Multiple internal reflection spectroscopy (MIRS) is an outgrowth of the attenuated total reflection (ATR) technique which has achieved wide usage in the analysis of intractable samples over the past 4 years. This technique yields spectra resembling infrared absorption spectra obtained by transmission techniques while requiring no sample preparation; it permits running of compensated reflection spectroscopy which enables separation and identification of components of mixtures without physical separation; it allows direct use of water as an extracting solvent and is also potentially valuable as a coating control tool. Reflection and transmission spectra of pigment coated papers analyzed via this technique are offered for comparison evaluation. The spectra presented are adequate for the identification of the compound under investigation.