The Truth About Thin Paint and Its Effect on Paint Correction
Technology has made car buying more convenient than ever, allowing you to purchase a vehicle online and have it delivered right to your doorstep. While this is a great option for many, if you care about the aesthetics of your car, taking the time to shop in-person might be the better route. Here’s why.
I often see people who’ve bought cars sight unseen come through my line, hoping to restore their vehicle’s finish to its former glory. The assumption is that a simple paint correction will do the trick, but it’s not always that easy. Upon closer inspection of these cars, especially those purchased online, the biggest issue I find is that the paint is too thin to safely work on.
Take, for example, a vintage Bronco with original paint. Given the age of the vehicle, it’s likely that it has been professionally detailed at least once—if not more. In most cases, the paint shows signs of aggressive polishing, which means it’s thinned out and inconsistent. The same issue can apply to modern vehicles, too.
For instance, electric vehicles like Teslas are notorious for having paint quality issues straight from the factory. Many Tesla owners opt for a ceramic coating to protect their car’s finish, but when it comes to a used Tesla, you have to wonder: How much paint is left to work with after previous corrections or factory defects?
These examples highlight an important point: car paint is getting thinner over time. If you're considering high-end detailing services for a used car, my advice is to invest in a paint depth gauge. You don’t need the most expensive model—just something simple to give you peace of mind and avoid any potential issues down the line.
By using a paint depth gauge, you can accurately assess the condition of your car’s paint and ensure that any detailing work you have done is safe. Whether you’re buying a car online or in-person, it’s important to be mindful of how thin the paint might be, especially if you plan on having your vehicle detailed in the future.
