A wet film thickness gauge is an important tool to use when you’re applying liquid membranes and other building materials. The thickness of a coating can be key to how it performs on your project. Whether you’re coating with waterproofing spray or simply improving the look of a building, it is crucial to apply in the correct quantities to ensure the coating performs to the highest level.
It is dangerous to assume that the thicker the coat, the more it protects. In some cases, the opposite can be true. It is essential, therefore, that the thickness of a coating is assessed throughout the coating process ensuring durability and high performance while minimising waste.
So, how do you take a coating thickness measurement, and is a wet film thickness gauge the right tool to use?
Our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Adam White has the answers.
Why use a Wet Film Thickness Gauge?
A wet film gauge is a tool which is very similar to a comb. In fact it looks a bit like a credit card with teeth!
It’s really important to keep measuring the thickness throughout the process because a coat that is 2mm thick when wet, might be only 1mm thick when dry. So you need to keep a record of the measurements to ensure your coating is optimum thickness for the purpose it’s designed for.
How do you use a Wet Film Gauge?
This tool is designed to be dipped into the paint as you are spraying or rolling a product. You sink the teeth in, wait a few seconds for it to become wet and then remove it. The teeth get slightly deeper each time, and you can take the measurement by checking the difference between the biggest tooth that is coated in paint and the next tooth along which doesn’t have paint on it.
Are there different types of gauges?
Yes, there are both metal and paper wet film thickness gauges, which come in various different sizes, and Intelligent Membranes stock both.
The paper gauges are used by the installer to record the coat thickness on each part of the project. So, for example they will measure the thickness of wall one, then wall two and so on, logging each gauge in the project folder along the way. This creates a record to show the client or customer, offering an assurance that the coat thickness is correct and the right amount of paint has been used.
The metal gauge can be cleaned with solvent and used repeatedly over many different projects.
Film gauges can be used with all of our liquid membrane products and in fact we would encourage it to ensure correct application. If you have any questions regarding our products or their application don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Browse all of our products today!
