Paint Gauge / Paint Tester

Why buy a paint gauge?
Paint thickness measurement is an important part of quality assurance. A coating of paint that looks good does not always turn out to be of a good quality. A number of products fresh off the assembly line have very attractive, shiny or matte surfaces, but over time exposure to light, hot and cold temperatures, and vibration can cause gloss to fade and paint to crack. Therefore, high-quality coatings should not be underestimated, since coatings affect not only a product's appearance but also such aspects as performance and service life. By paying attention to the thickness and quality of a coating from the beginning, unnecessary repairs can be avoided later on.

To check how thick a coating is on a particular substrate, a special device called a paint gauge or coating thickness meter is used. A substrate can be anything from ferrous or non-ferrous metal to plastic, glass or wood. Coating thickness measurement is the determination of the layer depth of a coating or film on a particular substrate. Coating thickness can be measured when the paint or film is wet or dry. However, non-destructive coating thickness measurement must be performed when the film or coating is dry.

Most substrates are typically a ferrous metal (e.g., steel or iron) or a non-ferrous metal (e.g., aluminum or copper). In some cases, coating thickness must be measured on non-metal substrates such as wood, glass or plastic. In these instances, an ultrasonic paint gauge is recommended, as a traditional dry film coating thickness gauge uses a magnetic or eddy current measuring technique.

Most eddy current or magnetic paint gauge products are dual purpose, meaning the gauges are suitable for measuring coating thickness on both ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals. These versatile coating thickness meter devices usually offer a wide measuring range.

Where is a paint gauge used?
Paint thickness measurement is performed frequently in the automotive industry. During automobile manufacturing and production, a paint gauge is used to determine whether enough paint or gloss has been applied to various parts and surfaces. Car dealerships, auto body repair shops and car insurance claims investigators also use coating thickness meter devices to identify variations in vehicle paint jobs signaling prior accidents.

In addition, a paint thickness measuring instrument can be used to inspect the application and wear of corrosion-resistant protective coatings on metals (e.g., hot-dipped galvanized zinc on steel beams). Thus, a handheld coating or layer thickness meter is a valuable tool used by building, bridge, oil tanker, gas pipeline and petrochemical plant inspectors for corrosion monitoring.

If you have questions regarding a specific application, the friendly and knowledgeable technical support staff at PCE Instruments will assist you in finding the right oaint gauge for the task at hand. Simply contact or +44 (0) 2380 987 035 for PCE Instruments UK, or or +1 (561) 320-9162 for PCE Americas Inc.

Is a built-in sensor or an external sensor probe required?
The sensor of a paint gauge either can be found inside the unit or within a separate probe. A paint gauge with a built-in or internal sensor is ideal for quick, on-the-spot measurements in the field or on the production floor. This style of paint gauge often comes pocket-sized or designed to be conveniently portable. A paint gauge with an external sensor probe is better for taking measurements in small spaces with limited access.

Are data storage and transfer necessary?
Some paint gauge devices come with memory for saving measurement data. When the memory is internal or built into device, the saved measurement data usually can be transferred to a computer via a USB port or RS-232 interface. In addition to a connection cable, software may be required for data transfer. Please review the specifications of each paint gauge carefully before buying to ensure all necessary components are purchased.

How much do you value customer service and technical support?
This is another important point to keep in mind. Find out how long the supplier has been in business. The longer the company's tenure, the more likely it is that you will be able to order spare parts a few years down the road after buying your coating thickness gauge. PCE Instruments has been in business since 1999. (For more details, please visit the About Us / Corporate History section of our website.) Also find out what kind of technical support will be available to you. Call PCE Instruments, talk to the technical support team prior to purchasing and see for yourself the level of service provided.

What is your budget?
Often more is involved in the budget than just the cost of the paint gauge. Calibration costs are common expenses that can occur when using a paint thickness measuring device. For instance, if you need to meet the requirements of an ISO quality standard, a regular calibration interval needs to be adhered to. ISO calibration costs can occur at the time of purchase and reoccur on an annual or even semi-annual basis, depending on your accuracy needs and usage of the paint gauge. It is also possible that recalibration becomes necessary later on, due to the drift sensors can experience over time. Consumables like (rechargeable) batteries should be included in your calculations as well.

Should you have any questions about paint thickness measurement using a paint gauge, please do not hesitate to contact the PCE technical sales and support team at  or +44 (0) 2380 987 035 for PCE Instruments UK, or at  or +1 (561) 320-9162 for PCE Americas Inc.