Painting & Varnish - OSE SERVICES

Paint & Varnish Expertise — Trusted by Industry for Over 10 Years

OSE Industries has been supporting manufacturers and professionals for over a decade with the analysis and technical study of paints, varnishes, and coatings.

On-Site & Laboratory-Based Investigations

Whether you're changing suppliers, developing a new prototype, or expanding your product line, OSE Services — your analytical and forensic expert — is here to help:

✅ Verification of composition and performance in raw materials or finished products

🧩 Surface analysis of applied coatings, paints, and films — including site samples, in both amicable and legal dispute contexts

🔍 Bespoke forensic investigations in cases of suspected fraud or non-conformity

We operate in France and across Europe

48-hour turnaround upon request & depending on context

Study and Verification of Your Paints and Varnishes: On-Site Interventions and Laboratory Analyses

How can you study formulations, verify raw materials, or manage disputes with subcontractors, suppliers, or clients?

Analyses on Paint and Hardener Samples:

Density measurement according to NF EN ISO 2811-1 and -4 (g/cm³)

Solids content by weight according to ISO 3251 (in %)

Ash content according to NFT 30-012 (in %)

Verify values specified by ACQPA standards

Analyze a paint or varnish and determine its composition: medium, pigments, fillers, solvent ;

Perform quality control on outsourced painting or coating work

Receive support in case of litigation with suppliers due to defects appearing after the application of a coating or paint

Assess chemical risk in painting or plastics workshops

Study or confirm non-compliance in the application of a paint or varnish

What Analytical Techniques Do We Use for Paint and Varnish Studies, On-Site or in the Lab, Whether Applied or in Pre-Application Phase?

Determine the composition of a paint, polymer, or varnish using: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Pyrolysis-GC/MS, Headspace analysis

Determine stratigraphic layers : on-site sampling, resin embedding, digital optical microscopy and SEM-EDX analysis

Detect the presence of heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium III/VI, etc.) and determine their location (within paint layers) using : portable XRF, SEM-EDX, ICP/MS...

Detect traces of contamination using : ICP/MS, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

Identify fillers using : X-ray Fluorescence, SEM-EDX microscopy

Are you a manufacturer looking to monitor Chemical Risk in your workshops? Our department OSE Expertises is here to support you.

Dealing with a dispute with a client, supplier, or facing a suspected contamination?

We specialize in both amicable and legal disputes. Our judicial experts are available to assist you. Learn more about our judicial expertise services.

Studies and Verifications of Paints and Varnishes

What is the composition of paints and varnishes?

Paints are made up of raw materials that can be categorized into five main families:

Binders: Industrial binders are chosen for their ability to adhere to a variety of surfaces and withstand harsh service conditions. These may include Resins such as epoxy, polyester, acrylic, or polyurethane resins, which provide durability, chemical resistance, and weather resistance, and Polymers: often used to improve flexibility and adhesion of the paint.
Pigments and Fillers: These provide opacity, color, and resistance. The pigments used can include metal oxides, organic or inorganic pigments, and special dyes.
Solvents: Industrial solvents are used to adjust the viscosity of the paint, facilitate application, and ensure proper drying. Solvents can be aqueous (water-based) or organic.
Additives: Dispersing agents: to keep pigments evenly distributed in the binder, Curing agents: to accelerate the hardening or drying of the paint, Defoamers: to prevent the formation of air bubbles, UV stabilizers: to protect against color fading caused by sun exposure, Rust inhibitors: to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, Functional additives: These can include anti-soiling agents, anti-slip agents, corrosion inhibitors, or chemical protection agents.

Varnishes, on the other hand, are generally composed of a resin (natural or synthetic), a solvent, and possibly an additive (matting agent or UV absorber). They are transparent or semi-transparent coatings used to protect and enhance the appearance of surfaces, while offering specific properties tailored to particular usage conditions.

Although varnishes are typically transparent, some may contain pigments to achieve a colored or tinted effect. The pigments must be carefully selected to avoid altering the transparency of the varnish while providing the desired color.

What are the most common applications?

Surface protection: Varnishes are often used to protect surfaces such as wood, metal, plastic, or concrete from moisture, chemicals, and mechanical damage.
Decorative finishes.
Industrial varnishes are essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of surfaces in various environments, providing effective protection while meeting the specific requirements of industrial applications

Our references