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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Elcometer 311 work?
The gauge takes a signal and sends it through the paint to the substrate below. The thickness of the paint is determined by measuring the time it takes the signal to travel to and from the substrate.

What is the "right" paint thickness for a vehicle?
There is no "right" thickness. Because manufacturers constantly adjust their liquid and powder guns to compensate for changes in temperature, humidity, paint color, and vehicle type, paint thickness is always changing. Your Elcometer 311 is used to check the consistency of paint.

For example, when you measure a car and it reads between 3. 5 and 6.0 and then suddenly reads 12.0 you know that this area of the vehicle is a cause for concern. Whenever your gauge reads "- -" it means that the thickness is over 20 mils and could mean the presence of filler and a likely repair.

Why do some paint jobs "feather" or build from areas of low thickness to areas of higher thickness?
Automobile companies tend to apply thin paint in areas with low chip potential and thicker paint in areas of high chip potential. The Elcometer 311 will allow you to note that the paint can be thicker on the leading edge of the hood, rocker panels, and the lower sections of doors while being thinner on the trailing edge of the hood, roof, trunk, or any other area with low chip potential.

Does my 311 work over aluminum and plastic?
Yes, and No. The Elcometer 311 F version works only on steel panels. The Elcometer 311 FNF version works over both steel and aluminum panels. However, science has not yet come up with a reliable way to non-destructively measure paint thickness over plastic with accuracy.

What do F and NF stand for?
F stands for ferrous metals (steel) and NF stands for non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, etc.). We use these terms in our models numbers so that the functionality of each instrument is easily apparent to the user.