Paints & other Surface Coatings
Paint can be transferred wet or dry. Most paint evidence examined is in the form of dry flakes that are often transferred between surfaces following contact. The most common transfers are by loose paint flaking from a surface, by flaking from a surface using a tool, or by impact with another surface during a collision, such as between vehicles in road traffic accidents. Examination of the composition and layering of paint fragments using microscopy and chemical analysis can be used to link that suspect with the scene. The significance of any subsequent matches is assessed with due regard to the commoness of the paint, specific case circumstances and any account provided by the protagonists.
