FINGERPRINTS.TK
The first on-line site that will tell you all about "Fingerprints"
http://www.fingerprints.tk
Do it yourself!
A lot of people are curious about fingerprints and they want to
experiment with fingerprints themselves. Because professional
materials are not always available it is difficult to do so, but on this
site I give you some easy materials to make it possible.
These methods are not dangerous and work only on fresh fingerprints.
The materials:
A brush. Use one with very soft hairs. Some powder brushes (those
that are used for powder make-up) are very suitable for this purpose.
They can be bought at most shops.
Powders. They must have a very fine structure and should not
dissolve in water. We need two different colors of powder, black and
white. Black powder can be made by pulverizing the inside of a
regular or charcoal pencil. Be sure to pulverize it as fine as possible.
White powders will be necessary when using a black background. It is
possible to use pastel chalk. Pulverize it as fine as possible. You can
also use talcum powder.
Lifting Materials.
Certain things, like tape are used to lift and store the fingerprints that
are found. By doing this you can use them later for comparing prints.
A good material for lifting prints is broad width clear tape. The
disadvantage is that it will stick strongly to the surface. Try to find an
elastic clear plastic tape that does not stick too strongly to the surface.
You need also white and black pieces of paper to put the tape on. The
paper has to be smooth and strong.
A loupe or magnifier.
Ink, to make the prints of the “suspect person”. Use the inkpad from
stamps.
The background:
Use a white or transparent background for the black powder and a
black background for the white powder. The best results are obtained
when the prints you are looking for are on smooth and not absorbing
backgrounds like glass or painted objects. Plastic will be very difficult
to work with and is not suitable for this method.
The way fingerprints are made visible.
Put the brush in the powder and brush very carefully over the object
until the fingerprint becomes very visible. Do not use too much powder
but also not too little!
Storing the prints.
Put the tape carefully over the fingerprint. Start at the top and be sure
there are no air-bubbles under the tape. Do not push too hard.
Remove the tape slowly and stick in on the black or white paper. A
white print on black paper or a black print on white paper.
Taking the prints of the suspected person.
Use an inkpad to push the fingers on. Then push the fingers on a white
paper sheet. Do not push too hard or it will give black stains! When
the ink is dry they are ready for comparison.
Comparing the prints.
Study the print with a magnifier and compare it with the prints from
the suspects. Most of the time you will see that a lot of fingerprints are
very different. Only a few will have the same pattern as the pattern in
your mark. Look closely and search for differences. If you do it well it
is possible to compare the finger prints to determine the right
fingerprint!
Good luck!