Paint-gauge reading log
Detail Compass | 2026-10-10

A compatible total-film reading cannot isolate remaining clear coat or approve polishing.
Hold abrasive work when finish condition or interpretation remains unresolved.
Use your exact instrument manual and manufacturer guidance.

Vehicle/job ID: __________  Date/time: __________  Operator: __________
Gauge model/serial: __________  Manual version: __________
Unit (µm or mils): __________  Panel/material confirmation: __________
Uncoated compatible metal reference and zero check: __________
Shim ID/known thickness and stated tolerance: __________
Shim placed flat on bare compatible metal; displayed result: __________
Manufacturer-defined acceptance tolerance for this setup: __________
Reference/shim limits and uncertainty accounted for as directed: __________
Reference check pass/fail: __________  Adjustment/recheck: __________
Unknown reference, acceptance tolerance, or reference limits: hold measurement-based decisions.
A failed check requires adjustment/recheck under the manual and manufacturer guidance.

For each location, complete one line. Keep lower readings separate from averages.
Location/sketch reference: __________  Substrate/mode: __________
Repeat 1: _____ Repeat 2: _____ Repeat 3: _____ Unit: _____
Mean (sum of readings ÷ number of readings): _____
Surface condition/history/measurement limits: __________
Unmeasured locations and reasons: __________
Action/hold/referral: __________  Assessor and dated response: __________
Follow-up location/readings/checks: __________
Keep the original record. Do not overwrite it with an average or follow-up result.

Record check
PASS: supported panel, reference check within applicable tolerance, units and locations recorded.
FAIL: a missing or failed condition. Resolve it and recheck.
This pass confirms the record only. It does not approve material removal.

Worked example (all readings hypothetical)
DFT Combo, supported steel door; assume reference check completed; unit µm.
Point A: 120,121,119. Mean = 360 ÷ 3 = 120 µm.
Point A later: 118,119,117. Mean = 354 ÷ 3 = 118 µm.
Point B: 85,86,84. Mean = 255 ÷ 3 = 85 µm. Keep separate and seek assessment.
Plastic bumper: unmeasured with DFT. No transfer of the door reading.
120 ÷ 25.4 = 4.72 mils (rounded).
DFT manual accuracy: ±(2 µm + 3%). At 120 µm: ±5.6 µm.
120 - 118 = 2 µm; smaller than the allowance at either reading.
Do not claim confirmed removal or remaining clear-coat thickness from this difference.
Repeat location differences add uncertainty. Averaging does not prove better accuracy.
Result: record example passes; proof of clear-coat thickness or polishing permission fails.

Sources checked 2026-10-10
https://dl.defelsko.com/pdf/manuals/PosiTestDFT-v4-English.pdf
https://www.defelsko.com/resources/how-to-use-paint-thickness-gauges-for-better-automotive-detailing