This article concerns the interpretation of paint evidence, both automotive and domestic. Paint interpretation is mostly based on the frequency of occurrence of different measured characteristics. Very common paint types will have less evidential value than very rare paints. Thus, an estimate of the frequency of occurrence of the different characteristics measured for each paint type is very important. The article is mostly a review of the different existing surveys that may help the expert to evaluate his or her evidence based on frequency of occurence. Paint found at random and surveys on paint traces are also described, as well as transfer and persistence phenomenon. Finally, an example of a likelihood ratio approach is presented within a hierarchy of propositions.