How thick is Honda factory paint?
Honda factory paint typically sits around 100–150 micrometers (μm) in dry film thickness across its OEM coating stack.
Automotive paint is built in multiple layers, and the actual thickness can vary by model, market, and production year. The number you see on a spec sheet usually refers to dry film thickness after curing, not the wet film that goes on during application. This article breaks down the layers, typical thickness ranges, how they're measured, and why the figures differ by region and model.
What constitutes Honda's paint system
The typical Honda paint system is a multi-layer process designed for corrosion protection, durability, and appearance. Below are the common layers and approximate dry film thickness targets for each, recognizing that exact figures can vary by model and market:
Layer-by-layer thickness targets
- Electrocoat primer (E-coat): 10–25 μm
- Primer filler: 15–40 μm
- Basecoat (color): 15–35 μm
- Clearcoat: 25–60 μm
Concluding: When combined, these layers generally produce a total dry film thickness in the roughly 65–160 μm range. Many Honda vehicles fall in the ballpark of around 100–140 μm, depending on the exact coating system used for a given model and market.
Why thickness varies
Thickness varies due to regional standards, vehicle model and trim level, year of manufacture, and the intended balance between corrosion protection, gloss, and repairability. Heavier-duty coatings may feature thicker clearcoats for enhanced durability, while lighter or more efficiency-focused models may employ thinner color and protective layers. Environmental conditions during manufacturing and post-processing steps can also influence final measured thickness.
Measuring Honda paint thickness
Quality control teams and service shops use non-destructive gauges to measure dry film thickness (DFT) on painted surfaces. These readings help ensure uniform coverage across panels and help with color matching and repair planning in the event of repainting. It’s important to distinguish DFT from the wet film thickness (WFT) present during application, which is not what is typically measured after curing.
Techniques and tools
- Non-destructive thickness gauges (magnetic, electromagnetic, or eddy current devices)
- Spot checks on panels and test panels during production and after paint application
- Calibration against standard reference panels and documentation for different Honda coatings
Concluding: For a given Honda model, the precise DFT can vary by year and market. Factory specifications and service manuals provide the exact figures used during production and quality assurance, while dealerships can offer model-specific guidance.
Summary
Honda’s factory paint is a multi-layer system whose total dry film thickness typically falls in the 100–140 μm range, with a broader industry window of roughly 65–160 μm depending on model, market, and year. The main layers—E-coat, primer, basecoat, and clearcoat—each contribute to the overall thickness. Measurements are performed with non-destructive gauges to ensure consistency and to support repairs and color matching in the field.
For the most precise figure on a specific Honda vehicle, consult official Honda paint specification sheets or contact a Honda dealership’s service department, as exact thickness can vary by model year and regional production standards.
Which car manufacturer has the thickest paint?
Tesla: Known for applying thicker paint layers, Tesla vehicles often have impressive paint thickness, offering better correction capabilities. Mercedes-Benz: Renowned for their attention to detail, Mercedes-Benz cars typically have thicker paint layers, allowing for effective auto paint correction.
How thick is car paint from manufacturer?
Some vehicles are repainted at the factory when flaws are detected during manufacture. Typically however a vehicle from the factory will have between 4–7 mils (100–180 microns).
How thick is the paint on a Honda car?
Standard paint thickness of vehicles by car brand
| Car Brand | Model | Paint Thickness approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Geely | MK Otaka | 80-100 75-80 |
| Honda | Accord 7 Civic 4D Fit, CR-V | 130-145 100-135 87-98 |
| Hyundai | Accent, IX 35 I30, I40 Santa Fe, Elantra Solaris, Sonata Tucson | 70-75 100-110 70-100 85-100 90-130 |
| Infiniti | FX35 | 116 |
How thick is OEM paint film?
between 3.5 to 6.5 mils
OEM film thickness average between 3.5 to 6.5 mils.
