Recommendation for paint thickness meter
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Joined: Dec 2022
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From: Northern California
1993 300SL,2007 RAM 2500,2009 CLK350,2011 ML550,2016 McLaren 650S,2018 AMG E63s wgn,2018 AMG SLC43
Recommendation for paint thickness meter
Any recommendations for paint thickness meters? I searched but didn't see a thread devoted to the tool.
In addition to specific recommendations, I'm interested in what you get for a bit more money. I: generally find spending more (up to a limit) is worthwhile as quality does cost money. So $80 vs. $60 doesn't bother me if the extra $20 buys real quality or reputable brand. Dave's Auto Center Youtube was using one meter, but suggested a $60 item on Amazon.
Definitely steel and aluminum. I'm curious how much measuring on carbon fiber adds to the cost.
In addition to specific recommendations, I'm interested in what you get for a bit more money. I: generally find spending more (up to a limit) is worthwhile as quality does cost money. So $80 vs. $60 doesn't bother me if the extra $20 buys real quality or reputable brand. Dave's Auto Center Youtube was using one meter, but suggested a $60 item on Amazon.
Definitely steel and aluminum. I'm curious how much measuring on carbon fiber adds to the cost.
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
pro stuff for non metallic substrates
Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage - PosiTector 200 | DeFelsko
one that works on both:
DUALSCOPE® FMP100 and H FMP150 | Helmut Fischer (helmut-fischer.com)
Expensive as all but very accurate
AMazon's are toys and how accurate? hate to burn thru a clearcoat
Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage - PosiTector 200 | DeFelsko
one that works on both:
DUALSCOPE® FMP100 and H FMP150 | Helmut Fischer (helmut-fischer.com)
Expensive as all but very accurate
AMazon's are toys and how accurate? hate to burn thru a clearcoat
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From: Mesa, AZ
2023 Bronco Outer Banks
If you're comparing paint thickness meters, focus on the type of materials you’ll be measuring and how often you'll use it. Basic models can measure steel and aluminum but may lack precision and durability. Higher-end options usually offer better calibration, more accurate readings, and additional features like multi-layer measurement or data logging—which can be useful for professional detailing. If you need to measure carbon fiber, standard meters won’t work because they rely on magnetic or eddy current technology, so you'll need one with ultrasonic capabilities, which significantly increases cost. A good paint thickness meter is a great tool for evaluating factory paint vs. repainted panels, and if you’re doing paint correction or ceramic coatings, accuracy matters.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 185
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From: Northern California
1993 300SL,2007 RAM 2500,2009 CLK350,2011 ML550,2016 McLaren 650S,2018 AMG E63s wgn,2018 AMG SLC43
For civilian use, I bought "Paint Thickness Gauge CM-224 Auto/Best Mil/Micron car Coating Thickness tester/Depth Paint Meter (Resolution 0.01mils)" on Amazon. I believe the company is Ukrainian!
Currently $60 on .
It comes with calibration samples.
I bought it for use buying (and selling) the occasional car. Cheap insurance. It works well, seems to be quite accurate (compared to the calibration samples) and will give me piece of mind on my next car purchase. Since I'm not applying paint, but only want to detect a respray, I don't need a $500 (or more) unit that a body shop might have.
Currently $60 on .
It comes with calibration samples.
I bought it for use buying (and selling) the occasional car. Cheap insurance. It works well, seems to be quite accurate (compared to the calibration samples) and will give me piece of mind on my next car purchase. Since I'm not applying paint, but only want to detect a respray, I don't need a $500 (or more) unit that a body shop might have.
Last edited by SerottaD; Feb 5, 2025 at 07:32 PM.
