Just like with any other type of paint, thickness matters when it comes to automotive paint. So, what is the typical car paint thickness? Keep reading to discover the answer and learn other interesting facts about automotive paint.
What Is the Typical Car Paint Thickness?
The thickness of car paint can vary widely, but in most cases, it ranges between 65 and 198 microns (that is, 2.5 – 7.7 mils).
While luxury cars tend to be on the higher end of the paint thickness spectrum, you should keep in mind that the thickness of automotive paint can vary across different panels of the same vehicle (and even within the same panel).
On the other hand, when the thickness of a car’s paint is higher than 198 microns (7.7 mils), it may be an indication that the car has been repainted, although this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.
A marked difference in paint thickness between adjacent panels is another sign that a car may have been resprayed.
If you are interested in learning more about automotive paint, check out our previous blog, “Car Paint, Layer by Layer.”
How Is Car Paint Thickness Measured?
Car paint thickness is measured using a car paint thickness gauge, also known as paint depth gauge or coating thickness gauge.
A car paint thickness gauge uses magnetic induction or eddy currents to determine the distance between the probe (a small cylindrical object you place on the surface of the car) and the underlying metallic body. The resulting value is the thickness of the paint
If you are concerned about damaging your vehicle while measuring the depth of the paint, don’t worry. Since the process involves only electromagnetic impulses, you can determine the thickness of your car’s paint without causing even a scratch or a swirl.
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Need to repair or touch up your car’s paint? At Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc., we are a family-owned business specializing in collision repair, windshield care, and custom paint jobs. We have locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California. Call us (951-465-7350). Contact us through our website or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about our full range of services.