Examination of Paints Lacquers...

Examination of Paints Lacquers and Varnishes

Examination of Paints Lacquers and Varnishes Quiz Crafted By-

Saddam Hussain

Scientific Officer

Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science India Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi


Introduction to Examination of Paints Lacquers and Varnishes

Paint is found on the surface of many things.  It is used mainly to protect the material it is placed on and for decorative purposes.  Paint formulations are specific for what the paint will be used for.  There are automotive paints, architectural paints, tool paints, bike paints, cosmetic paint (fingernail polish), boat paints, etc.  Through examination of paint obtained at the scene of a crime a link could be made between people, places, and/or objects.  The examination of paint usually involves the comparison of paint from the crime scene with a sample of paint that has been taken from a known source.

Here are some cases where paint examinations maybe useful Paint Sample:

  • Hit and Run- Paint from the victim’s clothing and paint from the suspect’s car.
  • Burglary- Paint from the pried door and paint from a crowbar found in the suspect’s car.
  • Assault- Splintered wood with paint left at the scene and the bat found in the suspect’s home.

The paint from the scenes is both chemically and physically compared to the known source of paint to see if they are similar.  This is done using chemical tests, microscopes, and other instruments. 

Let's look at the questions and their answer. 


Ques 1.  Which of the following range of pigment volume concentration number is recommended of paint foe prime coat on metal?

a)25 - 40

b)40 - 50

c)50 - 60

d)60 - 70

Answer-a)25 – 40


Ques 2. In which of the following is a micro chemical test for paint to indicate the presence of oxidizing ions

a)Acetone test 

b)Diphenylamine test

c)Chloroform test

d)Nitrocellulose test

Answer- b) Diphenylamine test


Ques 3. Acrylic lacquer and Nitrocellulose lacquers will dissolve in 

a)Chloroform

b)water

c)Formalin 

d)Acetone

Answer-d) Acetone


Ques 4. In which of the following characteristics paint is easily tested in the field?

a)Dry opacity

b)Viscosity

c)Identification of the solvent in the paint

d)Identification of the paint resin

Answer- b) Viscosity


Ques 5. Which type of varnish is used on hardwood substances to hide grain defects? 

a) Wax polish                                                    

b) Asphalt varnish

c) French polish                                                

d) Flat varnish

Answer- c) French polish                                                


Ques 6. Which technique is used to determination of total aromatics in enamel and lacquer solvents

a) High Speed Liquid Chromatographic 

b) Thin Layer Chromatographic

c) Gas Chromatographic

d) None of these

Answer- a) High Speed Liquid Chromatographic


Ques 7. How many ingredients is varnish composed of?

a) 1

b) 2

c) 3

d) 4

Answer-c) 3


Ques 8. What is the full form of PVCN with respect to paint?

a) Paint Volume Concentration Number                                                    

b) Paint Volume Carbon Number

c) Pigment Volume Concentration Number

d) Pigment Volume Carbon Number

Answer- c) Pigment Volume Concentration Number


Ques 9. Which of the following is the most durable varnish?

a) Oil varnish                                                  

b) Spirit varnish

c) Turpentine varnish

d) Water varnish

Answer- a) Oil varnish                                                  


Ques 10. The methylated spirits of wine are used as a solvent in 

a) Distemper varnish                                                  

b) Spirit varnish

c) Turpentine varnish

d) Oil varnish                                                  

Answer- b) Spirit varnish

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