Paints, Polymers, and Adhesives Examinations

The color, year, make, and model of an automobile can be determined by comparing questioned paint with known sources.

Paint on safes, vaults, window sills, and door frames can be transferred to and from tools. A comparison can be made between the paint on an object and the paint on a tool.

The source, use, or manufacturer of plastic evidence usually cannot be identified by composition analysis.

Automobile trim can be compared with plastic remaining on the property struck in a hit-and-run case. The year, make, and model of an automobile can be determined if a manufacturer's part number is on the trim.

Plastics in wire insulation and miscellaneous plastics such as buttons can be compared with known sources.

Identifications can be made with the torn or cut end of tape and a roll of suspect tape. Tape composition, construction, and color can be compared with known sources.

Caulks, sealants, and adhesives can be compared by color and composition with known sources.

Submitting Paints, Polymers, and Adhesives Evidence

Questions concerning paints, polymers and adhesive evidence should be directed to 03-9702366. Follow the Evidence Submission directions including Requesting Evidence Examinations and Packaging and Shipping Evidence.

• Chip paint from the surface to the foundation or substrate rather than scrape it off. When paint is chipped, its layer structure remains intact. Each layer can be a point of comparison.
  
  

• Search the accident or crime scene and the victim(s)' personal effects to locate paint fragments. Paint fragments are often found in the clothing of a hit-and-run victim(s). Submit the clothing. Paints can be transferred from one car to another, from car to object, or from object to car during an accident or a crime. Submit an entire component such as a fender or bumper if paint transfer is minimal. Car or car parts dealers may have appropriate containers to ship car components.
  
  

• Pack particles in leakproof containers such as pillboxes or envelopes with sealed corners. Do not stick particles on adhesive tape. Do not put particles in cotton.