Making the Go No-Go Decision in Paint Correction and Why It Matters

In NASA's space program, the "Go, No-go" decision is a pivotal moment that determines whether a mission will proceed or be canceled. Once the decision is made, it's final until the next evaluation. This moment is critical because it ensures that everyone involved is aligned and clear on the direction forward. Just as crucial as that decision in space exploration, I face a similar "Go, No-go" moment every day as a paint correction specialist. Every car that comes through my line, whether it’s for a multi-stage paint correction or a single-stage correction, must first undergo a careful inspection using a paint depth gauge to determine if it's safe to proceed.

If you’re considering a paint correction, one of the most important things to understand is how much paint is safe to work with. For me, the minimum thickness I’m comfortable working with is 3 mils (or 76.2 microns). It might sound like a lot, but in reality, that’s not much paint to work with, and it’s becoming increasingly common for vehicles to have thinner paint layers. Most new factory vehicles are manufactured with less paint than ever before, making it essential to carefully evaluate the surface before starting any corrective work.

It’s also important to understand that perfection isn’t always the ultimate goal. If your paint thickness is getting close to or below the 3 mil threshold, you’ll need to shift your focus away from achieving flawless results and, instead, prioritize preservation. The goal should be to maintain the integrity of the vehicle’s finish rather than trying to achieve perfection when the paint simply can’t handle that level of correction.

I always recommend to my clients—and I’m suggesting to you—that preservation should be the primary focus when dealing with thinner paint. When the paint is already thin, pushing for a perfect finish could result in damage, and it’s not worth risking the longevity of your car’s paint job. Instead, maintaining and preserving the paint becomes the best option, ensuring that your vehicle continues to look great without compromising its integrity.