It`s official...

[XxBoostinxX]

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?

[Ronkh]

Coolness !!!

[Mike lambert]

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.

[XxBoostinxX]

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?

[Mike lambert]

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!

[jmsc]

So a new car direct from the factory should read (again generalities) 1-1.25-1.5 mil?

[Mike lambert]

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

[XxBoostinxX]

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?

[Mike lambert]

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.

[RDKC]

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.