Abstract: Objective To discriminate three red automobile paints by infrared spectrometry(IR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS). The feasibility of applying Py-GC/MS as a routine method in the forensic trace evidence examination of automobile paints is explored. Method Solid paint samples were analyzed directly. Infrared microscope was used for the IR analysis of paints in transmission mode. The aperture size was 100 μm×100 μm and the wave range was from 4000 to 675 cm-1. As for Py-GC/MS, the samples were pyrolysed at 550 °C for 0.20 min, and separated on a HP-5MS GC column. The initial temperature was 40 °C, kept for 1min, then ramped up to 300 °C at 8°C/min and held for 1 min. Split ratio was 80:1. Electron ionization was used for mass spectrometer, with a scan range of 29~350 amu. Results Both IR and Py-GC/MS could discriminate three red paints, but more component information was obtained from the pyrolysis results. Conclusion When the amount of sample is allowed, Py-GC/MS ought to be applied in the examination of automobile paints as well as IR. The two methods both provide information about the resin that forms the paint film. With verified results, a more accurate and reliable conclusion of paint examination could be expected.