Comparative Analysis of Car Paint Traces in Terms of Color by VIS Microspectrometry for Forensic Needs

Abstract

Abstract The usefulness of VIS microspectrometry for comparison of very small car paint traces was studied. Eighteen samples of solid and metallic paints taken from new and repainted cars were examined. Each sample was measured in both transmittance and reflectance mode (on top surface and on cross-section). Using the CIELAB units the repeatability of the color measurement was assessed. A criterion allowing two parts of the same sample and two samples of the same color to be distinguished was established. The method was proved to be an useful instrumental tool–complementary to other analytical methods (e.g., IR spectrometry)–in examination of car paint traces for forensic purposes. Keywords: Color comparisonPaint examinationVIS spectrometry