Paint and coatings evidence often plays a key role in road-traffic investigations, burglary and vandalism cases, as well as in construction and industrial disputes. QUANT Multidisciplinary Chemical Technology Center provides specialised forensic examination of paints and coatings (paint and coatings analysis / forensic paint examination) for law-enforcement agencies, legal professionals and commercial clients. Our experts combine long-standing forensic practice with modern analytical chemistry methods. This enables us not only to identify and compare paint samples, but also to reconstruct how and under what conditions the traces were formed.
Paint and coatings examination is typically commissioned when questions arise about contact between objects, repainting or the quality and origin of coatings. In practice, such examinations are used when:
In each case, the examination is tailored to the specific questions raised by investigators, lawyers or technical specialists.
Our team includes experts with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement and forensic science.
We are available for calls from clients worldwide.
The QUANT laboratory is equipped with one of the most advanced suites of analytical instruments in Russia.
Forensic examination of paints and coatings allows a wide range of investigative and technical questions to be addressed, including:
Identification and documentation of traces of paints or coatings on submitted items, including very small or visually inconspicuous particles.
Determining whether paint chips or coatings from different objects are similar at class, group or, where possible, individual level. This includes assessing whether particles from a scene are consistent with a particular vehicle, tool or structure.
Obtaining information about the mechanism of formation of paint smears, transfers and layered deposits (direction of impact, sliding, repeated contact, etc.).
Establishing whether an object has been repainted, identifying older layers under the visible surface and reconstructing the original colour or coating system.
Using coatings traces to infer the intended use, design features or other distinctive characteristics of the unknown object sought (for example, type of vehicle, type of structure or equipment).
Evaluating whether the quality and structure of the coating system correspond to the declared technology, project documentation or industry standards.
Determining whether there has been contact interaction between specific objects where one or both have painted surfaces (e.g. vehicle–barrier, tool–safe, equipment–structure).
In many cases, paint evidence becomes a key element in reconstructing events. The results of a coatings examination can:
support or refute particular versions of the incident in criminal and civil cases;
establish whether specific objects were involved in a collision, break-in or other event;
confirm or disprove allegations of poor-quality work in construction, repair or finishing;
provide an objective basis for negotiations and court decisions, reducing the influence of subjective opinions.
For the court, such examinations serve as independent, scientifically grounded evidence that can confirm or challenge the statements of the parties. In commercial practice, expert reports on paints and coatings are often used to evaluate contractor performance and resolve disputes between customers and contractors.
Depending on the case, we work with a wide range of painted objects and trace materials. Typical objects include:
Painted items and structures – vehicles, safes, doors, household items, furniture, building components, fences, benches and other objects with painted or coated surfaces;
Paint chips and fragments – detached particles and flakes of paints or coatings recovered from vehicles, clothing, tools or other objects;
Trace carriers – objects bearing traces of transferred paint from contact interaction (e.g. clothing, tools, vehicle parts, construction elements);
Bulk paint and coating materials – samples of liquid or powder paints, primers, lacquers and other coating materials, as well as separate components (binders, pigments, fillers, additives);
Large structural elements – building structures, façades and other large painted surfaces requiring on-site sampling.
Where necessary, we develop an appropriate sampling strategy to preserve the evidential value of the materials.
Clients commission paint and coatings examinations from QUANT because we offer:
Experienced forensic specialists. Our experts have specialised education and many years of experience in forensic science and courtroom practice, including work with complex, multi-layered coating systems.
Advanced analytical instrumentation. Examinations are carried out using high-precision analytical instruments and established forensic techniques (microscopy, spectral analysis, chromatographic and other methods) that allow detailed study of layer structure and composition.
Court-admissible reports. Reports are prepared in strict accordance with procedural requirements and are accepted by courts and investigative bodies. We clearly describe the methods used, the limitations and the reasoning behind our conclusions.
Tailored analytical approach. For each assignment, we select the most appropriate combination of methods, taking into account the nature of the objects, the state of the traces, and the specific questions from the client.
For our clients, a coatings examination at QUANT is not just a scientific analysis of materials, but a practical tool for protecting their interests in court and in pre-trial negotiations.
It is a specialised forensic investigation focused on determining the composition, structure, properties and origin of paints, lacquers and other coatings, as well as particles and traces of these materials. The examination allows experts to compare samples from different objects, reconstruct the mechanism of trace formation and answer questions relevant to the case.
Such examinations are commonly appointed in road-traffic investigations, burglary and vandalism cases, industrial and construction disputes, and claims related to the quality of painting and protective coatings. They are also used when there is a need to determine whether an object has been repainted or altered.
Depending on the case, the examination can determine whether paint traces are present, whether particles from a scene are consistent with a particular object, how and under what conditions the traces were formed, whether repainting took place, and whether the coating quality complies with the required technology or standards.
Yes. Reports prepared by QUANT are issued in accordance with applicable procedural legislation and are regularly used as evidence in court and arbitration proceedings. Where required, our experts can also provide testimony or written explanations.
Timeframes depend on the number of objects, the complexity of the coating systems and the methods required. After reviewing the case materials and samples, we provide an estimated schedule and cost. In urgent cases, we discuss possible prioritisation with the client.
is a specialist bureau providing forensic examination and analytical chemistry services. For over 20 years we have been conducting expert investigations and delivering reports that help our clients protect their interests in court and in out-of-court proceedings.
Бесплатный звонок с российских телефонных номеров
К нам обращаются клиенты со многих городов России:
8 (351) 700-71-15
8 (800) 333-18-22
main@centr-quantum.com
454053, Россия, г. Челябинск, ул. Федорова д.25
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