Q&A for How to Dust for Fingerprints

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Question

What powder can I use if I don't have fingerprint powder or corn starch at home?

Community Answer

You can use baby powder or any fine power like flour.

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Question

How do I find out whose print I've taken?

Community Answer

Take prints of your suspects and compare them to the prints you lifted from the scene of the crime.

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Question

Can a glove be dusted for fingerprints?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

Can I dust for fingerprints with flour?

Community Answer

You can, but the powder sometimes isn't as fine as it needs to be in order to show the print well.

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Question

Which powder is best for paper or books?

Community Answer

You cannot use any of these methods for paper or any other absorbent material. To dust on paper, you need actual magnetic fingerprint powder and the proper applicator brush. Please note that iron shavings will not work.

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Question

Can I use sand as the powder when dusting for fingerprints?

Community Answer

No, sand is too coarse. Try using baby powder, cocoa powder, flour or finely-ground chalk.

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Question

Can I use crushed chalk as fingerprint powder?

Community Answer

Yes, but it should be ground extremely fine. Hand-crushed chalk most probably will not be fine enough to stick properly onto the fingerprint after dusting off.

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Question

What color do I use for doorknobs?

Annoying_Banana

Community Answer

It depends on the color of the doorknob, but any color will work. If you have both colors, use the one with the most contrast.

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Question

If I sift the flour will it help?

Sophia T.

Community Answer

Yes, sifting it it get rids of clumps and it will become finer.

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Question

Can I find find fingerprints if someone uses gloves?

Community Answer

No, gloves obscure fingerprints.

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Question

If I put fingerprints on an object, will the prints be gone after the experiment?

Community Answer

It depends on how much of the fingerprint comes off. By pushing hard, they most likely will be, but by doing it softly, most of the fingerprint stays. For best results, gather the whole fingerprint.

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Question

How can I tell who owns the print I've found?

Community Answer

You have to have the fingerprint already to compare them.

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Question

After retrieving a print, how do you find out who it belongs to?

Community Answer

You have to already have your suspect's finger print(s). Then identify and compare.

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Question

Can I get a fingerprint from inside a medical glove, if it's turned inside out after use?

Community Answer

You have a chance of obtaining a proper fingerprint, provided that the medical gloves are not the type with talcum on the inner side of the glove. While turning it inside out, make sure not to contaminate it with your own fingerprints or smear the print. Remember that the gloves are flexible and you should be very careful not to over-flex it for proper results.

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Question

Do all paintbrushes work?

May Walker

Community Answer

Paintbrushes tend to have stiff bristles and may not work well for this. If you have a very soft paintbrush, that could work. Otherwise, a makeup brush is best.

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Question

How do I dust for fingerprints on an envelope?

Community Answer

You can use the same procedure, but be careful, because you don't want your prints on the tape.

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Question

How can I store a print on my pc? Do I need a scanner?

Community Answer

You would either need to use a scanner to scan the print to your computer, or you could take a picture of the print and upload it to your computer.

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Question

Will this work on a phone screen?

May Walker

Community Answer

Yes, as long as the person didn't smear the prints from swiping on the screen.

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Question

Can I use the same method for dusting fingerprints on a wall?

Angel Nagley

Community Answer

Probably not, because the powder might not get on the wall as easily on a flat surface like a table.

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Question

How do I dust for fingerprints on device screens?

Community Answer

Use the same technique just make sure to lift it, then get all the dust off afterwards.

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Question

Can I used crushed coal as fingerprinting dust?

Community Answer

You can use crushed coal, but it will need to be sifted through, not hand crushed.

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Question

Can I use the fingerprint to unlock my phone?

Community Answer

Possibly. Apple has a fingerprint unlock system on the iPhone 6, 6S, 7, and 7+. If you have one of those phones, you're good.

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Question

Does eye shadow work to dust for fingerprints?

Community Answer

No. Eye shadow has a soft, squishy consistency, which will smear when you dust for prints.

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Question

Will you see the print instantly when you dust?

Community Answer

Yes, if there is a print, the dust will immediately reveal it.

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Question

Could I get a fingerprint from a painting?

Community Answer

The same procedure should work. Use a fluorescent powder or powder with the most contrast. Try to place it on a flat surface.

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Question

If the cocoa powder doesn't work, then what? Is there anything that will lift prints better?

Community Answer

You can use cocoa powder, flour, baby powder, or even sugar. Other powders might not work as well, but you can try them.

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Question

Can I use medical gloves when trying to lift off a fingerprint?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

Will a fingerprint still be in the same spot after 5 or 6 years?

Community Answer

No, they won't.

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Question

Would the cocoa powder be a black powder or white?

Community Answer

Cocoa powder is dark brown. It will probably not work on a dark-colored surface.

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Question

Will this technique work for animal paw prints on hardwood floors?

Community Answer

Yes, but if the floor is dark brown, you'll need baby powder. Animal paws are still unique too!

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