paint thickness gauges

[menor95]

Hi all. I am looking to buy a paint thickness gauge that is not crazy expensive. I have seen a lot of them on ebay and online. Absolute max is £50. The only purpose for it is used car shopping. Could someone please recommend me a decent one.

Many thanks

Pascal

[Mk1UTRich]

I bought mine a couple of years ago through a group buy on detailing world forum. If you have a look on there there will be information on what is currently the best for your budget.

[mneame]

Didn't realise that they go as cheap as £50. I've got a Paint Detective which although out of your budget is very good for the money. If you only want it for car shopping do you know anyone who has one that you can borrow for a pint or 2? Also what cars are you looking at? If anything with fibreglass or carbon the cheap gauges won;t register as they only work on metals.

[smart repairer]

Why do you really need one? Just have a good look. Its not gonna tell u much. most used cars have had some sort of paint work

[kds keltec]

smart repairer said:

Why do you really need one? Just have a good look. Its not gonna tell u much. most used cars have had some sort of paint work

May be if you been in a trade around vehicles and paint for a long time you could spot repairs quickly (i can) but i still use paint thickness gauge daily, for someone who does not have years of know how then i would say they are very useful and a great tool/gadget to have.
All thou i do train pupils how to use and interpret readings correctly which is very important.

The cheaper ones do read a touch out but do the job well of showing up areas or panels that have been painted.
The hardest parts to find are those lovely fresh smart repair blends where the joined/blend top coat fades out.

kelly