How to Use the Paint Thickness Repaint Detector
If you're checking a used car for prior accident damage before buying, measuring paint thickness is one of the easiest self-checks you can do. This calculator takes your measured thickness (in microns) and the panel type, then gives you a reference reading on whether it looks like factory paint, a partial touch-up, or a likely full repaint.
Factory-painted body panels — doors, fenders, hoods, trunks — typically measure around 80-150 microns (μm). A reading well above that range, say 200-300 μm or more, often points to a repaint applied after a scratch or collision repair. Bumpers are made of plastic, so their readings naturally vary more than metal panels and should be treated as a rough reference only.
That said, paint thickness alone can't confirm accident history with certainty. Also check for subtle color mismatches between panels, uneven gaps between doors and fenders, worn bolt heads, and sealant residue from bodywork, and cross-check with an official vehicle history report like Carfax or AutoCheck when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hold a magnetic or ultrasonic paint thickness gauge against the body panel and it will display the coating thickness in microns (μm). Measure several spots on the same panel and compare the average and variation for the most accurate reading.
Paint thickness alone can't confirm this with certainty. Also check panel gaps, sealant residue, worn bolt marks, and pull an official vehicle history report (like Carfax or AutoCheck) to cross-check for reported damage.