Paint Thickness Gauge

[Kickin Griffin]

How many of you use a Paint Thickness Gauage when detailing with a machine polisher? Have recently started using one, find it invaluable for pre-chekcing a car and during the polishing stages to keep myself safe... Are they popular with you?

[oldmodman]

I would love to have one. But as just an owner - user, I can't justify the cost. Now if I could find a great deal on E-bay or something I would grab one.

[Tony Huggett]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

I'm trying to find a paint thickness guage that is resonably priced.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

I'm trying to find a paint thickness guage that is resonably priced.

There is a model that is $200. Highline I think?

[SHYNEMAN123]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

I always use one, It helps tell the story of the Vehicles life, almost like when your Doctor looks at your vital signs.

[sstg]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

I have a High line.Nice meter.

[Erik Mejia]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

The ETG-Mini may be somthing to look into.

[Superior Shine]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

I had three and sold two. I almost never use them. Maybe once or twice a year if that and I am a full time detailer.

[RaskyR1]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

I've never used one...I've thought about getting one, but as a part time detailer now, I just can't justify the cost.

That and the fact that I rarely know the history of a vehicle when it comes to me. So all the guage can tell me is what I removed right? It can't really tell me how much clear is left, or color if it were single stage.

An example would be the '68 Corvette I have on the books for next month. It was a respray 2 years ago and has been wet-sanded and buffed shorty after it was painted. Inspection of the paint showed lots of wet sanding marks still remain and heavy holograms. Owner wants it looking like new and it will need a lot of correction to bring back to life. I asked the owner how many coats of clear were used and he had no idea.

So really all I can do is make the owner aware of the risk, be careful, take my time, and hope for the best. A PTG would do nothing...

Rasky

[akimel]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

Whenever FMINUS publishes one of his details, he always includes a photo of the paint gauge results. I have to admit it's pretty cool. See, for example, this article.

[Mikejl]

Re: Paint Thickness Gauge

I wouldn't mind owning one if a good one came along at the right price. My wife and I keep our cars for 10 years. We purchase them 5 years apart so we always have just one car payment.

I like to try and keep my cars looking good. Now since I joined MOL and bought a G110 I need to pace myself so I don't over polish my black Camry. It would be nice to chart and keep a record of the paint thickness so I don't go through the clear in 5 or 6 years.

Mike