Q&A for How to Make Fingerprint Powder

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Question

Can I make graphite powder at home?

Community Answer

Yes. You can take some pencil lead and gently rub it on sandpaper and you'll have pretty fine quality powder.

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Question

Can I use eyeshadow as fingerprint powder?

Community Answer

Eyeshadow would probably be too dark. Blush works well.

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Question

Is there a specific way to brush it on?

Community Answer

Sprinkle some powder on the fingerprint first and then brush it around to thoroughly coat the area. MAke sure to be gentle or you may scrub away the print!

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Question

What if it doesn't work?

Community Answer

Try the process again or lift a fingerprint from a harder, smoother surface.

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Question

Instead of soot could you use baby powder?

Community Answer

Yes, if you want to identify fingerprints on a black or other dark-colored surface. Mix 1/4 cup starch powder with 1/4 cup baby powder instead of soot.

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Question

How do I make fingerprint powder without using candles?

Community Answer

You can use pencil lead or chalk if it is ground very finely into a powder. It won't work if it's not fine enough, though.

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Question

Can I save fingerprint powder?

Community Answer

Yes. Find a small, resealable container or baggie and put the powder inside.

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Question

Is there an easier way to make the powder?

Community Answer

You can purchase powdered graphite to use instead of the soot or you can buy pre-made fingerprinting powder online.

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Question

Are there any other methods to make the powder that don't use a plate and candle?

Community Answer

Yes. You can purchase powdered graphite to replace the soot or buy pre-made fingerprinting powder online.

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Question

What happens if I accidentally smudge my fingers on the thing I'm applying the powder to?

Community Answer

Then you will probably smudge the fingerprint you were trying to get as well, and it won't be visible anymore. Be careful!

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Question

What can I use instead of cornstarch when making fingerprint powder?

Community Answer

Instead of using cornstarch, you can use baking soda, or baby powder might work as well.

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Question

Do I need to use a ceramic bowl?

Community Answer

No it can be any type of bowl as long as it is not a glass bowl (if they actually exist)

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Question

How else can I make this?

Community Answer

You can use just plaster of Paris on some objects. Or you can use some crushed graphite from pencils.

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Question

Do you have to use a bowl or can you use something different?

amaia colby

Community Answer

You can use a glass or a plate or something similar. The objective is a smooth surface so just find something inflammable and that won't melt or be damaged by the fire/soot.

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Question

What else can I use other than soot?

Mullyzee ★

Community Answer

You can use graphite powder, which is commonly found in a lead pencil. You could use a ruler (a metal ruler works best) and place it on the top of the graphite and slowly move it from left to right. Make sure that below where you are doing this in is okay to be dirtied. (And make sure that you wear gloves if you don't want your hands to be dirty.)

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Question

Is there anything else I can use instead of corn starch?

Community Answer

Flour and baby powder works for it. You could also try to put liquid granite and mix it up.

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Question

Can I use just flour?

Parthipandit

Community Answer

No, but you can mix chalk or graphite powder with the flour if you don't have soot.

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