ABSTRACT
Paint and paint-like materials have been used throughout recorded history. Various mixtures of coloring agents, ßuid materials, and binding substances have been utilized for recording, expression, decoration, and surface protection for millennia. ScientiÞc investigators frequently encounter paint specimens. Forensic scientists, chemists, and conservators examine and identify miniscule traces of pigment and paint (see Figure 10.1). Most paint analyses today are conducted with highly sophisticated and costly instrumentation. However, inexpensive, timely, simple, and irrefutable analytical tests and procedures that can be used on minute traces of paint are still required. This chapter will concentrate on classical, less complex, but proven microchemical methods for analyzing paints and pigments.
