Paint thickness gauge – how does it work and why is it worth having?

Buying a used car is a decision that should be preceded by a thorough analysis of the vehicle's technical condition. One of the key elements of this assessment is measuring the thickness of the paint coating, which allows you to identify any bodywork and paint repairs, including the presence of filler or repainting. A paint thickness gauge is used for this analysis. It is a small but very precise device that can protect you from costly mistakes.

Paint thickness gauge - how does it work and why is it worth having?

How does a paint gauge work? It measures the thickness of non-metallic layers (paint, primer, filler) on steel components. This provides clear information in a matter of seconds as to whether the bodywork has been repaired and to what extent. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, a paint thickness gauge will help you make an informed decision when buying a car.

How does a paint gauge work?

Wondering how to check paint thickness? It's easier than you think. Simply place the gauge probe on the selected body part and the device will immediately display the result, usually in microns (μm). The standard factory paint thickness ranges between 80 and 200 μm. If the measurement indicates more than 200 μm, it means that the surface has been repaired. Values above 300 μm indicate the presence of filler.

Why is paint thickness so important? Firstly, it indicates possible collisions and bodywork repairs. Secondly, it can indicate the quality of previous paintwork. Thanks to accurate measurement, you can avoid buying a car that has been in a serious accident and whose history has been covered up.

Types and principle of measurement

There are various types of gauges available on the market, from simple models with a neodymium magnet to advanced electronic devices. How to use a paint gauge depends on its design and the type of probe. The most popular variants are:

• flat probe - inexpensive, but requires experience and only works on flat surfaces;
• pressure probe - more convenient, provides better contact with the bodywork, but may distort results on curved surfaces;
• ball probe - the most versatile, allows measurement even on profiled and irregular elements.

Modern paint thickness gauges also offer features such as result storage, report generation and LED backlighting. The choice of model depends on the frequency and purpose of use. A simple gauge is sufficient for occasional measurements, but professionals should invest in premium equipment.

How to interpret the measurement results?

A paint thickness gauge measures the total thickness of all paint layers on a given section of the car body. Typical values:

• 100-130 μm - factory paint,
• 150-200 μm - repainting or touch-ups,
• 200-400 μm - major repairs, possible thin layer of filler,
• 400 and above - significant bodywork, thick layer of filler.

If the gauge detects different thicknesses on adjacent elements, it is worth asking the owner about the repair history. In the absence of documentation or inconsistent information, it is better to exercise caution.

Measuring paint thickness - what to remember?

Before starting the measurement, it is worth cleaning the surface of the car from mud, dust or stickers - they can distort the result. The gauge should not be used on plastic bumpers or composite parts as they are not conductive. The paint thickness should be measured at several points on a given part to identify local differences.

Where to buy a paint thickness gauge and other paint accessories?

If you are looking for a reliable place with a wide range of paint products, visit the Multichem website. It is a brand with many years of experience, trusted by thousands of industry professionals. As a manufacturer of car paints, we offer:

• professional car and industrial paints,
• primers, fillers, protective agents,
• surface preparation accessories,
• mixing and colorimetry systems.

This is a comprehensive offer for workshops, painters and individuals who want to be sure that they are choosing proven solutions.