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Measure Wet Coating Thickness Before the Coating Cures
The Elcometer 3238 Long Edge Wet Film Comb is a precision stainless steel gauge designed to measure the thickness of freshly applied paint and other wet coatings before curing. Measuring wet film thickness gives applicators immediate feedback during coating application and helps ensure that the specified amount of material has been applied.
Each Elcometer 3238 comb has 24 precision measurement steps, providing closer measurement intervals than many conventional wet film combs. The stainless steel gauge is manufactured by wire erosion to provide an accuracy of ±2.5 µm (0.01 mil) and is available in both metric and imperial ranges.
Control the Final Dry Film Thickness
Wet film thickness is an important quality-control measurement because it can be used to estimate the coating’s eventual dry film thickness when the coating manufacturer’s volume solids information is known.
For example, if a coating has 80% volume solids and the measured wet film thickness is 200 µm, the expected dry film thickness is approximately 160 µm. This allows the applicator to correct the film thickness while the coating is still being applied rather than discovering an incorrect thickness after curing.
Why Wet Film Thickness Matters
Applying too much or too little coating can affect both cost and coating performance. Excessive wet film thickness wastes material and may contribute to curing and finish problems, while insufficient coating can leave the substrate inadequately protected.
- Helps achieve the specified coating thickness
- Provides immediate feedback during application
- Helps reduce unnecessary paint and coating consumption
- Allows adjustment before the coating cures
- Helps predict eventual dry film thickness
- Supports consistent coating quality over large surfaces
24 Measurement Steps for Greater Resolution
The long-edge design provides 24 measurement teeth across each comb. The closely spaced steps help the inspector determine wet film thickness more precisely by identifying the transition between the last tooth wetted by the coating and the first tooth that remains dry.
Three metric and three imperial ranges are available, allowing the appropriate gauge to be selected for anything from relatively thin industrial coatings to heavy protective films.
How to Use the Elcometer 3238 Wet Film Comb
- Immediately after coating application, position the comb perpendicular to the coated substrate.
- Press the comb firmly into the wet coating so the reference teeth make contact with the substrate.
- Hold the gauge in position for a few seconds so the intermediate teeth can contact the coating.
- Remove the comb vertically from the surface.
- Inspect the teeth to determine which have been wetted by the coating.
- The wet film thickness lies between the highest-value wet tooth and the lowest-value dry tooth.
The gauge should be cleaned promptly after use so coating residue does not harden on the measurement edges and affect subsequent readings. The manufacturer’s wet-film gauge instructions describe this same contact-and-read method.
Metric Models
| Part Number | Measurement Range | Step Interval |
|---|---|---|
| K0003238M201 | 5 – 120 µm | 5 µm |
| K0003238M202 | 25 – 600 µm | 25 µm |
| K0003238M203 | 50 – 1200 µm | 50 µm |
| K0003238M204 | Set of all 3 metric wet film combs | 5, 25 and 50 µm scales |
Imperial Models
| Part Number | Measurement Range | Step Interval |
|---|---|---|
| K0US3238M201 | 0.5 – 6 mils | 0.5 mil |
| K0US3238M202 | 1 – 24 mils | 1 mil |
| K0US3238M203 | 2 – 48 mils | 2 mils |
| K0US3238M204 | Set of all 3 imperial wet film combs | 0.5, 1 and 2 mil scales |
The three-comb sets contain one gauge from each measurement range.
| Technical Specifications – Elcometer 3238 Long Edge Wet Film Combs | ||
| Part Number | Range | Steps |
| K0003238M201 | 5 – 120µm | 5µm |
| K0003238M202 | 25 – 600µm | 25µm |
| K0003238M203 | 50 – 1200µm | 50µm |
| K0003238M204 | Set of 3 Wet Film Combs – Metric* | |
| K0US3238M201 | 0.5 – 6mils | 0.5mil |
| K0US3238M202 | 1.0 – 24mils | 1.0mil |
| K0US3238M203 | 2 – 48mils | 2.0mil |
| K0US3238M204 | Set of 3 Wet Film Combs – Imperial* | |
| Dimensions | 60 x 30 x 2mm (2.36 x 1.18 x 0.08”) | |
| Weight | 27g (0.95oz) per comb | |
| Certificate available | Certificate of Calibration: issued for Fixed Calibration equipment and shows readings and traceability. Accredited Certificate: can be issued for Fixed Calibration Equipment and a full UKAS traceable certificate is issued from an independent Calibration Laboratory. | |
| Packing List |
|
|
*Set comprises of one of each scale 1, 2 and 3.
Key Features
- Precision stainless steel construction
- Reusable wet film thickness gauge
- 24 measurement stages per comb
- Accuracy of ±2.5 µm (0.01 mil)
- Metric and imperial versions available
- Measures wet films from 5 to 1200 µm depending on metric model
- Measures wet films from 0.5 to 48 mils depending on imperial model
- Individual combs or complete three-comb sets available
- Compact and easy to carry for field inspection
- Immediate results during coating application
- Optional calibration certification available
Typical Applications
- Protective coatings
- Industrial paints
- Marine coatings
- Structural steel coatings
- Tank and pipeline coatings
- Fabrication and manufacturing
- Quality-control inspection
- Maintenance painting
Compatible Test Standards
- ASTM D4414-A
- AS/NZS 1580.107.3
- BS 3900-C5-7B
- ISO 2808-1A
- ISO 2808-7B
- JIS K 5600-1-7
- NF T30-125
- US NAVY PPI 63101-000
- US NAVY NSI 009-32
The Elcometer 3238 is identified by the manufacturer for use in accordance with these standards where the applicable test procedure is followed.
Q&A
When should wet film thickness be measured?
It should be measured immediately after the coating has been applied and while the film is still wet. This allows the applicator to identify an incorrect film build and make adjustments before the coating cures.
How do I read the Elcometer 3238 comb?
After placing the comb into the wet coating and removing it, inspect the measurement teeth. The wet film thickness lies between the highest-numbered tooth that has coating on it and the next lowest-numbered tooth that remains dry.
Can wet film thickness be used to predict dry film thickness?
Yes. If the coating’s volume solids percentage is known, wet film thickness can be used to estimate the expected dry film thickness. For example, a 200 µm wet film with 80% volume solids would be expected to produce approximately 160 µm of dry film thickness.
Which Elcometer 3238 range should I choose?
Select a comb whose measurement range comfortably includes the wet film thickness specified for the coating. For installations using a wide variety of coatings, the three-comb metric or imperial set provides the greatest flexibility.
Why does the Elcometer 3238 have 24 measurement steps?
The greater number of closely spaced measurement teeth provides finer resolution when determining where the wet-to-dry transition occurs, allowing a more precise assessment of the applied film thickness.
Can the Elcometer 3238 be reused?
Yes. The gauge is manufactured from durable stainless steel and is designed for repeated use. It should be cleaned carefully immediately after each measurement so dried coating does not build up on the precision measurement edges.
Is a calibration certificate available?
Yes. Calibration certification is available for the Elcometer 3238, including traceable certification options for applications requiring documented measurement assurance.
Measure Wet Coating Thickness Before the Coating Cures
The Elcometer 3238 Long Edge Wet Film Comb is a precision stainless steel gauge designed to measure the thickness of freshly applied paint and other wet coatings before curing. Measuring wet film thickness gives applicators immediate feedback during coating application and helps ensure that the specified amount of material has been applied.
Each Elcometer 3238 comb has 24 precision measurement steps, providing closer measurement intervals than many conventional wet film combs. The stainless steel gauge is manufactured by wire erosion to provide an accuracy of ±2.5 µm (0.01 mil) and is available in both metric and imperial ranges.
Control the Final Dry Film Thickness
Wet film thickness is an important quality-control measurement because it can be used to estimate the coating’s eventual dry film thickness when the coating manufacturer’s volume solids information is known.
For example, if a coating has 80% volume solids and the measured wet film thickness is 200 µm, the expected dry film thickness is approximately 160 µm. This allows the applicator to correct the film thickness while the coating is still being applied rather than discovering an incorrect thickness after curing.
Why Wet Film Thickness Matters
Applying too much or too little coating can affect both cost and coating performance. Excessive wet film thickness wastes material and may contribute to curing and finish problems, while insufficient coating can leave the substrate inadequately protected.
- Helps achieve the specified coating thickness
- Provides immediate feedback during application
- Helps reduce unnecessary paint and coating consumption
- Allows adjustment before the coating cures
- Helps predict eventual dry film thickness
- Supports consistent coating quality over large surfaces
24 Measurement Steps for Greater Resolution
The long-edge design provides 24 measurement teeth across each comb. The closely spaced steps help the inspector determine wet film thickness more precisely by identifying the transition between the last tooth wetted by the coating and the first tooth that remains dry.
Three metric and three imperial ranges are available, allowing the appropriate gauge to be selected for anything from relatively thin industrial coatings to heavy protective films.
How to Use the Elcometer 3238 Wet Film Comb
- Immediately after coating application, position the comb perpendicular to the coated substrate.
- Press the comb firmly into the wet coating so the reference teeth make contact with the substrate.
- Hold the gauge in position for a few seconds so the intermediate teeth can contact the coating.
- Remove the comb vertically from the surface.
- Inspect the teeth to determine which have been wetted by the coating.
- The wet film thickness lies between the highest-value wet tooth and the lowest-value dry tooth.
The gauge should be cleaned promptly after use so coating residue does not harden on the measurement edges and affect subsequent readings. The manufacturer’s wet-film gauge instructions describe this same contact-and-read method.
Metric Models
| Part Number | Measurement Range | Step Interval |
|---|---|---|
| K0003238M201 | 5 – 120 µm | 5 µm |
| K0003238M202 | 25 – 600 µm | 25 µm |
| K0003238M203 | 50 – 1200 µm | 50 µm |
| K0003238M204 | Set of all 3 metric wet film combs | 5, 25 and 50 µm scales |
Imperial Models
| Part Number | Measurement Range | Step Interval |
|---|---|---|
| K0US3238M201 | 0.5 – 6 mils | 0.5 mil |
| K0US3238M202 | 1 – 24 mils | 1 mil |
| K0US3238M203 | 2 – 48 mils | 2 mils |
| K0US3238M204 | Set of all 3 imperial wet film combs | 0.5, 1 and 2 mil scales |
The three-comb sets contain one gauge from each measurement range.
| Technical Specifications – Elcometer 3238 Long Edge Wet Film Combs | ||
| Part Number | Range | Steps |
| K0003238M201 | 5 – 120µm | 5µm |
| K0003238M202 | 25 – 600µm | 25µm |
| K0003238M203 | 50 – 1200µm | 50µm |
| K0003238M204 | Set of 3 Wet Film Combs – Metric* | |
| K0US3238M201 | 0.5 – 6mils | 0.5mil |
| K0US3238M202 | 1.0 – 24mils | 1.0mil |
| K0US3238M203 | 2 – 48mils | 2.0mil |
| K0US3238M204 | Set of 3 Wet Film Combs – Imperial* | |
| Dimensions | 60 x 30 x 2mm (2.36 x 1.18 x 0.08”) | |
| Weight | 27g (0.95oz) per comb | |
| Certificate available | Certificate of Calibration: issued for Fixed Calibration equipment and shows readings and traceability. Accredited Certificate: can be issued for Fixed Calibration Equipment and a full UKAS traceable certificate is issued from an independent Calibration Laboratory. | |
| Packing List |
|
|
*Set comprises of one of each scale 1, 2 and 3.
Key Features
- Precision stainless steel construction
- Reusable wet film thickness gauge
- 24 measurement stages per comb
- Accuracy of ±2.5 µm (0.01 mil)
- Metric and imperial versions available
- Measures wet films from 5 to 1200 µm depending on metric model
- Measures wet films from 0.5 to 48 mils depending on imperial model
- Individual combs or complete three-comb sets available
- Compact and easy to carry for field inspection
- Immediate results during coating application
- Optional calibration certification available
Typical Applications
- Protective coatings
- Industrial paints
- Marine coatings
- Structural steel coatings
- Tank and pipeline coatings
- Fabrication and manufacturing
- Quality-control inspection
- Maintenance painting
Compatible Test Standards
- ASTM D4414-A
- AS/NZS 1580.107.3
- BS 3900-C5-7B
- ISO 2808-1A
- ISO 2808-7B
- JIS K 5600-1-7
- NF T30-125
- US NAVY PPI 63101-000
- US NAVY NSI 009-32
The Elcometer 3238 is identified by the manufacturer for use in accordance with these standards where the applicable test procedure is followed.
Q&A
When should wet film thickness be measured?
It should be measured immediately after the coating has been applied and while the film is still wet. This allows the applicator to identify an incorrect film build and make adjustments before the coating cures.
How do I read the Elcometer 3238 comb?
After placing the comb into the wet coating and removing it, inspect the measurement teeth. The wet film thickness lies between the highest-numbered tooth that has coating on it and the next lowest-numbered tooth that remains dry.
Can wet film thickness be used to predict dry film thickness?
Yes. If the coating’s volume solids percentage is known, wet film thickness can be used to estimate the expected dry film thickness. For example, a 200 µm wet film with 80% volume solids would be expected to produce approximately 160 µm of dry film thickness.
Which Elcometer 3238 range should I choose?
Select a comb whose measurement range comfortably includes the wet film thickness specified for the coating. For installations using a wide variety of coatings, the three-comb metric or imperial set provides the greatest flexibility.
Why does the Elcometer 3238 have 24 measurement steps?
The greater number of closely spaced measurement teeth provides finer resolution when determining where the wet-to-dry transition occurs, allowing a more precise assessment of the applied film thickness.
Can the Elcometer 3238 be reused?
Yes. The gauge is manufactured from durable stainless steel and is designed for repeated use. It should be cleaned carefully immediately after each measurement so dried coating does not build up on the precision measurement edges.
Is a calibration certificate available?
Yes. Calibration certification is available for the Elcometer 3238, including traceable certification options for applications requiring documented measurement assurance.
