Since publication of the first English edition this book has become the standard reference work on paint film defects throughout the world. The very considerable advances in coatings technology since the second English edition was published in 1965 have necessitated a revision of the book, a task which from the outset was recognized as formidable. The very wide field to be covered required specialist knowledge as well as wide experience, and we were fortunate in being able to enlist the services of a group of contributors who were well qualified for the task. Due to his advancing age Mr Manfred Hess, the originator of this work, felt unable to take an active part in the preparation of the new edition. He entrusted not only a large part of the necessarily extensive revision of the text, but also the editorial work, the planning and compilation of the index to us jointly. A variety of causes has prevented the main contributors to the second edition, Mr W.A. Edwards and Mr T .W. Wilkinson, from revising their sections. Nevertheless, much of what they and others have contributed to previous editions has enabled us to build on valuable foundations. Much new material has been added; the illustrations section has been expanded and enhanced by the addition of several colour plates. Mr S.T. Harris revised the sections concerned with industrial finishes and in particular powder coatings, and Dr T.A. Banfield contributed the sections on marine paints and compositions.