Paint inspection gages, such as the PosiTest PG Paint Inspection Gage, are used for the destructive measurement of single layer, total thickness, or individual layer thicknesses of paint and coatings on rigid substrates like metal, plastic, wood, and more.
Select a cutting tip based on the expected coating thickness using the chart below. If the coating thickness is unknown, perform an initial measurement using the 2X cutting tip.
Yes. The PosiTest PG Paint Inspection Gage is a precision instrument used to measure the total coating thickness or the individual layer thicknesses over any rigid substrate including metal, wood, and plastic.
Yes. The PosiTest PG can measure the individual layer thickness of a multi-layer coating system provided that the layers are of a different color. Successive, contiguous coats should be of contrasting colors to aid sharp discrimination of coating interfaces (ASTM D4138).
Yes. The PosiTest PG can be used to measure plating thickness on metal, ceramics, plastics, and more.
Yes. Per ASTM D4138, the measurement surface may be flat or moderately curved. Pipes as small as 25 mm (1”) in diameter may be measured in the axial direction.
If the cutting edge is damaged or dulled, the tip should be replaced. A dull blade may not cleanly cut the coating, making it more challenging to determine a measurement.
To replace the cutting tip, rotate the cutting tip holder into position and loosen the hex screw using the included wrench. Remove the cutting tip and install a new one such that the tallest part of the cutting tip is closest to the selection dial. Ensure that the tip is fully seated and retighten the hex screw firmly.
The accuracy of the PosiTest PG is dependent on the cutting tip used.
When measuring, it is often beneficial to line up one of the major graduation marks with the edge of the coating. It is not necessary to align with the zero mark on the scale.
Record the width of the cut, measuring from the edge of the substrate to the edge of the contrasting mark, by counting the number of graduations.
Multiply the measured width of the cut by the conversion factor from the table below to determine the coating thickness.
Example:
If measuring a multilayer coating system, the width of each individual layer may be recorded.
You can take images of the cross-sectional cut under magnification using a cell phone or camera with a macro lens. Depending on the make of the phone/camera, different techniques or modes may provide better images. For Apple iPhone users, Portrait mode typically provides excellent results.
1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x replacement tips sold individually
