What is a normal paint thickness reading?

Factory paint is typically consistent across panels, often in the region of 90 to 160 microns, but the key is consistency between panels rather than one exact number.

Does repainted paint always mean the car had an accident?

Not always. A single repainted panel can be a minor cosmetic fix, but several high readings in one area usually indicate accident repair that deserves a closer look.

Paint Thickness Gauge Readings Explained

A paint thickness gauge reading measures the depth of paint on each body panel in microns, revealing repainted, filled or repaired areas that the eye cannot see.

A paint thickness gauge is a handheld tool that measures how thick the paint is on each metal panel, reported in microns. Factory paint usually falls within a consistent range across a car. When one panel reads much higher than the others, it often means that area has been repainted, filled with body filler, or repaired after damage.

This matters because a fresh coat of paint can hide accident damage, rust repair or panel replacement that a normal walk-around will never reveal. Sellers may polish a car to look perfect, but the gauge tells the truth about what is underneath.

During an INSPECTMOTORS inspection we take readings across the doors, fenders, bonnet, roof and boot, then compare them. Consistent figures suggest original paint and an accident-free body, while sudden spikes point us to areas that need a closer look for filler, overspray or hidden repairs.

Some repainting is harmless, for example a small touch-up after a car park scratch. The skill is in interpreting the pattern. Several high readings clustered on one corner of the car tell a very different story to one isolated panel, and the report explains what the numbers likely mean for that specific vehicle.

Key Points

The gauge measures paint depth in microns on each panel.
Readings that are much higher than the rest suggest repaint or filler.
It exposes hidden accident repair that the eye cannot detect.
Pattern and location of high readings matter more than a single number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal paint thickness reading?: Factory paint is typically consistent across panels, often in the region of 90 to 160 microns, but the key is consistency between panels rather than one exact number.
Does repainted paint always mean the car had an accident?: Not always. A single repainted panel can be a minor cosmetic fix, but several high readings in one area usually indicate accident repair that deserves a closer look.