Is a Paint Thickness of Over 500 Microns Normal?

[LaWilliam]

The average thickness of car paint is 136 microns. Below is relevant information about car paint: 1. Introduction: Car paint is a protective film sprayed onto vehicles, serving as a type of coating that prevents corrosion and enhances aesthetic appeal, with different paints producing varying effects. 2. Advantages: The primary characteristics of automotive paint include excellent film fullness, high gloss, superior hardness, strong adhesion, outstanding mechanical properties, exceptional gloss retention, weather resistance, abrasion resistance, as well as good resistance to acids, alkalis, alcohol, and gasoline.

[VioletLynn]

I remember being curious about the paint thickness when I first bought the car, so I measured it with my own thickness gauge and found it was over 500 microns, which is indeed unusually thick. Normally, new car paint should be around 100 to 200 microns, so 500+ is definitely abnormal—likely due to multiple repaints or refurbishments by the previous owner. Thick paint is more prone to cracking or peeling, especially under prolonged sun exposure, which accelerates aging. My car already had some minor cracks, and during a professional inspection, the technician warned that long-term neglect could affect the car's rustproofing, suggesting I check the repair records. If you've bought a used car, this thickness isn’t uncommon, but don’t overlook regular maintenance—clean surface dirt to prevent oxidation. Overall, stay vigilant but don’t panic.

[DelSebastian]

I love tinkering with cars and doing my own detailing. When measuring the paint thickness, I coincidentally found it to be over 500 microns. Generally, original factory paint rarely exceeds 200 microns, so 500+ is unusually high. Such thickness is commonly seen in cars that have undergone repeated repainting, where accumulated paint layers can dull the gloss or cause tiny bubbles. I've found that polishing thin paint makes it shine brilliantly, whereas thick paint is harder to work with and affects aesthetics. As for tools, a simple paint thickness gauge works fine—even a cheap one costing just a few dozen bucks can do the job. I recommend getting a thorough check at a reliable repair shop to confirm it's not a poorly applied coating. Excessively thick paint can accelerate corrosion in chassis areas, and safety should always come first when driving long-term.

[Gollum]

Having driven for decades, I've seen many cases of excessive paint thickness. New car paint typically ranges between 100-200 microns, and anything over 500 microns is definitely too thick, indicating the car might have undergone multiple repaints or had painting errors. Thick paint layers are prone to bubbling and cracking due to temperature changes, affecting overall durability. I recommend addressing it early to avoid higher repainting costs later. For measurement, use professional equipment for accuracy, as DIY tools may have significant errors. Checking the vehicle's history is also essential.