It is easy to predict the thickness of the paint once it dries. All that is required is to know the "percent volume solids" of the paint and have a "wet Film Thickness Gauge". The volume solids of the paint (not to be confused with "weight solids").
As the paint dries, it shrinks in proportion to the volume solids. For example, a paint at 50% solids will lose half its volume as it dries. If it's 4 mils wet, it's 2 mils dry (4 x 50%). Coating Volume Solids Fortunately, the wet film thickness (WFT) of a coating can be easily measured using a wet Film Thickness Gauge.
To use a wet Film Thickness Gauge, press the graduated edge of the gauge into the wet paint layer immediately after application. Pull back vertically and notice that the deepest tooth has paint, while the next taller tooth has no paint. The true wet film thickness is somewhere between these two readings.
Being able to predict the thickness of paint has many practical benefits:
It ensures that you apply the correct amount of paint to achieve the performance of your coating.
Coating thickness is related to drying time, recoating time and appearance.
And, the ability to predict paint thickness helps you control costs
