Paint Gages:

The best way to accurately measure how much clearcoat has been removed is to use a paint gage before, during and after the sanding process. Paint gages measure the total thickness of the finish and when used, can determine how much clearcoat has been removed during the repair process. Paint gages range from magnetic pull types to sophisticated electronic types, are available from a variety of sources, and can cost from $30 to $1800.

The older magnetic type gages, at best a +/- 5% accuracy range and are not sensitive enough to detect removal of .5 mil clearcoat. The newer type magnetic gages have improved accuracy ranges. Most gages are confined to checking either a ferrous metal (steel) or non ferrous metal (aluminum) panels. At this time, there are no viable gages for reading film thickness on non-metallic panels.

A more sophisticated gage is the digital Elcometer(R) 300 fn Paint Thickness gage (or equivalent). It has an ability to read film thickness on both ferrous and non-ferrous metal panels. This instrument has an accuracy range of + /- 1 % and has thickness standards included for recalibration. Approximate cost = $1750.

An alternative (for use on steel panels only) would be the digital Elcometer(R) 246 model, or equivalent. This gage has a +/- 3% accuracy range and include thickness standards for recalibration. Approximate cost - $575.