Ever wondered how detectives find fingerprints at crime scenes? Actually this process is not too difficult. With simple tools and techniques, you can lift fingerprints in your own home. This activity is just for fun – don't go to a real crime scene and try it – it's illegal! If you have information about the original crime scene, contact the police immediately. To practice lifting fingerprints at home, follow the easy steps below.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Collecting Equipment and Materials
Step 1. Find a fine powder
Fingerprint powder is a very fine powder that is black or white in color. White powder is used to remove fingerprints from dark colored objects while black powder is used to remove fingerprints from colored objects. Government officials use white powder based on talc or black powder based on graphite. Sometimes, when it comes to removing difficult fingerprints or fingerprints stuck to colorful or textured objects, they use a special powder that glows under black light.
At home, you can use baby powder, cornstarch, or cocoa powder
Step 2. Take a small brush
You need a brush with small, fine fibers. A small makeup brush or painting brush is a good choice. Make sure the lint is smooth and not stiff after rinsing in water and reuse.
Step 3. Use transparent adhesive
You can use adhesive like the one used to wrap packages. Do not use colored adhesives, such as colored paint or duct tape. This adhesive will be used to lift the fingerprint after the powder is sprinkled over the fingerprint.
Step 4. Prepare the paper
If you are going to use white powder, choose black construction paper so that the fingerprint pattern contrasts on it and is easy to see. If you are using dark powder (cocoa powder or black powder), just use plain white paper.
Step 5. Use a soft, flat surface
The microscope slide is the perfect tool for placing fingerprints. Use it if you have it. Otherwise, tables, chairs, appliances, walls, floors, doorknobs, or faucets with smooth surfaces can be used.
Part 2 of 2: Collecting Fingerprints
Step 1. Press your finger (or your fingers) hard against a smooth surface
If you want to make sure the fingerprint removal process is easier, before pressing your finger, apply lotion on your hand.
Practice lifting your own fingerprints then you can pick up other fingerprints that you accidentally left at home
Step 2. Sprinkle some powder over the fingerprint
Clamp the lathe and sprinkle it over all the fingerprints. Try covering the entire fingerprint with powder. You can also blow gently on the powder to spread it more evenly.
Step 3. Use a brush to remove excess powder
Sweep the brush gently so that fingerprints are not damaged. Press in a circular motion. Do not use a sweeping motion as you may smear your fingerprints. If your fingerprints are smudged, it's possible that you brushed too hard or your brush wasn't soft enough. This process may take practice. You should be able to see the fingerprint clearly after you finish this process.
Step 4. Place the transparent adhesive over the fingerprint that has been dusted with powder
Use a tape that's wide enough for you to hold onto it easily (this will make it easier for fingerprints to pick up) and then carefully lift the tape off. When you lift it up, the powdered fingerprint will stick to the adhesive.
Step 5. Place the adhesive on a contrasting colored paper
Remember, if you use white powder, use black paper. If you are using black powder, use white paper.
Step 6. Look for someone else's fingerprint
Once you've practiced finding your fingerprints, you're ready to look for other fingerprints in the house-some might be your own, but you might find someone else's too.
