Procedures For Paint Analysis: I. Documentation of Evidence

Procedures For Paint Analysis
The SBI Laboratory utilizes a number of methods for the analysis of dry paint films. The
selection of methods appropriate to each case is based on the quantity and condition of the
evidence samples available. This document describes each procedure that may be used for paint
analysis.
I. Documentation of evidence
A. The outermost sealed container must be marked with the date received and the analyst's
initials. The evidence is then stored in a secured area until analysis begins.
B. At the beginning of the analysis, each item of evidence is to be removed so that no

cross-contamination occurs and so that the item can be clearly associated with its
container.
II. Visual examinations
A. Macroscopic examination
The visual and macroscopic evaluation, description, and documentation of the sample's
original condition is the first step in an analysis. It may also be the final step if exclusionary
features or conditions are identified.
1. Describe as many physical features as possible. These may include color, size, layers,
texture, and general condition.
B. Microscopic examination
A stereomicroscope with a magnification ability of 5 -100 power or a polarizing light

microscope may be used for further evaluation of the physical characteristics of paint
samples.
1. Determine the number of layers and sequence of layers in a paint sample. This may
be accomplished by turning the paint chip on its edge and viewing with high
magnification. If the layer characteristics cannot be thoroughly determined, the paint
chip may be sliced with a razor blade or scalpel blade.
III. Chemical tests
A. Solvent tests.
Paint samples may react with solvents by dissolving, swelling, curling, softening or other
physical reactions. Acrylic lacquers are soluble in both chloroform and acetone;
nitrocellulose lacquers are soluble in acetone and insoluble in chloroform. Enamels are
insoluble in both acetone and chloroform.
1. Place the sample to be tested in spot plate well or on a glass slide over a contrasting
background. Prepare the sample so that all the layers can be observed. This may be
done by slicing a thin cross-section or by individually separating the layers. Place
one drop of chloroform on the paint sample and observe the reaction with a
microscope. Record the results.
2. Repeat the procedure with one drop of acetone. If the sample treated with chloroform
does not react in any significant way, the same sample may be used for the acetone
test. If the sample does react with chloroform, a new sample must be prepared.
3. Other solvents may be used as described for chloroform and acetone.
B. Chemical reagents.
1. The sample to be tested is prepared as described for solvent tests. Diphenylamine

solution is prepared by mixing one gram of diphenylamine with 40 mls water and 200
mls concentrated sulfuric acid. One drop of this solution is placed on the paint
sample and it is observed through a microscope to determine if a cobalt blue color
develops where the solution contacts the paint. (The diphenylamine solution must
be verified by testing with a known sample of nitrocellulose paint prior to use).
2. Other reagents may be employed as needed to test for dye solubility, pigment
effervescence, flocculation, and color changes.
IV. Physical match
The most definitive comparison that can be made between two otherwise visually similar
paint samples is the matching of reference and questioned sample edges for a physical fit
or matching the surface striae on the underside of a paint fragment to those on a parent
surface. This assumes that the samples in question exhibit sufficient uniqueness for
comparison.
A. The edges (or striae) of the samples are visually examined macroscopically and, if
appropriate, microscopically for a physical fit.
B. Any physical fits should be documented by photography or video microscopy or other

appropriate means.
V. Instrumental methods of analysis
A. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
FTIR is employed whenever a comparison and/or identification of paint film binders is

necessary. Also, some of the inorganic components of a paint sample may be determined
by FTIR.
The SBI Laboratory has two FTIRs available in the Trace Evidence Section:
Perkin-Elmer 1725X with a SpectraTech IR-Plan microscope.

Perkin-Elmer 2000 with a PE microscope
1. Paint samples may be prepared for FTIR analysis by slicing a thin cross-section or
by slicing thin peels of each layer individually. The samples are then rolled out on a
glass slide using the roller end of a roller knife. The prepared samples are
transferred to the surface of a KBr plate.
2. The KBr plate with the prepared paint sample is placed on the stage of the FTIR
microscope and transmission IR data is collected in accordance with the
instrumental procedure for the particular FTIR employed.
B. Pyrolysis/Gas Chromatography (PGC)
Pyrolysis is utilized when greater discrimination of the paint binder constituents is needed.
The pyrograms may show minor components that are not visible by FTIR. However,
PGC may not be appropriate for samples that are contaminated or present in insufficient
quantity for analysis.
1. The quartz sample tubes are cleaned for approximately one minute over a Bunsen
burner and placed in a clean beaker to cool.
2. The paint samples are cut to the appropriate size and placed in a foil. The foil is
folded and placed into the quartz tube. The procedures manual for this method
contains a diagram of how the sample is to be prepared. (See JHP-22 Curie-Point
Pyrolyzer Instrument Manual).
3. A blank must be run prior to introducing any sample.
4. Each item should be run at least two times to ensure reproducibility. A blank must
be run prior to each new item.
C. Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM/EDS).
Many paint samples contain one or more inorganic extenders and/or hiding pigments.
Although most of these can be detected by FTIR, some cannot. Also, if a paint contains
several inorganic components, one or more may be masked.
1. Some samples, such as a clean, single-layer paint film, may not require any
preparation. However, if more than one layer is present or if the sample is not clean,
it may be sliced in a cross-section or peel as appropriate.
2. The prepared sample is placed on an SEM mounting stub and submitted to one of
the SEM operators for analysis.
D. Microspectrophotometry
Colorimetry is used to discriminate the color of visually similar paint samples.

Microspectrophotometry is required to provide colorimetric data for most forensic paint
comparisons due to the typically small size of the specimens.
1. Diffuse reflectance (DR)
a. The surface of a paint layer is cleaned or otherwise prepared for DR. The sample
is placed on a glass slide and data collected in accordance with the instrumental
procedure method for the Nanometrics Nano 100 UVIR Microspot Reflectometer
Microspectrophotometer.
2. Transmission microspectroscopy
a. The paint sample is sliced in a thin section by microtome or razor blade or

scalpel blade and placed on a glass slide. The data is collected in accordance
with the instrumental procedure method for the Nanometrics Nano 100. If a
microtome is not available, care must be taken to make the paint slices as
uniform as possible.
E. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
This procedure is seldom used for paint analysis but may be a useful complement to
SEM/EDS.
1. Samples are submitted to an analyst who is trained in XRF.
F. X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
The procedure requires a larger amount of sample than what is typically available in a
paint evidence case. However, if sufficient sample exists, XRD is useful for
determining precisely which inorganic compounds are present.
1. Samples are submitted to an analyst who is trained in XRD.
Supervisor Approval _____________________ Date ___________
replaces technical procedure approved 04/07/97

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Procedures For Paint Analysis

B. At the beginning of the analysis, each item of evidence is to be removed so that no

II. Visual examinations

A stereomicroscope with a magnification ability of 5 -100 power or a polarizing light

III. Chemical tests

3. Other solvents may be used as described for chloroform and acetone.

1. The sample to be tested is prepared as described for solvent tests. Diphenylamine

IV. Physical match

B. Any physical fits should be documented by photography or video microscopy or other

V. Instrumental methods of analysis

A. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

FTIR is employed whenever a comparison and/or identification of paint film binders is

Perkin-Elmer 1725X with a SpectraTech IR-Plan microscope.

B. Pyrolysis/Gas Chromatography (PGC)

3. A blank must be run prior to introducing any sample.

C. Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM/EDS).

Colorimetry is used to discriminate the color of visually similar paint samples.

1. Diffuse reflectance (DR)

a. The paint sample is sliced in a thin section by microtome or razor blade or

E. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

1. Samples are submitted to an analyst who is trained in XRF.

F. X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

1. Samples are submitted to an analyst who is trained in XRD.

Supervisor Approval _____________________ Date ___________

replaces technical procedure approved 04/07/97

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Supervisor Approval ___________ Date _