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.

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.

How do you read a paint inspection gage?

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.