Clearcoat

Related terms

Alkyd Resin

A polyester binder modified with fatty-acid chains from drying oils; cures by oxidative crosslinking and is characterised by FTIR ester carbonyl absorption...

Basecoat

The colour-bearing layer in automotive OEM paint; thin (10-30 µm), thermoplastic acrylic binder, contains colour and effect pigments.

Binder

The polymer matrix that holds pigments in place and bonds the paint to the substrate. Identifies paint type (alkyd, acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy)...

Effect Pigment

Aluminium flake or TiO2-coated mica used in metallic and pearlescent automotive finishes; identified by SEM morphology and EDS elemental composition.

Electrocoat (E-Coat)

The first layer in automotive OEM paint, applied by cathodic electrodeposition of an epoxy-amine coating onto the bare steel shell; 15-25 micrometres...

ENFSI EPG

Expert Working Group on Paint (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes); produced the European paint-examination protocol and promoted EUCAP development.

PDQ

Paint Data Query database (RCMP-maintained). Cross-referenced from glass work when a vehicle is identified through paired glass and paint evidence.

Phthalocyanine

Highly stable organic pigment providing intense blue (PB15, copper phthalocyanine) and green (PG7) colours; identified by Raman bands at 680 and 748...

Refinish Paint

Paint applied in body-shop repair; typically 2K polyurethane, chemically distinct from OEM acrylic-melamine; adds extra layers visible in cross-section.

SWGMAT

Scientific Working Group for Materials Analysis, a US forensic science standards body (now succeeded by the OSAC Explosives Subcommittee). Published the Forensic...

TiO2 Polymorph

Titanium dioxide exists as rutile (Raman 143, 447, 612 cm-1) or anatase (Raman 144, 197, 399, 513 cm-1); the polymorph distinguishes premium...

Explained in

• Paint Composition, Types and Binder ChemistryThe transparent outermost layer of automotive OEM paint; thermoset acrylic-melamine, 40-60 µm, provides UV resistance and gloss.