A system has been devised for classifying very small paint fragments which is based on the identification of major and minor pigments and extenders. After color coding the samples are analysed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis in a SEM. Pigments and extenders can then be identified from their characteristic peaks in the x-ray spectrum. This stage requires some knowledge and experience of materials used in the manufacture of paints which can be acquired with a little practice and cross-checking of reference samples by x-ray diffraction. Histograms of the distribution of major and minor pigments and extenders in a large number of samples of all colors have been constructed. The data for the histograms are from control samples analysed in case-work during the past few years. Qualitative differences group paints into classes and cannot be used to distinguish a sample from all others. However, the method is less susceptible to error caused by the variations found in small samples, and this advantage outweighs the reduction in discriminating power. Histograms of the distribution of categories of red and blue car and household paints are presented. Single examples of four x-ray energy spectra from such paints are illustrated. -- AATA