Paint failures can start anywhere, but most frequently occur in corners and edges where the paint film is either too thin or too thick. When the paint film is too thin, coverage is poor, and loss of hiding and essential protective characteristics are the result. When the paint film is too thick it tends to sag and crack, defacing the film and causing premature paint failure. Overall estimates of film thicknesses are readily made, but are often inaccurate. Such errors can result in waste of time, money, and materials, as the job has to be done over. However, the wet film thickness can readily be measured with the “HOTCAKE” gauge ( Fig.1). Such measurements are important to check the rate of paint application, thereby controlling the ultimate film thickness, and assuring a proper paint job. This gauge in all likelihood will pay for itself on just one job. The price of the gauge is nominal.

The hole in the center allows the thumb and index finger to hold the gauge and roll it over easily across the wet paint film to be measured.

The outer rim of the disc is completely wetted, while the inner flats, at depths from 1 - 100 mils (.001" - .100") are only wetted according to the thickness of the wet paint film.

• Calibration is traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
  
  
• Calibration procedures qualify under ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 as applicable & ISO 9000
  
  
• Certificate of Calibration available at additional cost when ordered with gauge.
  
  
• This polished stainless steel Gardco gauge has forty scale divisions from 0.0001” to 4 mils in 1/10 mil increments.
  
  
• Click here to learn more about Wet Film Thickness.