Techniques and Chemicals Used To Develop Pints

There are many way in which a detective can develop prints at a crime scene or in lab. For example you can use:

• The Powder and Tape Method: This uses different powders, usually involving carbon or aluminum, which is applied gently to the surface where the print is. The detetive, or whoever is developing the print, then takes a very fine brush and gently brushes at the power until the prints is completely covered. By blowing the excess powder away and placing a piece of tape over the print gently you should be able to lift the print with no problem.


• The cyanoacrylate fuming method: This method involves taking some sort of methylcyanoacrylate or ethylcyanoacrylate superglue and placing it over the print. The methylcyanoacrylate or ethylcyanoacrylates in the glue then react with the amino acids in the print and also with the mositure in the air forming, making a visible print.


• Ninhydrin: This is sparyed or dabbed unto the surface of the print and after reacting with the amino acids in the print it will form a purple or pink compund making the print visible.
  

For more information see: http://www.forensic-medecine.info/fingerprints.html