Why Film Thickness Matters and How Avant Guard Protects Your Clear Coat

When a car leaves the factory it usually has a multi‑layer paint system: primer, base coat, and a clear coat that averages around 35 to 50 microns (1.5–2 mils) thick. Flat panels might be toward the upper end, but edges and door jambs often measure as thin as 23–31 µm. That means repair or polishing work can easily wear through the clear if not done carefully, risking damage to the color coat beneath.

Why Film Thickness Matters for Your Finish

• Thin armor: Your factory clear coat may only be a few dozen microns thick. It provides shine and UV protection but wears down over time via abrasion, oxidation, and UV exposure.

• Damage risk: Polishing and correction can remove up to 8 µm of clear coat per session—that’s ~20–30% of the total thickness. Manufacturers recommend limiting removal to avoid losing UV protection

• Irreversible loss: Once the clear coat is gone the underlying paint won’t have the same gloss or UV resistance and can’t be restored without repainting.

Introducing Avant Guard: Your Sacrificial Shield

Avant Guard is formulated to build measurable film thickness over your factory clear coat. Instead of relying on ceramic coatings that bond to paint, Avant Guard adds a protective layer that:

• Absorbs minor abrasions, light scratches, and chemical damage before they reach your original finish

• Helps block UV rays and environmental contamination from fading or oxidizing your clear coat

• Preserves factory shine, so resale value stays high and you avoid premature refinishing costs

Real Benefits of Added Film Thickness

1. Scratch resistance increases with every added micron of film
2. UV reflectivity stays strong, slowing fade and oxidation
3. Less polishing frequency reduces repetitive wear on your clear coat
4. Resale advantage: Original factory clear coat intact and maintained looks better and more authentic

A Trusted Investment

Consider this: repainting or re‑clearing a panel often costs hundreds to over a thousand dollars. Ongoing polish corrections chip away at your clear coat’s lifespan. Avant Guard works proactively to prevent damage, not just mask it.

Partner with The Armour Lab and bring Avant Guard to your vehicle today. Keep your finish factory‑fresh, durable, and protected for the long haul.