Coatings failure investigations are not a quick process that can be solved in an hour the way crimes are solved on television shows, a 45-year industry veteran told his audience Tuesday during the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2025 in Nashville.

Mike O’Brien, president of Mark 10 Resource Group, shared his insights on the complexities of coating failure investigations. These included colorful, real-world examples from his coatings detective work as part of a presentation session titled: “Coating and Lining Failures: Understanding Common and Unusual Causes of Premature Failures... Learning How to Systematically Solve Them When They Occur.”

His extensive experience has taught him that these investigations are not about quick fixes but about answering critical questions: what went wrong, where, and why? The goal is to find the root cause, identify the responsible parties, and determine the best remedy—without jumping to conclusions, he said.

O'Brien emphasized the importance of being objective and methodical, especially in the face of challenges such as limited access, safety risks, high costs, and incomplete data.

He stressed the need to remain neutral—whether you're dealing with a contractor, coating supplier, or lawyer—since each has a different perspective, often motivated by self-interest.

“If you go into an investigation thinking you know the answer, you’re going to miss the real cause,” he said.

A key to success in investigations is clear documentation and precise sampling, O'Brien said.

“The integrity of your process is your reputation,” he said. “If that’s compromised, everything else falls apart.”

Coating failure investigations, unlike the fast resolutions seen on TV, require time, dedication, and a deep understanding of both the field and the science behind the materials.

“A failure investigation isn’t about finding someone to blame,” he said. “It’s about finding the truth.”

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