by Katherine Steck-Flynn

Created on: February 15, 2007

Paint as a Evidence in a Forensic Investigation

Paint as evidence falls into two main categories just as any other type of evidence does. Paint can simply indicate the "class" from which it comes. This could mean differentiating between automobile paint, house paint, nail polish and other types of paint. This is usually done through very detailed chemical analysis of the various layers of paint and physical examination of paint samples. Although various manufacturers may use the same supplier of paint the layers and colors may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer (Saferstein, 2005).

Paint can also indicate individual characteristics. This is only truly possible when there is an exact match of the edges of two paint chips. However, when the physical properties such as the color and number of layers and the chemical and biological profiles show multiple points of similarity with reference sample the probability of a common source increases.

As with any evidence there is rarely an absolute match. The best the investigator can do is to establish so many points of similarity between two samples that the probability of the two samples having different points of origin becomes statistically minute.

Paint chips and paint residue is one of the most common types of trace evidence which can be found at a crime scene. The most common use of paint transfer is in the case of an automobile accident. However, there are millions of places where painted surfaces can be found. Anytime these painted surfaces come in contact with another solid surface some small amount of transfer occurs. Of course this is in the case of dried paint.

Paint smears from wet paint are another source of evidence. Smears from wet paint may transfer onto anything that touches it. Wet paint which has been disturbed is a good source of hair and fiber evidence. Wet paint may also have finger or palm prints impressed into it.

There are various types of paint. There is automobile paint, house paint( exterior and interior), paints artist's use, nail polish and paints used on ceramics just to name a few. As I started to write this article I began noticing all of the things around me which were painted. The list is mind bogglingly long and holds massive potential for use in forensic examinations.

The most common use of paint chips and transfer is in the case of automobile accidents. Paint transfer is also used in cases of burglary where the tools used to break into a home or vehicle has trace evidence in the form

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