Collect paint sample

An estimator may need to collect paint samples when vehicle damage is inconsistent with a reported unidentified (hit-and-run) accident.

Procedure

1. Take all relevant photos including close up of material transfer prior to removing samples.
2. Take a paint sample from an impacted area.
   Important: Ensure that paint samples are

   • taken only from impacted areas, and
   • not taken if it creates damage to an undamaged panel.
   1. Remove a slice of the substrate using a razor blade or box cutter, to recover the questioned deposits unaltered.
   Important: Do not

   • press sticky tape against the questioned deposits to remove it, as the adhesive contaminates the sample for subsequent analysis
   • scrape off the questioned deposits.
3. Place the sample into a self-sealing plastic bag, such as a Ziploc.
   Important: Do not use mail envelopes for samples. The corners leak particles, the contents cannot be scrutinized before opening, and the springiness of the paper encourages small particles to be lost.
4. Label the bag with an "a".
5. Circle and label each sample site on the vehicle using a felt pen, to match the bagged samples.
6. Repeat steps 1-4, labeling with the subsequent letter each time until there are no more samples.
7. Photograph the sample locations.
   Note: Take as many samples as possible.
8. Remove the felt markings.
9. Place the Ziploc bags in an interoffice envelope and address it to the appropriate Special Investigation Unit (SIU) officer.
10. Add a note in ClaimCenter that this process has been followed.