Learn how to accurately determine the film thickness of paints and varnishes using standard measurement methods.
Wimpey Laboratories offers highly specialized paint testing services and is equipped to analyze paints, varnishes, enamels, pigments, printing inks, and synthetic resins. Our services span raw material analysis, finished‑product testing, and performance evaluation using accelerated weathering and corrosion simulation techniques. Testing capabilities include abrasion resistance, gloss level measurement, corrosion resistance (salt spray), color tests, scrub resistance, adhesion, flammability, UV resistance, and dry film thickness measurement—ensuring coatings meet both performance and longevity expectations in engineering, construction, and consumer‑durable applications.
To accurately determine the film thickness of paints and varnishes, Wimpey uses the following standard measurement methods:
- Wet-film thickness: Thickness of a freshly applied wet coating material, measured immediately after application.
- Dry-film thickness: Thickness of a coating remaining on the surface when the coating has hardened.
Wet-film Thickness Method
In mechanical measurement methods, the instrument passes through the wet coating applied to the substrate surface. The distance between the points of contact—where the instrument touches the substrate below and the top edge of the coating above—represents the measurable wet‑film thickness.
Dry-film thickness Method
The eddy‑current gauge method uses an electromagnet to measure film thickness by detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by eddy currents within an electrically conductive substrate. The instrument generates a high‑frequency alternating electromagnetic field (greater than 1 kHz), and variations in this field—produced when eddy currents form in the substrate—allow for accurate determination of the coating thickness.
The instrument is placed on the coating so that it is perpendicular to the coating. The coating thickness is determined by the change of the magnetic field.
To learn more about Wimpey Laboratory paint testing services, please contact us.
About Wimpey Laboratories
Wimpey Laboratories is a leading independent provider of ISO-accredited testing and calibration services, backed by over 20 years of expertise. Leveraging advanced technology, it delivers accurate, reliable solutions that ensure safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction. Serving more than 9,500 clients across 49+ countries, Wimpey offers over 5,500 accredited services tailored to diverse industry needs.