In this paper, the compressive stress-strain properties of automotive paints referred to as coatings A(1), A(2), A(3), B, C and D are presented over a range of strain rates of 10(-3)-10(4) s(-1) and temperatures of -20, 0, 20 and 40 degrees C. From these results, the 10% flow stress is plotted against the log (strain rate) using temperature dependent shift factors that can combine results at all temperatures and obtain master curves for each coating. This also includes a mapping of chipped, cracked and unfailed specimens during testing. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.