Automotive Paint Meter

What is the car paint film thickness?

The car paint film thickness is not an absolute value. The original car paint thickness of different brands is not exactly the same. Even the paint film thickness at different locations on the same car is slightly different.

The paint film thickness on the roof of some cars may be only about 80μm, while the paint film thickness in other places may be 120μm. When measuring the paint film thickness of the car, the most important thing is to detect the uniformity of the paint film thickness at each position. When measuring a car of an unfamiliar model, if the original paint thickness cannot be determined, the car roof paint film thickness can be used as a reference to compare the thickness of other locations. Because the roof location is not prone to scratches or impact, other paint film thickness at the location is slightly higher than the paint film thickness on the car roof. The user can find experience from multiple measurements. However, if 100 μm is measured on the roof and 300 μm is measured elsewhere, then the thicker area is likely to be repainted or scratched.

What Is an Automotive Paint Meter and How Does It Work？

An automotive paint meter, also known as a car paint thickness gauge or auto paint thickness gauge, is an essential tool for quickly and accurately identifying refinished surface, measuring the thickness of a vehicle’s paint or coating layers. For buyers, inspectors, and professionals in body shops, auto dealerships, and car auctions, having a car paint meter for swift and precise paint thickness measurement is crucial.

Linshang automotive paint meter use magnetic induction (for ferrous metals) and eddy current (for non-ferrous metals) to measure auto paint thickness. It is specialized for car paint thickness inspection. The instrument can not only measure the paint thickness above the ferrous and aluminum materials, identify the non-metallic shell, but also can intelligently identify the ferrous putty and ferrous galvanized layer.

Why Use a Car Paint Thickness Gauge?

In the past, buyers and inspectors primarily relied on visual assessments, such as examining the alignment of body panels and checking for gaps that could suggest prior repairs or panel replacements. They would look for signs of repainting, including paint overspray on seals and edges, as well as inconsistencies in color and finish across different sections of the vehicle. However, subtle variations in hue, texture, or gloss could easily go unnoticed unless carefully inspected from multiple angles and under varying lighting conditions. These traditional inspection methods become even less effective in poorly lit environments, adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, or when the vehicle is covered in dirt.

A paint thickness gauge is an effective tool for detecting signs of past accidents, rust repairs, and previous repainting on delaminated surfaces. Linshang auto paint thickness gauges allow for a rapid evaluation of the paint thickness and help verify whether a vehicle's condition aligns with its documented history.

1. Detect Hidden Repairs – A car may look perfect on the outside, but a paint thickness gauge can reveal previous accidents or repairs by identifying repainted or body-filled areas.

2. Ensure Original Paint Condition – Used car buyers and dealers use automotive paint meters to verify whether a vehicle has its original factory paint, which affects resale value.

3. Prevent Costly Mistakes – Professionals in automotive detailing, leasing, and insurance rely on precise paint measurements to make informed decisions.

Who Needs a Car Paint Meter?

1. Used Car Buyers & Dealers – To check for hidden damage before purchasing or selling.

2. Auto Repair & Body Shops – To ensure even paint application and proper refinishing.

3. Car Enthusiasts & Collectors – To verify original factory paint for classic or high-value cars.

4. Insurance & Leasing Companies – To assess vehicle condition before claims or returns.

By using an automotive paint meter, you can avoid costly mistakes, detect hidden damages, and ensure a vehicle’s authenticity. Whether you're a professional or a car buyer, investing in a reliable car paint thickness gauge is a sensible decision-making.

How to Perform The Automotive Paint Testing?

1. Turn Gage on.

2. Hold the non-slip groove with your fingers.

3. Press the probe against the tested object surface vertically. Keep the probe stable, do not tilt or shake. Measurement value will appear on the display with buzzer alerts and indicator light.

Note: To ensure gage accuracy, it is strongly recommended to use the same kind of uncoated or un-plated workpiece surface for zero adjustment because there may be differences in physical properties such as magnetism or conductivity between the tested material and the zero adjustment plate.

How to Select Automotive Paint Meter for Car Industry?

1. Key Features of Linshang Automotive Paint Meter

   a. Dual technology: Measures on both ferrous (steel) and non-ferrous (aluminum) surfaces.

   b. Advanced digital probe: Provides precise paint thickness readings in microns or mils.

   c. Fast measurement speed: Ultra-fast response speed, 0.3s can complete a measurement.

   d. Equipped with APP: With Bluetooth function, support generate test report and save or share the report.

   e. Three-color display: Easy-to-read screen for quick analysis.

   f. Portability & Durability: Compact, lightweight design for on-the-go testing.

2. Whether it needs to be used in extreme environments

   Linshang's various car paint film meters have different operating temperatures. LS220, LS237 and LS238 can only be used in -20℃～50℃ environment.

   LS230 Car Paint Meter uses low temperature resistant OLED screen, which can be used in -40℃ environment. It can help many northern customers who lives in cold environment solve the problem that the instrument can’t be normally used in winter. The liquid crystal used in general car paint meters can’t display data normally in very cold environments. The following picture shows the test scene of LS230 car paint meter under low temperature and normal temperature environment.

   

   In addition, LS236 car paint gauge is equipped with high-definition LCD screen and ultra-low temperature OLED screen, it can be used normally in strong light and -40 °C temperature environment. The dual-screen design ensures that users can read quickly when measuring the car at any angle.

3.  External Probe or Built-in

   When selecting an automotive paint meter, choosing between an external probe and a built-in probe depends on your specific inspection needs. An external probe is ideal for measuring hard-to-reach areas like engine compartments and door frames, making it the preferred choice for detailed inspections. In contrast, a built-in probe offers a compact, user-friendly design that allows for quick, one-handed operation, making it suitable for general-purpose measurements on flat or easily accessible surfaces. If you frequently inspect narrow or complex areas, the external probe version is the better option. However, if you prioritize convenience and portability, the built-in probe model is the ideal choice.

FAQs

1. What is the relationship between Mil and Micron?

   In the paint industry, mil and micron are common units used to measure coating thickness.

   In the imperial system, a mil represents one-thousandth of an inch (0.001" or 1.0 mil). In metal plating, the term "thou" is often used interchangeably.

   In the metric system, a micron (μm) equals one-thousandth of a millimeter (0.001 mm).

   For unit conversions:

   To convert mils to microns, multiply the number of mils by 25.4 (e.g., 4 mils = 101.6 microns).

   To convert microns to mils, divide the number of microns by 25.4 (e.g., 203.2 microns = 8 mils).

2. How dften should I re-calibrate the paint thickness gauge?

   Regular accuracy checks are essential for all paint meters. To verify accuracy, measure an uncoated metal surface to ensure the reading is "0", or use the provided zero adjustment plates.

3. Alternative names for car paint thickness gauges

   While commonly referred to as coating thickness gauges across various industries, the automotive sector uses several alternative names. These include paint depth gauge, paint meter, refinishing gauge, dry film thickness gauge (DFT gauge), paint thickness gauge (PTG), mil gauge, and paint gauge. The spelling may vary, with "gage" being the American version and "gauge" the British equivalent.