How much to buff if my C4S paint thickness is 100 um??
Q: Has anyone found that the paint thickness varied depending on the outside temperature? I.e. - seems like the paint measures to be THICKER when cold and THINNER when warmer?
Yes
Temperature affect on Paint Thickness - a dark colour paint surface can be subjected to temperature swings of 50.OF +/- 10.OF. With an ambient temperature of 80.OF a dark colour horizontal surface can reach a temperature of 160.OFThe urethane used for automobile paint is classified as a semi-solid, micro structured permeable membrane, due to its micro-fissures, or pores’, being a thermosetting polymer it remains flexible, whilst retaining its tensile strength, to enable it to expand and contract to follow temperature fluctuations (elongation). So be cognizant that paint thickness readings will vary in accordance with ambient temperature.
Measure paint thickness on a horizontal surface at temperatures below 50 degrees, and then measure the same spot at mid-day at temperatures above 80.OF. After an hour measure the same spot, you will then obtain a thicker paint surface reading. Conversely with colder ambient temperatures you will then obtain a thinner paint surface reading. There are variables that will affect the paint readings, i.e. instrument sensitivity, humidity, paint surface colour, etc.
Q: TOGWT, when you say you use a "glaze". What exactly does this do? For example, I have a "3M Imperial Glaze". I applied it using the Griot's 3" orbital with a red foam. But it takes FOREVER to remove even with a microfiber cloth. In fact, I find that it's easier to remove with my fingers (with the brown residue getting onto my fingers). I assume that the glaze is just a "filler" and that I would still apply my sealant on top of it?
A Glaze is used by detailers for show car to obtain maximum light reflection by darkening the paint surface colour. They produce a “wet" look to the surface with oils to maximize surface gloss and may contain fillers (Kaolin or China clay) to hide minor defects not removed by polishing or for use when the paint is thin and you don't want to remove any more, even if it is microns. They will provide little if any surface protection.
Q: I assume that the glaze is just a "filler" and that I would still apply my sealant on top of it?
See above answer
Yes
Temperature affect on Paint Thickness - a dark colour paint surface can be subjected to temperature swings of 50.OF +/- 10.OF. With an ambient temperature of 80.OF a dark colour horizontal surface can reach a temperature of 160.OFThe urethane used for automobile paint is classified as a semi-solid, micro structured permeable membrane, due to its micro-fissures, or pores’, being a thermosetting polymer it remains flexible, whilst retaining its tensile strength, to enable it to expand and contract to follow temperature fluctuations (elongation). So be cognizant that paint thickness readings will vary in accordance with ambient temperature.
Measure paint thickness on a horizontal surface at temperatures below 50 degrees, and then measure the same spot at mid-day at temperatures above 80.OF. After an hour measure the same spot, you will then obtain a thicker paint surface reading. Conversely with colder ambient temperatures you will then obtain a thinner paint surface reading. There are variables that will affect the paint readings, i.e. instrument sensitivity, humidity, paint surface colour, etc.
Q: TOGWT, when you say you use a "glaze". What exactly does this do? For example, I have a "3M Imperial Glaze". I applied it using the Griot's 3" orbital with a red foam. But it takes FOREVER to remove even with a microfiber cloth. In fact, I find that it's easier to remove with my fingers (with the brown residue getting onto my fingers). I assume that the glaze is just a "filler" and that I would still apply my sealant on top of it?
A Glaze is used by detailers for show car to obtain maximum light reflection by darkening the paint surface colour. They produce a “wet" look to the surface with oils to maximize surface gloss and may contain fillers (Kaolin or China clay) to hide minor defects not removed by polishing or for use when the paint is thin and you don't want to remove any more, even if it is microns. They will provide little if any surface protection.
Q: I assume that the glaze is just a "filler" and that I would still apply my sealant on top of it?
See above answer
Last edited by TOGWT; Nov 1, 2010 at 06:40 PM.





