on:

• the hardness of the paint – soft paints can be polished more gently, losing less material;
• the type of polishing paste – coarse-grained pastes remove more varnish;
• the degree of damage – deeper scratches require a more aggressive approach;
• the polishing technique – manual polishing is less aggressive than machine polishing.

Therefore, it is advisable to check the paint thickness before polishing to make sure it is thick enough. Too frequent or intensive polishing can lead to thinning of the paint and reduce its durability.

Bodywork repairs and paint thickness

Vehicles that have undergone bodywork repairs may have different paint thicknesses on different parts of the body. In the case of repairs requiring the use of putty, the paint thickness can be significantly greater than the factory thickness, often exceeding 300 μm. This thickness can indicate accident repairs, and significant differences in thickness between individual body parts are an indication that the vehicle has undergone extensive repairs.

Paint thickness and body protection

The right paint thickness is essential for protecting the bodywork against corrosion, mechanical damage and the effects of UV radiation. An original paint coating, which is within the standard range of 80–160 μm, provides adequate protection and aesthetics, and also allows for maintenance treatments such as polishing. Too thin a layer of varnish may not provide full protection, while too thick a coating, especially when using putty, may be more prone to cracking and chipping.

Ensure the durability and appearance of the varnish with Multichem products

Maintaining the thickness of car paint is an important part of vehicle care and maintenance. An original paint coating of the right thickness not only ensures an aesthetic appearance, but also provides long-lasting protection for the car body against harmful factors. For car owners who want to ensure perfect paint quality, the Multichem shop for car paint offers a wide range of paint products, including professional hardeners, industrial paints and paint primers.

Thanks to Multichem products, created to the highest standards, you can not only protect the surface of your vehicle, but also refresh its appearance, restoring its shine and aesthetics. Use the paint manufacturer to give your car perfect protection and a durable and aesthetic finish.