Q&A for How to Take Fingerprints

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What can I use to remove a fingerprint off of a plastic box?

Community Answer

A fingerprint is essentially just a print left behind on a surface due to the oil on your skin. To get rid of prints, you can simply wipe the plastic box with a cloth, preferably a micro fiber cloth as these can clean even the tiniest bits of dirt and in this case, fingerprints. You could also use multi purpose cleaner to clean the surface for best results.

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Question

How do I get clear fingerprints?

Community Answer

Purchase a pad of archival ink from any art store. Take a piece of card stock or regular printer paper, and press your finger tip into the ink pad. While the ink is still wet, carefully roll your finger onto the paper, and your print should be clearly left in ink. It may take some practice to roll your finger without smudging the print.

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Question

How can I take fingerprints off of my car that I suspect was stolen and returned?

Community Answer

Follow the steps in this article or contact the authorities to do it for you.

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Question

Do I have to do this with the special card, or can I just do it with paper?

Squirrel Girl

Community Answer

You can do it with paper. You just need some pencil lead and paper and tape. Cover the fingerprint with lead and put the fingerprint on the sticky side of the tape. then put the tape on paper. If you intend to use the paper for more than one fingerprint, make sure you label the fingerprints.

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Question

What should do I do if my fingerprint scanner can't find a clear fingerprint?

Community Answer

Make sure the hand is dry and re-roll until the scanner shows you got a good print. Try using witch hazel and cornhusker's lotion to improve print quality. Note any severely damaged prints and if the reason for damage is occupational, what the occupation is. Try using ice to cool the finger tips and then dry the hand completely to help raise non-damaged light prints or prints on soft hands. Lastly, if prints are still bad, write a letter stating that the prints taken are the best possible taken and what methods were used to improve the print quality to attach to the prints.

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