PAINTS

BY: Dr. Niha Ansari

Assistant Professor
SFS, NFSU

Dr. Niha Ansari

 WHERE PAINT IS ENCOUNTERED IN
FORENSIC SCIENCE
Hit-and-run accidents
• Paint transfer
• Fabric impressions
Burglary cases
• Tool marks
• Fingerprints in wet paint
• Shoe impressions in wet paint
• Tire impressions

Dr. Niha Ansari

FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE
 Comparison of surface colors is never enough
 Paint layers offer valuable points of comparison
 Subtle differences in paint binder
 Differences in the elemental composition of paint
 Statistics show significance:
If a suspect sample and a reference sample are compared,
the odds against the crime-scene paint originating from
another randomly chosen vehicle are approximately 1 to
33,000 = strong link
FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE
 Evidence most often used in identifying unknown vehicles in hit-and-runs
 Not usually possible to state exact make and model of car in question because any
one paint could be used on many cars
 Color charts available from paint manufacturers and refinishers
 Since 1975 Royal Canadian Mounted
Police Forensic Laboratories have
been collecting data on paint in the
Paint Data Query (PDQ)
 PDQ allows analysts to access
information on paint in relation to
make, model, and year
 Also information on layer colors,
primer colors, and binder composition
on PDQ
DEFINITIONS
PAINT: A suspension of pigment and binder also called
vehicle.
 Usually not a solution. Pigment is suspended in binder.
 Pigment is usually mixture of inorganic metal salts. Help to
impart colour
 Binder is usually organic polymer(s). It protect surface and
hold pigments.

Dr. Niha Ansari

INTRODUCTION
Paint can be defined as a material used for the
purpose of coating the surface.
The aim of application of paint on the substance is to protect them
from external factors such as moisture, heat, oxygen of air, snow,
rain and ultraviolet radiation.
Also the paints are applied to hide the old paint or to hide the dents
or any damage if present such as scratches, abrasion.
The paint is applicable to the substances such as wood, metals,
plastics etc.
• The paints are also used for the purpose of decoration.
• The different types of paints that are used commonly
are Oil paints, Varnish, Enamel, Latex Paint, Water-
Reducible Paints, Alkyds, Automotive paints, Epoxy
Paints, Polyester-Epoxy paints, Acrylic-Epoxy paints,
Shellac, Aluminium paint, Acrylic-Urethane coatings
etc.
 PAINT AS EVIDENCE
Paint chips: Pieces of paint which have come off
surface. They usually contain all of the layers of
the paint
Paint smears: The top layer of paint which has
loosened owing to being wet or air oxidation.
Smears onto another surface after brushing
contact. Layer structure is not present

Dr. Niha Ansari

COMPONENTS
The principal components of paints are pigments, binders, solvents
and additives.
The majority of the components of paints are organic in nature
along with inorganic components.
The paint in forensic science are analysed for these components for
the identification.
The examination of paint is carried out by studying its physical
and chemical properties.
 MADE UP OF 3 PRIMARY COMPONENTS
• Binders
Provides support medium for
pigments and additives
• Pigments
Impart color and opacity
• Solvents
Suspension of binders and
pigments for application

Dr. Niha Ansari

PIGMENTS:
Pigments are organic or inorganic in nature.
They are grounded particles.
The main function of pigment is to impart
colour, opacity and gloss.
The pigments are dispersed in a solvent.
The pigments can be red, black, white , yellow
and blue. Organic pigment belongs to class of
azo compounds such as mono-azo compounds,
di-azo compounds, azo metal complex etc.
Inorganic pigments include carbon black,
titanium dioxide, iron oxides, chromium oxides
etc
BINDERS:
The binders are the substance that holds pigment to the
surface.
Binders can be obtained naturally from vegetable oils,
resins, gums etc. or are synthesized chemically.
The binders introduce properties like resistance to
corrosion, flexibility, hardness and protection to U.V
radiation.
The different types of binders are drying oils, alkyd resins,
vinyl emulsions, epoxy resins etc.
SOLVENTS:
Solvents are substances that are used to make
binders soluble but it should not get
polymerize.
For resins many organic solvents are used but
commonly used is turpentine.
The solvent provides viscosity to paints.
Solvent makes the application of paint east to
substrates.
Solvents like alcohols, water, ketones, terpenes,
esters, aromatic hydrocarbons etc. are used in
paints.
ADDITIVES:
These substances are added in small quantities to paint.
The additives are mixed to carry out special jobs, such as
improvement of surface appearance.
The substances can be plasticizers, absorbers etc.
The most commonly used plasticizers are diethyl phthalate
and dibutylphthalate.
 CLASSIFICATION

Based on Based on Based on

Based on
Application Surface Composition
Finish
Location Applied of Paints
Based on Finish
Matte Finish

Egg shell and

Satin Paint
Semi Gloss and
Gloss Paint

Texture Paint
MATTE FINISH PAINT
The Matte paint no longer has a
reflective finish and is also devoid
of loss.
It has a velvety texture, which is hard
to clean. But the paint can conceal
the wall imperfections easily.
It offers a vast range of depth of color
scheme.
It is not easy to clean.
SATIN AND EGGSHELL PAINT
The long-lasting satin and eggshell paints
have a gentle sheen and silky finish.
The paint variety may additionally not
disguise the imperfections and is used
regularly in the kitchen and bathrooms.
It is the mid-range reflective
Improved durability
It is used in environments where
maintenance and cleaning are necessary
without applying gloss finishes.
SEMI GLOSS AND GLOSS PAINT
Gloss paints provide stupendous reflection and
the shine is also long-lasting.
For better gloss and finish, more than one
coatings are necessary. This is so due to the
fact the paint can also highlight flaws and
imperfections.
These are the most lustrous reflective surface
finish available.
They are highly durable and can withstand
multiple cleaning attempts over the finish
without any effect.
Common application surfaces are moldings,
doors, and baseboards.
TEXTURE PAINT
Texture paint is a new paint range and can
provide extraordinary kinds of styles on the
wall surfaces.
The paint includes leather, lace, ribbon, steel,
and coarse grains including sand and gypsum
among others.
You can cover the unevenness or the
imperfections of wall surfaces via the use of
texture paint.
 Based on Application Location

A. Exterior Paints B. Interior Paints

Exterior paints have to sustain in

harm exposed environments and Interior paints are prone
they are also visual indicator of extensive usage or touch appeal,
the design element, thus Exterior thus scratches and fading or
Paints have to be withstand the dullness of paint finish can be
sun exposure, Humidity/ seen over a period of time.
precipitation or Dust Storms Interior Paints define interior
with finishes that please the eye. color scheme and should be
They are expected to have a resistant to scratches and these
longer span of durability in after-effects.
contrast to Interior Paints.
WATER-BASED PAINTS OIL-BASED PAINTS
 Surfaces Dries Up Quickly  Takes Long time to Dry
after painting  Attractive Glossy Finish
 Low VOCs or Low toxicity  Even Finish of brush Strokes
 Stable color profile  Durable and hard coat
 Easy cleanup with water  Requires Thinner or Turpentine to
clean up the paint droplets

TYPES OF PAINTS
TYPES OF INTERIOR WALL PAINTS
 A. Paints Suitable
for Walls (Bricks
Or Cement)

B. Paints Suitable
Based on Surface
for Wooden
Applied
Surface

C. Paints Suitable
for Metal
A. PAINTS SUITABLE FOR WALLS (BRICKS
OR CEMENT)
Different type of application techniques and type of paint has to
selected for each distinct type of material. Rough and aggregated
surface like cement , brick or gypsum planes should be abrased and
cured with water before applying paint.
B. PAINTS SUITABLE FOR WOODEN
SURFACE
Wood Surfaces are uneven and rough fibrous, thus it should
be cleaned off from dirt and a coat of primer to follow.
The surface after application of primer is advisable for paint
incase of wood. Types of paints suitable for wood surfaces
are Acrylic, Lustre, and Enamel.
C. PAINTS SUITABLE FOR METAL
Metal surfaces are susceptible to rust as a result of moisture.
Paints with oil base are preferable for metal surfaces and take longer
time to dry.
Metal surfaces can adhere most of the paint types after the
application of primer onto the surface.
 Based on Composition of Paints

A. B. C. D. E. F.
Distemper Emulsion Enamel Luster Texture Cement
Paint Paint Paint Paint Paint Paint
WHITE WASH

A Whitewash is the most inexpensive range of paint. The

paint material is made by mixing powder, chalk, or slaked
lime in water and an inappropriate amount.
It is good to use for painting the brick partitions and the walls
made of concrete, amongst different surfaces.
In some cases, people use it to portray wood walls. Mix
Adhesive materials like Fevicol additionally with it for
better adhesiveness and long-lasting.
CEMENT BASED PAINTS
When cement is the most integral constituent
of paint, it can grant for utmost sturdiness
and hardness.
These paints can be a better option on the
indoors as nicely as exterior walls.
Cement paint no longer requires any
exclusive natural. It can also additionally
moreover be a fantastic choice for an
exterior surface, as it can restrict grime
accumulation, and in addition stop water
penetration.
Whether it is an outside or indoor wall, or a concrete wall structure, cement
paint can be one of the fantastic preferences available.
DISTEMPER PAINT

The distemper paint is a shape of

water-based paint, on hand in many top-notch colours.
The principal elements of this type of paint embody water, lime,
colouring pigments, and chalk. It can be cited to be a higher
mannequin of the whitewash paint variety.
When sturdiness and longevity are no longer
prerequisites, the distemper paint can be used in
each interior and exterior of houses or buildings.
The paint range is additionally relatively cheaper
and on hand in paste and powder forms.
ACRYLIC PAINT
This Acrylic paint is the fundamental
binding ingredient of this paint, and
it is additionally a water-based
paint.
Acrylic enamel, acrylic latex, and
acrylic latex enamel are some of the
sorts of acrylic paints. The paint
offers greater durability. But the
larger shine of the paint can
moreover also disclose the
imperfections.
EMULSION PAINT
The word emulsion signifies a solution of two liquids that do
not mix with every other completely. For instance, oil and
water make an emulsion, and you can certainly see the layer
of oil in the water.
In most emulsion paints, water is the solvent or the primary
vehicle/medium within which the pigment, binders, and
additives are added and continue to be dispersed. The
binders used in paints structure a continuous movie and are
polymers.
Some of the binders used in formulating paints consist of
epoxy, acrylic, resin, and alkyd resins. Emulsion
paints provide good flexibility, dry up quickly, and are good
for inside and external surfaces.
OIL PAINTS
The critical vehicle in oil paint is oil
varnish or oil inside in which
pigment particles are suspended.
These oils would possibly moreover
embody nut oil, poppy oil, Tung oil,
linseed oil, and others. Other
chemical compounds are
additionally brought to these oil
paints, which might also embody
Naphtha and methyl ethyl Ketone
among others.
Oil Paints generally have many best properties. They face up
to stain, are large, durable, smooth, as top as glossy.
The drawback of this paint type is that the oil paints emit
superb fumes which are toxic and unsafe for human health.
The paint provides less flexibility, which makes them
unsuitable for the painting of exterior surfaces.
ENAMEL PAINT
For making the enamel paint, the sleek
fabric is delivered to oil-based paint.
Petroleum spirit, resinous materials, zinc
white, and white lead may additionally
moreover be used in manufacturing and
enamel paint.
The opaque, glossy, and tough cease of the
paint can also, in addition, be pretty
applicable in many instances.
The lengthy-lasting paint might also
additionally moreover dry speedy or
slow relying on the thinner used.
ANTI-CONDENSATION PAINT

These paints do no longer permit the

moisture to condense even below the
humid conditions thus prevent mold
growth.
The utility of the paint in any area can
stop the growth of fungi.
LEAD PAINTS
Lead paints are good to use in
homes but to portray the wood
surfaces.
Paint with a concentration of greater
than 5% lead oxide is known as
lead paint.
The paint gives a washable finish to
any floor and is additionally
durable and resistant to
water/moisture.
AUTOMOTIVE PAINTS:
The paint coat of the body of a vehicle consists of number of
successively layers.
These differs each other from their ingredients.
The paint differs with car and the brands.
The paint coverings on renovated car have more number of layers.
The identification and comparative studies of paint chips are done
by studying its morphology.
The more number of layers, more numbers of features can be
studied.
AUTOMOTIVE PAINT
Automotive paint is a powder

Automotive paint
coating coloured with a dye. Electro Coat
It is a layered paint that Primer
comprises electro coat primer,
primer surface, basecoat & Primer Surface
clear coat.
Basecoat

Clear Coat
ELECTROCOAT PRIMER
Location: applies to the steel
body of the car
Composition: epoxy based
resins whose color ranges
from black to grey
Purpose: provide corrosion
resistance
Characteristics: uniform in
appearance/ thickness,
range from black to gray
PRIMER SURFACER
Location: applied before base boat
Composition: is a powder consists of
highly pigmented epoxy-modified
polyesters/ urethanes
Purpose: smooth seams/ imperfections
for basecoat application. It helps to
bind the color basecoat to primer.
Characteristics: highly pigmented=
pigments minimize color contrast
between primer and topcoats (ex:
light gray primer under pastel blue
car)
 BASECOAT
Location: over basecoat
Composition: acrylic-based polymer with
automotive pigments (composition
determined by toxicity/ environmental
impact= tend to be natural pigments like
pearl)
Purpose: provide aesthetic appeal through color,
and resist weather, UV rays and acid rain,
provides gloss , durability & etch resistance.
Characteristics: besides pigments, aluminum
flakes may be used to add a metallic
appearance
CLEAR COAT
Location: outermost layer
Composition: acrylic-based, but
polyurethane clear coats are
becoming popular
Purpose: improve gloss, durability,
and appearance
Characteristics: provide etch
resistance
FORENSIC EXAMINATION
 Firstly, photograph the paint evidence in its original position as
found in a crime scene without disturbing them. Else the evidence
will get contaminated. After completing the process of
photography, you can proceed with the process of collection.
Scrape or peel the paint from the surface of an object where it is
found. Use tweezers to collect it.
 Before it goes under examination, preserve the paint evidence
carefully to prevent any alterations during its transportation
from the crime scene to the forensic laboratory. Keep the samples
of different areas in different containers. Paint evidence found on
clothes should be collected in paper rather than scraping it off.
 When the sample reaches the lab, the forensic scientist starts the
process of examination to find out the necessary details such as
paint edges, layers, etc.

COLLECTION OF SAMPLES
 Standard samples must be collected from an undamaged area
of a vehicle in suspect and close to the area suspected to have
contacted the victim
 Samplemust be removed to include all layers down to the bare
metal= scalpel or blade used to obtain ¼ inch square
 Crosstransfer from contact of 2 vehicles requires similar
procedure where sample is obtained near point of contact

COLLECTION OF SAMPLES
PHYSICAL
EXAMINATION
Color assessment
• Especially the hue
• Human eye and Munsell color system
Number, sequence and thickness of layers
Surface texture of the paint
Match physical irregularities
• Scratches, contours that are continuous with the known and
unknown
• Physical fit of two paint chips

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF PAINT

Dr. Niha Ansari

KNOWN

QUESTIONED
 SUSPECTED
VEHICLE

PAINT CHIP FROM

CRIME SCENE
CHEMICAL
ANALYSIS
SOLVENT/MICROCHEMICAL TESTS
Used for attempting to discriminate between
paint films of differing pigment and binder
composition that are otherwise similar in
visual and macroscopical appearance.
Reactions such as softening, swelling, curling or
wrinkling, layer dissolution, pigment filler
effervescence, flocculation, and color changes
are some of the features that may be noted. The
results of these tests are primarily used for
preliminary classification and comparison.
INSTRUMENTAL
ANALYSIS
 The microscope has traditionally been and remains the most important
instrument for locating and comparing paint specimens.
 Pyrolysis gas chromatography. Pyrolysis gas chromatography is a
valuable and accepted technique for distinguishing most paint
formulations. In this process paint chips as small as 20 micrograms are
decomposed by heat into numerous gas products. It is the pattern of
this chromatogen or “pyrogram” that distinguishes one polymer from
another.
 Infrared spectrophotometry is another analytical technique used to
provide information about the binder composition of paint. Binders
will selectively absorb infrared radiation to yield a spectrum that is
highly characteristic of a paint specimen.

INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS

Dr. Niha Ansari

 POLARIZED LIGHT MICROSCOPY (PLM)
PLM is appropriate for the
examination of layer structure as
well as either or both the
comparison or identification of
particles present in a paint film
including pigments, extenders,
additives, and contaminants.
Extenders and other components of a
paint film are generally of
sufficient size to be identified by
their morphology and optical
properties using this technique.
a): blue pigment; b): green pigment; c) red pigment,
d) yellow pigment,
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (IR)
Used to obtain information about binders, pigments, and additives used in various types of
coating materials.
The infrared microscope accessory may also be used to sequentially sample individual
layers of a multiple-layer coating system that has been cross sectioned either manually
or by microtome.
Certain types of coatings, including automotive undercoats and many types of architectural
coatings (particularly those with low luster finishes), usually contain significant amounts of
inorganic pigments.
These pigments tend to have most of their significant infrared absorptions in the lower
frequency spectral regions, and several have all of their absorptions in the region below 700
cm-1 .
An FTIR spectrometer equipped with cesium iodide (CsI) optics and a deuterated triglycine
sulfate (DTGS) detector can collect spectral data to 220 cm-1 .
Raman spectroscopy can also be used to obtain information about binders, pigments, and
additives used in coatings.
PYROLYSIS GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

Pyrolysis gas chromatography (PGC) is a

destructive technique that uses pyrolytic
breakdown products to compare paints and
to identify the binder type.
This method of analysis may offer improved
discrimination of chemically similar paints.
PGC analysis may be conducted with as little as
5-10 micrograms of sample. Run times are
typically 20-40 minutes in duration. PGC is
best applied to individual paint layers for
purposes of both binder classification and
comparison.
MICRO-SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
Color analysis has a long history in the
pigment, paint, dyestuff, and fabric
industries and has led to numerous
approaches to color measurement
and description.
Absorption spectroscopy, to
discriminate the color of visually
similar or metameric paint samples
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray
analysis (SEM-EDS) can be used to characterize the
morphology and elemental composition of paint
samples.
The SEM rasters an electron beam over a selected area
of a sample, producing emission of signals including
X-rays, backscattered electrons, and secondary
electrons.
Emitted X-rays produce information regarding the
presence of specific elements, and the electron signals
produce compositional and topographical visualization
of a sample.
FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY

Fluorescence microscopy of thin or bulk cross sections, as an aid in

differentiating samples or various layers within intact paint fragments,
 Worldwide, searchable database of chemical and color
information of original automotive paints
 Make, model, year, and assembly plant for many
vehicles
 30 years of accumulated information provided by
automotive companies and forensic laboratories or
police
 Information can lead to a possible suspect vehicle

PAINT DATA QUERY (PDQ)

Dr. Niha Ansari