Water-based paints comprise inorganic and organic materials, and consequently are susceptible to microbial infections during the manufacturing stages of paint production and their storage as the packaged product. Exposure to various physical and chemical phenomena, such as high temperatures and humidity, also appears to facilitate microbial attack on paint.
Spoilage of paint in the container is often related to the use of contaminated raw materials, water, vessels, piping, and equipment in the manufacturing plant. There is a need for a simple method to determine the presence or absence of microorganisms in plants that manufacture paints and coatings.