The many advantages provided by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometers over dispersive instrumentation have made infrared spectroscopy even more valuable for the analysis of difficult coating samples. Established surface analysis techniques, such as attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and specular reflectance, still find wide-spread use as problem-solving techniques for cured coating systems. However, the increased energy throughput of FTIR instrumentation has made possible the development of many additional sampling accessories that have greatly simplified the analysis of coating problems. Among these new accessories are the diffuse reflectance (DRIFTS) accessory, the infrared microscope, and the photoacoustic cell. A description of these accessories, associated sampling techniques, and the use of each for the analysis of coatings and surfaces will be discussed.